The Miami Dolphins had a winner-take-all game for the AFC East against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18. Early in the season, it looked like the Dolphins had the division all but wrapped up. However, Week 18 showed us all that was the furthest thing from the truth.
Miami Dolphins Blow a 14-7 Lead Late
In the fourth quarter, the Miami Dolphins had a 14-7 lead over the Buffalo Bills. However, one big play changed the course of the game. Deonte Hardy came up with a 96-yard punt return for a touchdown when the Bills needed it most.
The Bills were able to take advantage of this momentum shift. After stopping the Dolphins, they scored another touchdown to take the lead six minutes later. Buffalo would not relinquish this lead, winning by a final score of 21-14.
Miami Dolphins Blow Huge AFC East Lead
If it was not bad enough to lose the game, the Dolphins also lost the division tonight. Five weeks ago, it looked like Miami would cruise to an AFC East title. The Dolphins were 9-3 and the Bills were 6-6 at that time.
Admittedly, Buffalo won five straight games after that. However, Miami did themselves no favors. Including tonight’s loss, they went just 2-3 in their final five games. Now, they will have to play their first playoff game on the road.
Fans Must Pay the Price
Because the Dolphins fell to the 6-seed, they now face the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild card round. Earlier tonight, it was revealed that the Chiefs’ game would be the one shown exclusively on Peacock. So, to add insult to injury, Dolphins fans are now not even guaranteed to be able to watch their team in the playoffs.
That is because you have to subscribe to the Peacock streaming service to gain access to this playoff game. No other playoff game in NFL history has required this. Now, Dolphins fans will literally have to pay for tonight’s loss with their wallets.
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