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Best-case scenario: They make the playoffs. If the season ended today, Miami would be in as the six seed. The Dolphins have the same record as the Colts, but the Raiders and Ravens are right on their heels at 7-5. The Dolphins have a tough schedule the rest of the way: home vs. the Chiefs and Patriots, at the Raiders and at the Bills. Miami knows what its getting from its defense and special teams every week, but the offense has been held to 20 points or fewer in three straight games.

It was back to Tua Tagovailoa in the victory over the Bengals. He was OK, but they will need more this week against the Chiefs.

Looking for a data point to illustrate their success? How about a league-best 18 consecutive games forcing a turnover? Less tangibly, pretty cool when a coach is literally primed to go fight for his players. We see you, Brian Flores.

Person with most at stake: DE Emmanuel Ogbah

Ogbah has been one of the best value signings of 2020 free agency, turning in the best year of his career after signing a two-year, $15 million deal. He is in the top 10 among all defenders in sacks, QB hits and QB pressures, quickly establishing himself as one of the Dolphins' best players. Ogbah has said he would love to have a long-term home in Miami, and with no guaranteed money left on his deal after 2020, he is a perfect candidate for a contract extension, as long as he stays healthy and finishes the season strong. -- Cameron Wolfe

Things were looking rough for the Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa at halftime against Cincinnati on Sunday, but a switch was flipped when Brian Flores' team exited the locker room. Tua -- making his return after missing one week with a thumb issue -- went 13-of-16 for 167 yards and a touchdown in the third quarter as Miami took control. The defense handled the rest, piling up six sacks and two takeaways against a poor Bengals offense in a 19-7 win. One of those turnovers was forced by Xavien Howard, who collected his league-best eighth interception before being ejected for fighting with Cincinnati wide receiver Tyler Boyd late in the first half. A measuring-stick game awaits against the mighty Chiefs on Sunday.