Inglewood, California – The Miami Dolphins’ recent victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10 could be pivotal in their quest to turn around a disappointing 2-6 start to the season. The Dolphins emerged victorious at SoFi Stadium with a score of 23-15, marking their second consecutive win at this venue and breaking a troubling three-game losing streak, two of which ended on last-second field goals.
This crucial win not only halted their downward trajectory but also reignited hopes for a playoff berth, putting them 1.5 games behind the Denver Broncos for the AFC’s seventh seed. Historically, only three teams in NFL history have rebounded from a 2-6 start to reach the playoffs, but the Dolphins could position themselves favorably with upcoming home games against the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots. Winning these matchups could see them improve to 5-6 before heading to Green Bay to face the Packers on Thanksgiving.
Prior to their Week 10 game, the Dolphins had only an 8.1% chance of making the playoffs, as per ESPN’s football power index (FPI), although they are fortunate to have one of the league’s easiest remaining schedules. With their chances of winning the AFC East slim, the Dolphins must now focus on securing one of the three wild-card spots to maintain their ambitions of extending their two-year playoff streak.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faced challenges during the game, particularly in the second quarter where he threw an interception and lost a fumble on consecutive drives. Despite these setbacks, he finished with 207 passing yards, a touchdown, and successfully converted five third-down attempts. Coach Mike McDaniel commented on Tagovailoa’s ongoing development, indicating that he is continuing to improve his decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Defensively, the Dolphins put significant pressure on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was pressured 13 times and sacked four times—his defense made life difficult for him throughout the game. Notably, rookie defensive player Chop Robinson stood out, contributing five pressures and a sack, further solidifying Miami’s defensive capabilities.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins will face the Raiders next at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, and the team is optimistic about building on their recent success and making a strong push for the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Rams’ playoff hopes took a hit following their recent defeat, as they fell to a 4-5 record. Despite the return of key players such as Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua from injuries, the Rams struggled offensively, failing to score a touchdown for only the second time in quarterback Matthew Stafford’s 50 starts with the team. Stafford completed 32 of 46 passes for 293 yards but continued to struggle with interceptions, throwing one in his sixth consecutive game.
The Rams’ offensive line had a disappointing showing, having previously protected Stafford well during the previous matches but allowing him to be sacked four times in this game. Their effectiveness on third downs also proved insufficient, as they converted only 25% of their attempts.
Looking forward, the Rams have a critical game against the New England Patriots on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, where they will need to improve significantly to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
In summary, the Miami Dolphins’ victory offers a glimmer of hope for their playoff aspirations, while the Rams need to regroup and find their offensive rhythm to stay competitive in the NFC West. Both teams will face pivotal matchups next week, making each moment crucial in the battle for postseason positions. The Dolphins, with renewed optimism, and the Rams, aiming to bounce back, set the stage for an exciting continuation of the season.