It wasn’t precisely fairly, however the New England Patriots obtained the job achieved towards the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Now, they solely should take down the Buffalo Payments in Week 18 to see the NFL playoffs.
New England Patriots receiver Jakobi Meyers comes down with the ball. The Patriots beat the Miami Dolphins in that sport, though with just a little little bit of luck. (Picture: Getty Pictures)
The Pats-Fins sport will without end go down as a controversial contest, and one that provides extra ammo to supporters of robotic refs that may seemingly not present bias or make errors.
Miami had a number of alternatives to safe the win, however dangerous offensive selections late within the sport and miscues on protection harm. New England now moved up a spot within the standings, their eyes firmly set on a postseason look.
Fins Falter Up North
The Dolphins have had a variety of hassle staying wholesome, and shedding star QB Tua Tagovailoa earlier than this significant sport price the staff. Teddy Bridgewater got here in and did job, however an damage and a pick-six ended his comeback efficiency.
Nonetheless, he made it tough for the Pats to seize a simple win. A TD cross to huge receiver Raheem Mostert for the go-ahead factors was certainly one of his highlights. Nonetheless, it was a flicker of brightness that the Pats later extinguished.
Bridgewater would depart the sport after reportedly breaking his finger, making method for Skylar Thompson. Thompson wasn’t capable of flip issues round, unable to maneuver the ball successfully from his first snap.
That allowed the Pats to regain the lead, and QB Mac Jones took full benefit of it. Whereas his numbers weren’t overwhelming, he bounced again from latest criticism, placing up two scores and exhibiting that he’s not afraid to get soiled.
How is not this a fumble?pic.twitter.com/Vh59Jw8wWD
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 1, 2023
The Fins had each alternative to win the sport, together with some assist from the officiating crew. A play that was clearly a fumble on the a part of operating again Raheem Mostert with a restoration by the Pats was dominated useless. The NFL’s refs have made a variety of dangerous calls this season, and present that they’re nonetheless vulnerable to making a gift of free passes.
Fortuitously for New England, they had been capable of push by way of and get their 23-21 win. In the event that they hadn’t, the backlash towards the refs would have been a lot larger than simply requires the NFL to fireplace a few zebras.
This sport had a number of attention-grabbing moments, however was nearly proper on the cash for bettors. The favorites received, however the Fins coated the 3-point unfold. As well as, the whole squeaked previous the 41 mark most books listed.
Giants Make It All The Approach
The New York Giants have stayed alive. As Daniel Jones threw two TDs and ran for 2 extra, the Giants are again within the postseason for the primary time for the reason that 2016 season.
New York made it look straightforward towards the Indianapolis Colts, who already misplaced any probability of extending their season. The Giants, , who gave Colts QB Nick Foles one thing to recollect them by, received 38-10 on Sunday, controlling the sport nearly from the beginning.
Oddsmakers, primarily based on the observe document over the previous few years, didn’t assume the Giants would make it this far when the season started. Nonetheless, they’ve overcome accidents and a sloppy begin to develop into the third NFC East staff to make it into the postseason.
The Giants are in as a wild card, however shall be a staff to observe. They’ve already shocked everybody and will proceed to take action. For the reason that introduction of the wild card 53 years in the past, 10 groups have gone to a Tremendous Bowl, of which six received the title.
The final time the Giants made it was by way of a wild card spot, too. Nonetheless, they exited that sport after they misplaced to the Inexperienced Bay Packers. Maybe this shall be their yr to shine.
