Dolphins 2013 schedule: Playoffs again unlikely with tough slate

The Miami Dolphins are hoping history repeats itself in 2013. Since the 12-team playoff format was adopted in 1990, at least four teams have qualified for the playoffs that failed to reach the postseason the previous year.

The Miami Dolphins are hoping history repeats itself in 2013.

Since the 12-team playoff format was adopted in 1990, at least four teams have qualified for the playoffs that failed to reach the postseason the previous year. But with what appears to be a difficult 2013 schedule staring them in the face, the Dolphins could be looking at a franchise-record fifth-straight losing season instead of contending for a Super Bowl.

The Dolphins' home schedule is highlighted by visits from 2012 playoff teams Baltimore, Cincinnati, New England and Atlanta.

The road slate touts a tough trip to Indianapolis, where the Dolphins suffered a deflating, 23-20 loss on Nov. 4. 

Overall, the Dolphins will face nine teams in the top 20 of this week's NFL Power Rankings.

Miami Dolphins 2013 Schedule:

Home: Buffalo, New England, New York Jets, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Carolina, San Diego.

Away: Buffalo, New England, New York Jets, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSDolphins