The Miami Dolphins were put in an awkward situation before their Sunday night showdown against the Buffalo Bills that functioned as the AFC East championship.
Because the long-eliminated Tennessee Titans spoiled the Jacksonville Jaguars’ season by beating them in the early window, thus handing the AFC’s final two playoff spots to the Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Dolphins knew hours before their own game that a win would result in a third matchup against the Bills next week to open the postseason. That may not have been much of a reward, as Buffalo had already handily defeated Miami once this season and has resumed looking like one of the NFL’s best teams over the last month following a midseason slump.
What unfolded Sunday night in Miami was even worse, though, as the Dolphins couldn’t prove they’re more than just Tyreek Hill while fumbling a golden opportunity to win their first division title since 2008.
