NFL playoffs scenarios: What Buffalo's win means for Bills and Dolphins
The Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins played an epic divisional contest with playoff implications in the snow on Saturday night, December 17. The two AFC East powerhouses had to deal with some of the coldest temperatures of the season and a snowstorm in the fourth quarter.
The game ended with a fantastic 32-29 victory by the Buffalo Bills, improving their record to 11-3 for the season.
So, how does this match impact the developing situation around the playoffs? Let's check out the qualification scenarios for both teams with three weeks remaining in the regular season.
Interested in betting? AFC East foes New York Jets are -1.0 point favorites over the Detroit Lions
Bills remain atop the AFC with spot in playoffs sealed
With their win over the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills improved to an 11-3 record and ensured that they'll be at the top of the standings in the AFC. This is regardless of what happens when the Kansas City Chiefs play on Sunday.
More importantly, the Bills have officially clinched a post-season spot with their triumph on Saturday. This will be their fourth-straight appearance in the postseason.
Making their 4th straight #NFLPlayoffs appearance! @buffalobills
@budlight | #CellyClinched https://t.co/pTqWgCA5M2
Now, Buffalo need a single win in the last three weeks to confirm the AFC East championship, their third-straight division title.
It's been the perfect development for the team over the last few weeks. The Dolphins were really close to grabbing the division lead, but the Bills have now won five straight games and really turned things up for the second half of the season.
They're one of the most dangerous teams in the playoffs from the AFC and a rematch against the Chiefs is not off the cards.
Dolphins' playoff spot in danger
This loss has hurt Miami's postseason chances. They're already behind the Baltimore Ravens in the race for a wild card spot - a division title is basically unattainable now.
They are now in danger of falling behind the Los Angeles Chargers and the New York Jets on Sunday, based on criteria that would knock them out of the playoff picture.
Miami once fought for the AFC East title, but the team has badly disappointed recently. It's now been three straight losses for the Dolphins.
There's no other way to hold firm to their wild card spot now: Miami has to beat their biggest rivals. After a showdown against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, the Dolphins will face the New England Patriots and the New York Jets to close out the season. Both divisional games will have huge postseason implications.