Jason Sanders made three field goals to help the host Miami Dolphins return to the playoffs and beat the New York Jets 11-6 on Sunday afternoon in Miami Gardens, Fla.
The Dolphins (9-8) snapped a five-game losing streak and coupled with Buffalo’s win over the New England Patriots secured their first playoff berth since 2016.
The Jets (7-10), who were already eliminated entering Sunday’s game, lost six consecutive games to finish their season.
Sanders’ 50-yard field goal with 23 seconds remaining put the Dolphins ahead 9-6.
The Jets had one last chance and tried multiple laterals on their final play. But one of those errant laterals ended up rolling through the end zone for a safety.
The Dolphins will now face those same Bills that they split with during the regular season next week at Buffalo at a date and time to be determined in the AFC Wild Card Game.
It was only the second game with the 11-6 final score in NFL history.
The Dolphins labored through the final stretch of the season after losing starter Tua Tagovailoa to a concussion in their loss to the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 25. Miami then lost backup Teddy Bridgewater when he broke his pinkie finger last week in its loss at New England.
Rookie Skylar Thompson started Sunday’s game with veteran Mike Glennon, whom the Dolphins signed this past week, as his backup.
Thompson completed 20 of 31 passes for 152 yards and did not throw a touchdown, but did not throw an interception.
Jeff Wilson Jr. (16 carries for 72 yards) and Raheem Mostert (11 carries for 71 yards) led the Dolphins on offense, pacing several drives. Mostert left the game early in the fourth quarter with a thumb injury.
The Jets’ defense, however, denied the Dolphins the end zone.
Joe Flacco, who started for the Jets in place of Mike White (ribs), couldn’t get much done either. Flacco completed 18 of 33 passes for 149 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.
Garrett Wilson caught nine passes for 89 yards to lead the Jets offense.
–Field Level Media