MIAMI 17
NEW ENGLAND 48
New England (11-5, 3-3 AFC East) completed their turnaround season after a 1-4 start and qualified for the playoffs with a win over the visiting Miami Dolphins (9-7, 1-5 AFC East).
Things were tight early when another electrical storm (the 2nd of the season) disrupted the game. When the fans returned to the stadium, Miami had the ball and was driving. Then on 3rd and goal from the one-yard line, quarterback Jacoby Brissett made a crucial error and threw an interception to Byron Murphy that was taken back 104 yards for a pick six. Miami battled back and scored on a Leornard Fournette run to tie it 7-7. That's when things began to unravel for the 'Fins. Derwin James forced a fumble in the red zone on George Kittle and drove down to score. After another touchdown by the Pats put Miami in a hole, it looked as if the Miami offense was ready to get back in the game when James forced another fumble on a deep Kittle reception. New England would go on to score and put Miami's playoff hopes on ice.
Lost in the disappointment of missing the postseason for a 2nd year in a row, was the exceptional play of Fournette who passed the 2,000 yard mark and moved into 4th place for single season rushing with 2,059 yards.
"Man, to be a 2,000 yard rusher? That's something you dream about as a kid. I would've rather made the playoffs, but this is something that can never be taken away."
As for the Patriots, they ended up with the #5 seed and head to take on #4 Kanas City in a rematch of their week 14 game.
NEW YORK JETS 21
BUFFALO 30
The Buffalo Bills (16-0, 6-0 AFC East) completed their magical undefeated regular season joining the 1972 Dolphins and 2007 Patriots with a 30-21 win over the visiting New York Jets (11-5, 2-4 AFC East).
Buffalo got off to a quick start but New York kept it close for most of the game, even taking the lead at one point late on a Chris Harris pick six. However, Aaron Rodgers responded with a 75 yard touchdown drive to regain the lead and Buffalo never looked back.
"I needed that. Had a bad couple of throws up to that point. I appreciated coach calling all passing plays on that drive to show confidence in me." Rodgers said.
The loss dropped New York to the #6 seed as they lost the tie-breaker with New England on division record. They will travel to Baltimore in a rematch against the Ravens.
Buffalo will get a well deserved week off before they continue their march towards perfection. The road to the Super Bowl will go through Upstate New York.
