Miami Dolphins get a huge helping hand in the playoff race from a team hoping to snatch their bid
The Miami Dolphins got some big help on Saturday night in the AFC playoff race, and it came from someone hoping the Fins falter in one of their final two games. The Cincinnati Bengals won a wild game over the Denver Broncos 30-24 in overtime, a result that keeps the Dolphins mathematically alive for the postseason. […]
The Miami Dolphins got some big help on Saturday night in the AFC playoff race, and it came from someone hoping the Fins falter in one of their final two games. The Cincinnati Bengals won a wild game over the Denver Broncos 30-24 in overtime, a result that keeps the Dolphins mathematically alive for the postseason.
For Dolphins fans – and cockeyed optimists, at that – who were watching and hoping for a Denver loss, it came after a number of bizarre happenings. The Bengals had the chance in regulation to run the clock down to inside of ten seconds and kick a field goal. However, they went for a touchdown immediately with around a minute and a half left, scored, and gave the ball back to Denver. Of course, Denver would drive down and tie the game up on an acrobatic grab by Marvin Mims, Jr. to force overtime.
The Bengals had a chance to walk it off in overtime, but Cade York clanged a 35-yard field goal off the upright, which seemed to put the ball in Denver's court to clinch, as the Broncos just needed a tie to do it. However, a three-and-out gave the ball back to Cincinnati with two and a half minutes left, and Burrow left no doubt this time, connecting with Tee Higgins in the end zone for the third time of the game to end it.
The spot currently occupied by Denver is the last one available in the AFC after the Los Angeles Chargers clinched a spot with a 40-7 destruction of New England in Foxboro on Saturday. Indianapolis, Miami, and Cincinnati are all chasing after it, and the Bengals would lose a tiebreaker involving Miami based on conference record. Miami loses a head-to-head tiebreaker to Indianapolis and needs them to lose.
Now, Dolphins fans can tune in on Sunday knowing their team still has a chance at the postseason. The question now becomes whether the Dolphins can do their part, as Tua Tagovailoa was downgraded to doubtful with his hip injury, meaning Miami will likely have to try to win a game again with Tyler Huntley under center.
If Miami can defeat the Browns, then their narrow chances will remain intact for one more week. In that case, the Dolphins need for the Chiefs to knock off the Broncos (Kansas City has already clinched the top seed), and the Colts need to lose either this Sunday against the Giants or next week against Jacksonville. And, of course, Miami has to beat the Jets in their final game.
Not likely, but at this point, it's just about staying alive for the Dolphins.
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