The Miami Dolphins moved one step closer to ending their eight-year playoff drought with Saturday's win over the New York Jets. At 9-5, Miami currently owns the final wild-card spot in the AFC and controls its own destiny if it can win its final two games.

With that in mind, here is a look at whose stock is rising with the Dolphins:

1. Matt Moore, quarterback: Could the Dolphins have asked more of their backup quarterback? Moore made his first start in nearly five years and threw a career-high four touchdowns against the Jets. Moore overcame rust on a short week and heated up in the second half. He also handled New York's various blitzes well. Three of Moore's four touchdowns came against five or more rushers.

2. Cameron Wake, defensive end: The Dolphins had a strict plan in place to keep the 34-year-old fresh late in the season. Those plans were adjusted when Wake was inserted into the starting lineup over Mario Williams, and the veteran continues to flourish. Wake became the first Dolphins defensive lineman in 11 years to record a sack and interception in the same game. He leads Miami with 10.5 sacks and should get Pro Bowl consideration.

3. Tony Lippett, cornerback: Few would have expected Lippett to be Miami's interception leader this season. He began the regular season as a projected backup behind corners Byron Maxwell and Xavien Howard. But Lippett has made significant strides and took advantage of Howard's knee injury. He had his second multi-interception game last Saturday and has a team-high four picks on the season.

4. Walt Aikens, safety: Here is an interesting stat: Aikens has scored eight points in the past two games. The backup safety has been a terror on special teams lately. He scooped up a fumble two weeks ago during a botched extra point by the Cardinals and scored two points, and Aikens blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown against the Jets. Various under-the-radar contributions like this are reasons why the Dolphins are 9-5.