Miami Dolphins playoff picture: A big opportunity wasted in primetime
It was all right there for the taking for the Miami Dolphins. Leading 27-13 with under 3 minutes left in the game, Miami was poised to take over the top spot in the AFC at 10-3. But then, a funny little thing happened. Well, not funny if you're a Dolphins fan, obviously. Miami clearly took […]
It was all right there for the taking for the Miami Dolphins. Leading 27-13 with under 3 minutes left in the game, Miami was poised to take over the top spot in the AFC at 10-3.
But then, a funny little thing happened. Well, not funny if you're a Dolphins fan, obviously. Miami clearly took its foot off the gas and coasted to the finish line. By doing so, they were clipped by the Tennessee Titans 28-27, as Will Levis and the Titans offense rallied for a furious two touchdowns in the game's final three minutes.
The result left Miami still in a good place in the AFC standings, as they retain control over their own destiny for the AFC's top seed.
AFC Standings through 14 Weeks:
1) Baltimore 10-3
2) Miami 9-4
3) Kansas City 8-5
4) Jacksonville 8-5
5) Cleveland 8-5
6) Pittsburgh 7-6
7) Indianapolis 7-6
In the hunt: Houston, Denver, Cincinnati, Buffalo
Despite the loss on Monday, winning out would assure the Dolphins clinch the top seed. The Dolphins and Ravens will face off on New Year's Eve in Baltimore.
However, the lead in the AFC East shrunk to two games with the Bills currently holding the head-to-head tiebreaker. Buffalo defeated Kansas City on Sunday 20-17. The Bills will host the red-hot Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at 4:25 pm.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins will host the New York Jets for the AFC East rivals' return matchup. Miami easily handled New York 34-13 on Black Friday. However, what appeared to be a once-easy matchup could be more of a challenge with Connor Williams reportedly lost for the season and Tyreek Hill dealing with a potentially significant ankle injury. The Jets also easily handled the Houston Texans on Sunday, so they are coming in playing pretty good football.
Week 15 could decide whether the Dolphins can all but put the division on ice, or whether Miami fans might be sweating out a winner-take all game with the Bills for the AFC East on January 7.
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