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AP: Miami will lose at home to Bills

5 min read

By Rob Maaddi

The Associated Press

The Miami Dolphins went from playing for the AFC's No. 1 seed to playing for their division to avoid the sixth spot this week.

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills stand in their way.

The Bills-Dolphins will face off Sunday night in the NFL's final regular-season game in a showdown for the AFC East title.

The Dolphins (11-5) had a shot at earning a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs but were pounded by Baltimore 56-19. If they beat Buffalo, they'll secure the No. 2 seed.

The Bills (10-6) would get the two seed with a win. If they lose, they'd drop to sixth, seventh or completely out of the playoffs.

Pro Picks leans toward the playoff-tested Bills. Bills, 34-27

PHILADELPHIA (-5.5) at NEW YORK GIANTS: The free-falling Eagles (11-5) have lost four of five and now need a victory plus Dallas to get upset to win the division. The Giants (5-11) almost rallied for a win in Philly on Christmas. BEST BET: EAGLES, 28-17

HOUSTON (-1.5) at INDIANAPOLIS: The winner clinches at least a wild-card spot and would win the AFC South if the Jaguars lose. The Colts beat the Texans 31-20 on the road in Week 3 behind Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew, who stepped in after the rookie starter got hurt. UPSET SPECIAL: COLTS 24-23

PITTSBURGH (-3.5) at BALTIMORE: The Steelers (9-7) are fighting for a playoff spot and sticking with Mason Rudolph at quarterback after two straight impressive games. The Ravens (13-3) locked up the No. 1 seed and are looking to avoid injuries. No Lamar Jackson either. STEELERS, 24-17

ATLANTA at NEW ORLEANS (-3): The winner would clinch the NFC South if the Buccaneers lose to Carolina. The Saints (8-8) kept their hopes alive with an impressive win at Tampa. The Falcons (7-9) have lost three of four. SAINTS, 23-18

CLEVELAND at CINCINNATI (-6): The Bengals (8-8) are playing for a winning record. The Browns (11-5) already have locked up the AFC's No. 5 seed and are resting QB Joe Flacco. Bengals, 26-17

JACKSONVILLE (-5.5) at TENNESSEE: A four-game losing streak after an 8-3 start forced the Jaguars (9-7) into having to win the game to clinch their second straight AFC South. C.J. Beathard led them to a 26-0 win last week filling in for Trevor Lawrence. The Titans (5-11) are aiming to play spoiler. JAGUARS, 23-20

TAMPA BAY (-5.5) at CAROLINA: A banged-up Baker Mayfield gets his second chance to lead the Buccaneers (8-8) to the NFC South title. The lowly Panthers (2-14) were embarrassed on and off the field as owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at Jaguars fans toward the end of last week's loss. BUCS 27-13

NEW YORK JETS at NEW ENGLAND (-4.5): The Patriots (4-12) could cost themselves draft positioning if they beat the Jets (6-10) in what could be Bill Belichick's last game after an unprecedented run of success that included six Super Bowl titles. PATRIOTS, 16-12

MINNESOTA at DETROIT (-3): The Vikings (7-9) need a win and plenty of help to make the playoffs. The Lions (11-5) can tie the franchise record of 12 wins in a season. They'll be the NFC's No. 2 or 3 seed. LIONS, 30-20

CHICAGO at GREEN BAY (-3): A victory secures a playoff berth for Jordan Love and the Packers (8-8). The Bears (7-9) have won four of five and are facing an important offseason decision on Justin Fields. PACKERS, 26-22

DALLAS (-13.5) at WASHINGTON: Dak Prescott and the Cowboys (11-5) need a win to clinch the NFC East title and the No. 2 seed. The Commanders (4-12) would ruin their rival's hopes with an upset. COWBOYS, 30-18

SEATTLE (-2.5) at ARIZONA: After losing five of seven, the Seahawks (8-8) now need a win and loss by the Packers to make the playoffs. The Cardinals (4-12) ruined Philadelphia's division hopes last week and aim to mess up Seattle's season. SEAHAWKS, 24-20

LOS ANGELES RAMS at SAN FRANCISCO (-3): The 49ers (12-4) have clinched the NFC's No. 1 seed. The Rams (9-7) will be either the No. 6 or 7 seed. Staying healthy is the priority for both teams so expect to see plenty of backups. RAMS, 24-23

DENVER at LAS VEGAS (-2.5): The Broncos (8-8) aim to finish with a winning record heading into a difficult offseason that starts with how to handle Russell Wilson's situation. Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce gets one more chance at proving he deserves the job after going 4-4 in his first eight games. RAIDERS, 24-16

KANSAS CITY at LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (-3): Patrick Mahomes and the many starters on the Chiefs (10-6) could rest with the AFC West title already secured. The Chargers (5-11) are better off losing for draft positioning. CHARGERS, 23-21

Last week: Straight up: 11-5. Against spread: 10-6; Overall: Straight up: 157-99. Against spread: 133-113-9.; Best Bet: Straight up: 9-8. Against spread: 6-10-1.; Upset Special: Straight up: 8-9. Against spread: 10-7; Thursday: Straight up: 13-6. Against spread: 14-4-1.; Monday: Straight up: 9-12. Against spread: 13-7-1.

Starting at /week.