The Miami Dolphins may have found the momentum they need to turn their season around after a pivotal victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. Winning 23-15 at SoFi Stadium, the Dolphins snapped a disappointing three-game losing streak and provided themselves with a glimmer of hope for a playoff push.
Miami dominated the game from the start, never trailing and putting themselves just 1½ games behind the Denver Broncos for the final wild-card spot in the AFC. Historically, only three teams have managed to make the playoffs after starting a season 2-6. Nevertheless, if the Dolphins can secure victories in their upcoming home games against the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots, they could potentially improve to 5-6 before heading to Green Bay for a Thanksgiving matchup against the Packers.
Before the game, Miami had an 8.1% chance of making the playoffs, according to ESPN’s FPI, and their schedule appears manageable, featuring the 10th-easiest remaining opponents. With their hopes of winning the AFC East nearly extinguished, Miami is aiming for a wild-card berth to maintain their presence in the postseason for a third consecutive year.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faced challenges during the game, notably in the second quarter when he threw an interception and lost a fumble on back-to-back drives. Nonetheless, he finished the night with 207 passing yards and a touchdown, successfully converting five third-down attempts. Improving in this area will be crucial as he continues to develop in his fifth year.
Miami’s defense was instrumental in their victory, consistently pressuring Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throughout the game. Stafford faced 13 pressures, resulting in four sacks—a season high for the Dolphins. Defensive player Chop Robinson was particularly noteworthy, recording five pressures and his second sack in as many games.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins will clash with the Raiders next Sunday, where they will aim to build on their newfound momentum.
On the other side, the Los Angeles Rams saw their playoff aspirations dampened by the loss, slipping to a 4-5 record. Despite the return of key offensive players like wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, the Rams struggled offensively, failing to score a touchdown for only the second time in 50 games with Stafford as the starter. Their performance on third downs was particularly disappointing, converting just 25% of their attempts.
Stafford’s struggles continued, as he failed to throw a touchdown and recorded an interception for the sixth straight game. The offensive line’s performance also declined, leading to four sacks against Stafford after allowing only one in the previous three games.
The Rams now face an uphill battle to keep their playoff hopes alive as they prepare for a game against the New England Patriots next Sunday.
In summary, both teams are at a turning point in their seasons—Miami is looking to use this victory as a springboard toward a playoff run, while Los Angeles must regroup and find solutions to their offensive woes to remain competitive in the NFC West. There’s a hopeful note for fans on both sides, as both teams still have opportunities this season to prove themselves and make significant improvements.