Dolphins Keep Playoff Dreams Alive with Dominant 20-3 Win Over Browns

The Miami Dolphins have invigorated their playoff hopes with a commanding 20-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns, keeping them in the hunt for the coveted No. 7 seed in the AFC.

In a game that saw star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and standout receiver Jaylen Waddle sidelined, Miami relied on Tyler Huntley, who rose to the occasion. Though the Dolphins held a slim 6-3 lead at halftime, Huntley surged in the second half, showcasing his talents with a 13-yard rushing touchdown and a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith.

Huntley completed an impressive 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards and was a force on the ground, leading the team with 52 rushing yards on seven carries. Tyreek Hill also played a pivotal role in the offense, recording nine receptions for 105 yards, further highlighting the Dolphins' versatility despite the absence of their key players.

On the other side, the Browns struggled to find their footing. Dorian Thompson-Robinson had a rough day, completing just 24 of 47 attempts for 170 yards, with one interception and a lost fumble. With this performance, he now has a disheartening total of six interceptions and no touchdown passes this season. Making headlines for the wrong reasons, he is now the only quarterback since 2000 to have thrown 10 or more interceptions with one or zero touchdowns in a career.

However, there were bright spots for Cleveland, notably defensive end Myles Garrett. He recorded two sacks, pushing him into the record books as the first player in NFL history to achieve at least 14 sacks for four consecutive seasons. Garrett also joined the elite company of Reggie White and T.J. Watt by hitting the landmark of 13 sacks in five of his first eight seasons.

Looking ahead, the 8-8 Dolphins are gearing up for a crucial match against the New York Jets next week. For Miami to secure a spot in the postseason, they must emerge victorious and hope that the Carson Wentz-led Kansas City Chiefs can defeat the Broncos.

Meanwhile, the Browns face a bleak end to their season with a disappointing 3-13 record, as they prepare to take on their division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, in Week 18. The anticipation grows as fans wonder whether the Dolphins can seize this golden opportunity to clinch a playoff spot. Will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell!