The Dolphins secured their place in the playoffs with an exciting victory over the Cowboys, while the Lions triumphed in the NFC North

In a dramatic NFL matchup, the Miami Dolphins secured a playoff berth following a nail-biting 22-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, thanks to a last-second field goal from kicker Jason Sanders.

The Detroit Lions also clinched a spot in the postseason by winning the NFC North title, defeating the Minnesota Vikings. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks kept their playoff hopes alive with a late triumph over the Tennessee Titans.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco, experiencing a resurgence late in his career, led his team to a third consecutive win with a 36-22 triumph over the Houston Texans, keeping the Browns in the AFC playoff race.

The Dolphins, now the second AFC team to confirm a playoff spot after the Baltimore Ravens, were pushed hard by the Cowboys and their quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott’s impressive drive late in the game, capped by a touchdown catch from Brandin Cooks, momentarily put Dallas ahead. However, Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa orchestrated a responding drive, setting up Sanders for the game-winning field goal. Tagovailoa praised the team effort, highlighting both the offense and defense’s contributions to the win.

In other games, the Detroit Lions secured their first division title since 1993 with a 30-24 win against the Vikings, sealing the victory with a late interception by Ifeatu Melifonwu. The Seattle Seahawks, following their win over the Eagles, further boosted their playoff prospects with a close 20-17 victory against Tennessee, thanks to a late touchdown catch by Colby Parkinson.

Joe Flacco, who joined the Browns as their fourth quarterback this season, shone brightly, throwing for three touchdowns and 368 yards. Receiver Amari Cooper also had a standout performance, recording two touchdowns and a franchise-record 265 receiving yards.

Despite being released by the New York Jets and seeming to be at the end of his career, Flacco has revitalized the Browns’ postseason ambitions. The game also saw impressive plays from the Texans, including a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown by Dameon Pierce.

However, the Indianapolis Colts’ playoff chances were diminished after a 29-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke led the Falcons to victory, throwing for 229 yards and a touchdown. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ AFC playoff hopes also dimmed following their fourth consecutive defeat, losing 30-12 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.