Dolphins fans and New England Patriots haters alike are probably still watching the video of the final heroic seconds that sealed the 34-33 Miami home victory. Now sitting at 7-6, playoff placement is on the line as the Dolphins fly up to Minnesota to battle the Vikings.

The last time these franchises faced each other was Dec 21, 2014, at Hard Rock Stadium in a bizarre win that was decided on a blocked Viking punt that led to the safety that decided the game 37-35 for the Dolphins.

Both teams are entirely different from that previous outing and are the topic of interesting storylines heading into Week 15.

Xavien Howard listed as doubtful

Last week, Miami’s best cover man and 2018 Pro Bowl candidate Xavien Howard missed this season’s rematch versus Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Now his knee injury has him listed as doubtful with his squad set to face Vikings receiver Adam Thielen, who is currently third in the NFL for receiving yards. It seems like it would have been nice to field the player presently tied for most interceptions in the league to try and slow the Vikings top pass catcher.

Kirk’s final frontier?

Kirk Cousins campaign under center in Minnesota has been one that is closely watched. Landing a three-year contract with $82.5 million guaranteed tends to draw a particular form of scrutiny.

The fact that the team is mathematically incapable of achieving double-digit wins in his first year on this deal has drawn criticism from the public and talking heads alike. The Vikings front office and Cousins will all be taking even more flak from fans should the Dolphins prevail in this contest.

Ryan Tannehill on the road.

In a year where the Dolphins starting quarterback has been plagued with injury, Tannehill has his team at 5-3 when he takes the opening snap. The part of that stat that’s disturbing? The three in the L-column is all games on the road.

Moreover, with the Miami signal caller already playing hurt, his ability to mix in some ground production on broken plays to throw off the NFL’s fifth-ranked defense will be limited. For the Dolphins to be successful, a balanced offense is even more critical than usual.

Playoff position is on the line.

While the AFC features four teams with seven wins battling for the sixth seed, the NFC currently has four teams with six wins currently in the hunt for their bottom spot.

Miami is trying to run the table to achieve double-digit wins and hold off the Ravens, Broncos, and Colts. Meanwhile, the Vikings have a half-game advantage at 6-6-1 (Who knew a draw could save the day for someone?).

The National Conference is guaranteed to have a postseason participant with less than ten wins. Whether that’s the Vikings, Panthers, Redskins or the defending Champion Eagles remains to be seen.