Miami Dolphins defeat the Buffalo Bills 34-31 in overtime

It wasn’t easy, but the Miami Dolphins got closer to reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2008 with their 34-31 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.

Miami running back Jay Ajayi again had a spectacular game against the Bills as he rushed for 206 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries. He also rushed for over 200 yards in their first meeting against Buffalo this season. In two games versus the Bills this season, Ajayi has rushed for 420 yards, two touchdowns on 60 carries.

In his second game starting for the injured Ryan Tannehill, backup Matt Moore finished 16 for 30 as he threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns. Dolphins receiver DeVante Parker caught four receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown.

In the loss, Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns. LeSean McCoy rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.

Bills receiver Sammy Watkins had a monster day as he caught seven passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. Former Dolphin Charles Clay also had a big day as he recorded eight receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns.

At one point, Miami held a 28-21 lead, but the Bills managed to score 10 points in the fourth quarter to take the 31-28 lead late in the game. Dolphins kicker Andrew Franks made a 55-yard field goal with six seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime.

After both teams had failed possessions in overtime, Ajayi ran for 57yards to put the Dolphins in field goal position. From there, Franks would then nail a 27-yarder that would win the game for Miami.

After beginning the season 1-4, the Dolphins have won nine out of their last 10 games. With the win on Saturday, the Dolphins now have their 10th win of the season. More importantly, the Dolphins are in sixth place in the AFC.

Miami (10-5) could clinch a playoff bid on Christmas if the Denver Broncos were to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Dolphins can still make the playoffs even if Denver beats Kansas City if Miami wins next week against the New England Patriots.

Meanwhile, with the loss today, the Bills (7-8) are eliminated from postseason contention for the 17th straight season. Rumors continue to swirl about the future of head coach Rex Ryan and Saturday’s loss certainly won’t help his case for returning to Buffalo next season.

Next up for the Bills is a trip to the Meadowlands to take on the reeling New York Jets to end the season. Miami will host the New England Patriots in Miami where home-field advantage in the AFC could be on the line at Hard Rock Stadium.