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The fact that Miami's defensive FPI rating is only 0.5 is truly a testament to how poorly it played in the first eight weeks of the season. The defense has carried the Dolphins to five consecutive wins since Week 9 and is currently playing like an elite unit. Offensively, the Dolphins have relied on big plays and efficient play from Tua Tagovailoa, but they have not yet shown the ability to win a shootout. Miami needs to win out to have any hope of making the playoffs, but with its defense playing at this level, anything is possible. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

Jaylen Waddle's tremendous rookie season has flown under the radar a bit. But let's give it some shine with the help of the NFL Research gang: The first-round pick needs 16 receptions over the last four games to break Anquan Boldin's all-time rookie catch record (101 in 2003). Bet you didn't know that! How about this: Waddle already has six games with eight catches or more this season, tied with Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014 for the most such games by a rookie since at least 1950. Boldin and Beckham is the superstar company you want to be in.

They were on a five-game winning streak when they went to the bye. Can they regain that momentum this week against the Jets?

Bye week paused their five-game winning streak, and Miami returns with its running back room on reserve/COVID-19 list. Still, more roadblocks likely required for Fins to stumble against the Jets.

Worst-case scenario: The Dolphins' RPO-heavy offense proves to be unsustainable and Tua Tagovailoa cools down, killing Miami's playoff hopes and complicating the quarterback situation. The Dolphins were in negotiations with the Texans to acquire Deshaun Watson just before the trade deadline, but they've since won five straight. Tagovailoa ranks fourth in EPA per dropback since Week 10, when he replaced Jacoby Brissett against the Ravens, but his three starts after that were against the Jets, Panthers and Giants. Even if the Dolphins still decide to pursue Watson in the offseason, a few more weeks like this from Tagovailoa could make him a more compelling trade asset.