PHILADELPHIA 43
MIAMI 10
The Philadelphia Eagles (5-6-1) kept their fading playoff hopes alive with a dominant 43-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins (8-4) Sunday afternoon.
In a must-win game for the Birds, Jordan Howard and company ran wild over an inept Miami side looking to inch closer to a playoff berth of their own.
"We were expecting the game to be closer," Carson Wentz said. "But tonight was our night."
Miami QB Tyrod Taylor was abysmal. The Virginia Tech product was able to keep his team in the playoff hunt with smoke and mirrors for the past 10 weeks, but this night was a night to forget.
"I let everyone down," Taylor said. "I'll keep grinding for my team."
As Taylor left the podium, head coach Jerry Daniel embraced his QB but then turned stoic on the mic.
"Tonight was not what we expect here in Miami," Daniel said. "I just informed Tyrod that he's not going to be with us moving forward. Jacoby (Brissett) has been cleared to play and he'll be back next week against the Jets."
The MVP hopes of SS Jamal Adams were all but extinguished with a quiet night while his teammates were being shredded for 43 points.
"I don't care about no trophies," Adams said. "We still control our destiny - Ya'll can argue about toys and trophies man. We need to win games and play as a team."
The Dolphins will now head to the Meadowlands for a crucial divisional matchup with the Jets.
NEW YORK 27
CINCINNATI 17
The Jets (8-4) stayed perfect for interim coach Chad Pennington with a routine win over a struggling Bengals (4-8) team. The win was the Jets fourth in a row and combined with Miami's loss earlier in the day pulled the Jets into a tie for second in the division.
The combination of quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Kalen Ballage was all New York needed on the day as Darnold (286 yds, 88% completion percentage) was quietly efficient with the ball and moved the Jets up and down the field while Ballage (105 yds, 3 TDs) kept the chains moving in short down situations.
"We just seem to be clicking at the right time." Ballage said. "We like the momentum we are gaining under coach. We know all it takes is an invitation to the dance."
New York hosts what may be the biggest game of the year next week when they welcome division rival Miami to town.
BUFFALO 36
DALLAS 10
The Buffalo Bills (12-0) became the first AFC team to punch their ticket to the playoffs with a 36-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys (7-5).
The game was billed as great matchup all week but ended up being a one-sided affair that was over early. The Buffalo defense again set the tone with a dominant performance.
Myles Garrett had four sacks on the day setting the NFL record at 23 with four games still to play.
"Just thankful for all the guys in that locker room. We have a great culture in there that helps keep all of us focused on the goals this team has." Garrett said in his press conference.
Buffalo's safeties John Johnson and Adrian Amos both had pick-sixes on the afternoon as Tom Brady struggled all day to move the ball down field.
"I would put this defense up against anybody. Nobody getting easy yards against us." Amos said.
The question for Buffalo moving forward, is whether or not to take their foot off the gas in an effort to keep everyone healthy. We'll find out next week as the Bills travel home to take on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
NEW ENGLAND 20
HOUSTON 17
The run continued Sunday for the New England Patriots (8-4) as they won their 7th in a row over the Houston Texans (3-9).
Things looked poor early for the defending champs as they found themselves in a big hole 17-3. After grinding in out and climbing back into the game 17-13, New England was in trouble as Houston was ready to answer with a scoring drive of their own. However, Tre Boston made what is likely the defining play of the season for the Pats as he intercepted the Deshaun Watson pass in the end zone and essentially sealed the game.
"Huge play for our D. I just watched his [Watson's] eyes and reacted." Boston said.
The win moves New England into second in the division after a 1-4 start and if the playoffs started today they would be in as the 5 seed.
New England tried to keep their magic season going with. a huge matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs next week.
