(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Miami Dolphins entered Week 17 with an excellent opportunity to stir up the pot in the AFC.
They would have clinched the AFC East with a win, making their path to the playoffs much easier.
Had they beaten the Baltimore Ravens, they also would have answered several questions about their team makeup and status as contenders in the playoffs.
They lost in blowout fashion, which wasn’t the only negative aspect of their Sunday afternoon.
Bradley Chubb tore his ACL, a devastating blow to the Dolphins’ defense.
Xavien Howard also suffered an injury in this game, which, according to Ari Meirov, puts his status as week-to-week.
Another key loss for Miami: #Dolphins CB Xavien Howard suffered a foot injury on Sunday and is considered week-to-week. The team is not expecting to have him on Sunday night vs. the Bills.
Eli Apple is likely to get more playing time. pic.twitter.com/qUwnRpbUdG
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 1, 2024
It was not ideal for a team that was one of the hottest in the NFL.
They will be without Chubb for the rest of the season, and as Meirov highlights, Howard is not expected to play in their final regular season game against the Buffalo Bills.
This will give Eli Apple, who hasn’t looked his best over the past several weeks, more playing time.
It will be interesting to see how the Dolphins will scheme this game against the Bills now that they are without Howard.
The Bills have played increasingly well over the past several weeks, especially regarding their offense.
Josh Allen looks more unstoppable by the week, which doesn’t bode well for the Dolphins without their top defensive playmakers.
In a game that means so much for the Dolphins’ push toward the postseason, they will need all the help they can get to try and salvage their season.
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