The Miami Dolphins secured a playoff berth with a dramatic 22-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on Christmas Eve. The game, which had significant playoff implications, saw the Dolphins clinch their spot with a 29-yard field goal by Jason Sanders as time expired. Sanders had a standout performance, going 5-for-5 on field goal attempts, including a career-long 57-yard field goal. The Dolphins' win also keeps them in contention for the AFC's No. 1 seed, which they can secure with a win over the Baltimore Ravens, and brings their record to 11-4. The Cowboys, who had already clinched a playoff berth, could not secure any further playoff advantage based on Week 16 results. The game was marked by a critical Cowboys fumble at the goal line, a strong defensive showing by the Dolphins, and a touchdown by Raheem Mostert, which contributed to limiting the scoring opportunities for one of the best offenses in football. Despite the Bills' win preventing them from clinching the AFC East, Miami's victory sets up a crucial game against Baltimore next Sunday, with the top seed in the AFC at stake.
News and notes from Dolphins' Christmas Eve win over Cowboys https://t.co/RcCVz5LFM8 via @thedolphinswire
Grading the Dolphins' 22-20 victory over Dallas; plus stock up, stock down https://t.co/SHgx1NhxOe
CBS: Dolphins Clinch Playoff Berth with Comeback Win https://t.co/dso7mtD8eK
Grading the Dolphins’ 22-20 victory over Dallas; plus stock up, stock down https://t.co/qOGoXYNxsv
Dolphins’ belief in Jason Sanders pays off with career game in playoff-clinching win (via @FernandezAndreC) https://t.co/6GsTJFhrXy
Job’s not finished for the Dolphins after clinching a playoff berth 😤 https://t.co/iUXzXwNJCr
The Takeaways: Miami beats Dallas to clinch NFL Playoffs spot, shake up narratives, perhaps alter perceptions and talking points of television program analysts https://t.co/0u1gEL8lj1
Analysis: Dolphins quiet critics with comeback win over Dallas, extending Cowboys' road failures https://t.co/csVL5B3Cc0
Haunted this season by their failures against playoff-caliber teams, the @MiamiDolphins rallied for a 22-20 victory over Dallas on Jason Sanders' fifth field goal of the game as time expired. #FinsOn4 https://t.co/6dYRDtdTN8
Dolphins secure playoff spot with win over Cowboys, Lions clinch NFC North https://t.co/mr2VqiFidp
Miami Dolphins defeat Dallas Cowboys 22-20, head to the playoffs after nail biter at Hard Rock Stadium https://t.co/DQUYSSO5Am
Dolphins nip Cowboys 22-20 on Jason Sanders' last-second field goal, secure playoff spot https://t.co/DyJAuZIvad
Dolphins know beating Cowboys on last play, clinching playoff berth has deep meaning | Habib https://t.co/XLxptWN2mO
Dallas Cowboys resigned to playoffs starting on road after loss to Miami Dolphins https://t.co/O3AdmI7oZg
Raheem Mostert adds to his dream season. At 31 years old, he is the 1st player in his 30s to rush for 1,000 yards in a season since Washington’s Adrian Peterson ran for 1,042 yards in 2018 at the age of 33
The Miami Dolphins took down the Dallas Cowboys in a crucial Christmas Eve matchup that came down to the final moments. https://t.co/AL1aHeAvZC
More regarding Jason Sanders Sunday was just the 9th time in team history that a Miami Dolphins kicker made five field goals in a game.
Dave Hyde: Dolphins answer questions and ‘don’t ruin Christmas’ in 22-20 thriller against Cowboys https://t.co/amk14zhQIP
📝 @AdamHBeasley: Jason Sanders connected on all five of his field goal attempts to not just lift the Miami Dolphins past the Cowboys but prove he's still one of the best. https://t.co/eE7DUXTpZH
Dolphins take down Cowboys with FG as time expires - via @ESPN App https://t.co/NAznogj8UC
Dolphins’ belief in Jason Sanders pays off with career game in playoff-clinching win https://t.co/It0dAPME76
What We Learned: Dolphins have a big fourth-quarter drive to secure the win versus the Cowboys and punch playoff ticket (via @kpatra) https://t.co/Un2iChTAFp https://t.co/CwpBm6PBZV
Dolphins clinched a playoff berth today. They clinch AFC East crown with win at Ravens OR win vs. Bills. They clinch AFC’s No.1 seed, first-round bye and home-field advantage with a win over Ravens AND Bills.
Things we learned in Miami Dolphins’ 22-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys https://t.co/IKw2c1BOHo
Dolphins splash into playoffs with thrilling win over Cowboys https://t.co/71NshX2pDB
Instant Analysis: Miami Dolphins 22, Dallas Cowboys 20 https://t.co/TCBDVRJCnk
Miami Dolphins’ huge 22-20 win vs. Dallas is gift needed to give hope for No. 1 seed new life | Opinion https://t.co/gzJp4qfG11
The Dolphins locker room was feeling it after clinching a playoff berth today https://t.co/selhWdXeSr
Dolphins edge Cowboys on late Sanders field goal, beat a contender and punch ticket to postseason https://t.co/NLTcAAY1GO
The Dolphins made their statement, defeating the Cowboys, 22-20, on Jason Sanders' 29-yard field as time expired. Here are Joe Schad's 5 Takeaways from Sunday's game at Hard Rock Stadium. https://t.co/0u1gEL8lj1
NEW: Yes, they can beat a good team. Dolphins' 22-20 Christmas Eve win over Dallas proves it, keeps Miami in hunt for No. 1 seed. My column from the stadium: https://t.co/2FdlegBj6L @HeraldSports #NFL #Dolphins
Huge win for the Dolphins, who finally beat a team over .500 and punch their playoff ticket in the process https://t.co/ZVsvlG2Uay
.@Davehydesports: Sanders’ big foot, Tua’s late drive, AFC playoffs — 10 thoughts on #Dolphins’ 22-20 thriller vs. #Cowboys https://t.co/8LYhtlcUa1 #NFL https://t.co/crfjdPYfXB
Cowboys-Dolphins Under 48.5 Points ✅ @john_jastremski was right! 🙌 https://t.co/rSg0w3lqaZ https://t.co/B2tTyrBibB
Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders with a literal podium game going 5-of-5 in field goals including the game-winner & three 50+ yard field goals.
Final Dolphins 22 Cowboys 20 https://t.co/chUCBWI1e5
Dolphins Get Their Signature Win Plus a Playoff Berth https://t.co/4v0CdYDn7u
1️⃣ 2️⃣ 3️⃣ 4️⃣ 5️⃣ That’s how many field goals Jason Sanders scored as the Dolphins beat the Cowboys 22-20 and clinch a spot in the #NFL playoffs. https://t.co/p5MR9uoEmV
Dolphins’ huge 22-20 win vs. Dallas is gift Miami needed as hope for No. 1 seed gets new life | Opinion https://t.co/ZAlbADbqUn
The Miami Dolphins are 11-4 for the first time since 1990. 3-1 in December this season
📝 @AdamHBeasley: The Miami Dolphins are playoff-bound and one win away from their first AFC East title in 15 years after beating the Dallas Cowboys 22-20 Sunday. https://t.co/ucPdBkht4s
Not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE field goals made by Jason Sanders today 🐬 #FinsUp https://t.co/uKCzzyKLcZ
5/5 and the game winning FG, Jason Sanders was CLUTCH tonight. 😤 https://t.co/dIHLx6V31m https://t.co/r9APGOf8VO
Dolphins blast “We them Boyz” by Wiz Khalifa after beating the Cowboys , 22-20, on a walk-off field goal from Jason Sanders. The win clinches a playoff spot with 2 games to play! It’s Merry Christmas in Miami! #Finsup #DallasCowboys
Miami Dolphins defeat Dallas Cowboys 22-20 during nail biter at Hard Rock Stadium. https://t.co/DQUYSSO5Am
The Dolphins are playoff bound 🐬 🎥: @NFL https://t.co/2ob2RGtMhs
JASON SANDERS FOR THE WIN 🔥 Sanders went 5/5 today on FG kicks‼️ https://t.co/yTIB2VrYp5
The Dolphins and Cowboys played a critical, late-season game on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami WINS in dramatic fashion and is headed to the NFL Playoffs and are going after the AFC #1 seed at Baltimore next Sunday. https://t.co/0u1gEL8lj1
DOLPHINS CLINCH A PLAYOFF BERTH ON A WALK-OFF FIELD GOAL! 📺: FOX https://t.co/ynIkpoMfGt
Dolphins beat the Cowboys 🔥 (via @NFL) https://t.co/3P5meBgiFp
Dolphins beat the Cowboys 22-20. Another gift for Lions fans on Christmas Eve.
Dolphins Win. #PlayoffBound 🐬 https://t.co/BChUbIujyG
JASON SANDERS WALKS IT OFF TO CLINCH A PLAYOFF SPOT FOR THE DOLPHINS! https://t.co/ITh4ZVnkjZ
🚨🎄MERRY CHRISTMAS DOLPHINS FANS - YOU ARE GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS! #FinsUp ⤵️ https://t.co/k4q7ZxTwA9
The @MiamiDolphins clinch a playoff spot and set up next week’s visit to Baltimore for the 1-seed while that ship appears to have sailed in the NFC for Dallas
Jason Sanders sends the Dolphins to the playoffs! https://t.co/RlrktfweCz
THE DOLPHINS HAVE CLINCHED A PLAYOFF SPOT ON A WALK-OFF FIELD GOAL https://t.co/rUtQBYVic1
FINAL: Dolphins beat the Cowboys 22-20 on Jason Sanders' 29-yard FG. Miami (11-4) clinches a playoff berth with the victory. Whether the Ravens win or lose to the 49ers on Christmas, the Dolphins will be playing for the AFC's No. 1 seed in Baltimore next Sunday.
Tua drowns the Cowboys on Christmas Eve 🌊 Dolphins clinch a playoff berth 🐬 https://t.co/Yv0ehGyZs7
Jason Sanders' 5th FG of the game sends the @MiamiDolphins to the #NFLPlayoffs! #DALvsMIA https://t.co/OTFvcaRlKi
TUA AND THE DOLPHINS (-1.5) TAKE DOWN THE COWBOYS 🐬 https://t.co/n7gyh3oicx
Down go the Cowboys. Dolphins to the playoffs. https://t.co/SQDb6m31q9
MIAMI DOLPHINS WIIIINNN!! 22-20!!
Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and gritty run game lead Dolphins 4th quarter comeback for biggest win of the season over Cowboys. Miami has clinched a playoff berth and now 1 win away from AFC East title.
Tua takes a pair of knees to set up Jason Sanders' game-winning attempt. It'll be a 29-yard FG with 2 sec remaining.
The fumble on the one. #Cowboys
2-MINUTE WARNING! LIVE BLOG! #Cowboys Lead #Dolphins 20-19: 4Q Live Game Updates https://t.co/xvgTR2VLar via @DallasCowboysFN
Dolphins now down to the 40, which is right on the line of Sanders' career-long FG.
What a throw. What a catch. 📺: #DALvsMIA on FOX 📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UIg1XAk0MB https://t.co/wsTzrDtdTM
Jaylen Waddle has returned to the Dolphins' sideline. Another stop for Miami's defense. Dallas FG makes it a 19-13 lead. 12:31 left.
Dolphins defense has been good but needs to close the deal vs. Dallas. In first 3 quarters: 3 punts 1 fumble recovery 1 TD 1 FG
End of 3: Dolphins 19 | Cowboys 10
Jason Sanders' 35-yd FG gives the Dolphins a 19-10 lead. 1:24 left in the third.
#Dolphins Offense Makes History Against Cowboys https://t.co/Bis96IJYm9
Dolphins' defense holds after the 45-yd jump ball reception by Jalen Tolbert. Miami leads 16-10 after the 43-yd FG. 5:28 left in the third.
Heat check for Jason Sanders and he's right on the money. 54-yd FG gives the Dolphins a 16-7 lead. 8:59 left in the third.
Heat check for Jason Sanders and he's right on the money. 53-yd FG gives the Dolphins a 16-7 lead. 8:59 left in the third.
Cowboys get off the field on the opening drive of third quarter. No double double for Dolphins
Cowboys defense gets the Dolphins off the field to start the second half. Big confidence boost for the defense.
Cowboys vs. Dolphins Livestream: How to Watch NFL Week 16 Online Today https://t.co/iefKCER0SB
Halftime. Regroup and defense is back on the field first as Dolphins try to double up on their last drive against the #Cowboys. 13-6, Miami leads
Raheem Mostert scores his 21st TD of the season to move ahead of #49ers Christian McCaffrey for the NFL lead
Touchdown Dolphins, 4-yd TD pass to Mostert. Had to reel it in with one hand but he was wide open. Nice reverse motion to take advantage of Dallas' man tendencies. Miami leads 13-7. 17 sec left in the half.
Raheem Mostert returns AND catches a TD from Tua just before halftime! It’s 13-7 Miami
So far, so not-so-bad for the #Cowboys defense against the high-flying Dolphins offense. Three offensive drives by Miami, only two field goals.
Jason Sanders made a 52-yard field goal Great start for Sanders with 57 and 52 yard FGM #MIAvsDAL
Dolphins with the 52-yard field goal to make the score 7-6 with 4:31 left in the second quarter.
Tua had Achane on the out pattern but it's just off his hands on third down. Sanders makes the 52-yd FG and the Dolphins now trail 7-6. 4:31 left in the half.
Dolphins bail out the Cowboys big time with a roughing the passer penalty. Now Cowboys are out of the shadow of their own end zone and have an open play sheet.
Cowboys had six defensive backs on field for every snap on Dolphins' opening possession. Early indication of how DC Dan Quinn looks to counter Miami's speed. Fifty of 64 yards on the six-play FG drive came on 50-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa to Jaylen Waddle. Dallas down 3-0.
Jason Sanders makes a 57-yard field goal and the Dolphins lead 3-0. Stephon Gilmore gives up a 50-yard reception down the sidelines and the pass rush was held up on that first possession.
Dolphins kick 57 yard field goal for 3-0 lead with 2:50 left in first quarter https://t.co/VoxB93b624
Jason Sanders made a 57-yard field goal for the Miami Dolphins. This is a career long.
#Cowboys defense recovers from 50-yard third-down conversion (and fumble lost by the offense) to hold the Dolphins to a 57-yard field goal. 3-0, Dolphins lead
Cowboys defense gets off the field and holds the Dolphins to a field goal.
Cowboys’ first drive of the game ends in a goal-line fumble recovered by the Dolphins. #DALvsMIA https://t.co/5upAz3nTRl
Dolphins recover the Cowboys' fumble at the goal line! 👀 (Via: NFL, FOX) https://t.co/16Hiae21KI
Cowboys drive all the way down to the field then fumble the ball on 1 after bad QB/back exchange. Big turn of events: https://t.co/9kWAxMnCjn
Failed exchange between Dak Prescott and Hunter Luepke leads to a fumble, one play after it was surprising how Tony Pollard managed to not get in the end zone. Encouraging for the game how well the Cowboys moved the ball but frustrating it totaled 0 points on that drive.
Great Cowboys opening drive ending with a fumble. Dak Prescott and Hunter Luepke have a bad handoff on first and goal at the 1. Dolphins recover. Luepke never got the ball
COWBOYS FUMBLE ON THE ONE YARD LINE https://t.co/88oLbB13Kn
Cowboys fumbled at the Dolphins 1-yard line Cowboys fullback fumbled handoff Oh my Recovered by Brandon Jones
Hunter Luepke fumbles the ball, handoff in the chest and a wonderful drive for the Cowboys ends at the goal line.
The Dolphins recover the fumble at the goal line! 📺: #DALvsMIA on FOX 📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UIg1XAk0MB https://t.co/o1Yz1AKuQc
How to watch today's Dallas Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game: Livestream options, kickoff time, more https://t.co/nCSmojgmfs
Miami Dolphins host Dallas Cowboys with NFL playoff implications https://t.co/oKLDo2c0ed
Dolphins-Cowboys 🏈 https://t.co/fRboCkjwD7
#Cowboys vs. #Dolphins: Live Game Updates https://t.co/xvgTR2VLar via @DallasCowboysFN
Time for Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins. 🎁 https://t.co/Uzrz8N08Me
Miami Dolphins vs. Dallas Cowboys | Live score updates from Week 16 NFL game https://t.co/eKuWmUqyAC
HOW DALLAS WINS #Cowboys at #Dolphins: 5 Keys to Win, Injury, Inactives, Prediction https://t.co/DVHa2zecRV via @DallasCowboysFN
GET SMART #Cowboys at #Dolphins NFL Week 16 Predictions Roundup https://t.co/dvgdy15Cvq via @DallasCowboysFN
Cowboys-Dolphins https://t.co/FgwrRBJqUa
NFL Best Bets & Picks for Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins, Week 16 https://t.co/8YE6J9nesz
Dolphins - Cowboys Prediction Time
Cowboys vs. Dolphins in about four hours https://t.co/ysorAa3oTg
Dolphins clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Cowboys today (can’t clinch the division because Buffalo won last night). Cowboys have already clinched a playoff berth and can’t clinch, or be eliminated from, anything based on Week 16 results. Cowboys-Dolphins at 3:25
With the win, the 9-6 Bills are now in 6th in the AFC and in a playoff spot... temporarily. If the Texans, Colts or both lose tomorrow, the Bills will remain in a playoff position with only two games remaining.
The Bills beat the Chargers to improve to 9-6 so the Dolphins can’t clinch the AFC East title tomorrow. Miami can clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Dallas Cowboys.
#COWBOYS ALERT #DallasCowboys at Dolphins Week 16: 2 Roster Moves, Injury Update, How to Watch, Betting Odds https://t.co/TQACLuQdKP via @DallasCowboysFN
Can Miami turn things around vs. the Cowboys? 😳 https://t.co/vvQ3JDN9Vz
A Christmas Eve matchup between the best two offenses in football 🎁 Catch Dolphins-Cowboys tomorrow at 4 PM ET on FOX! https://t.co/2E4Rf9j4v1