Dolphins, Lions clinch playoff spots

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins booked their place in the NFL playoffs after a last second field goal from Jason Sanders gave them a thrilling 22-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

The Detroit Lions also secured a postseason spot after clinching the NFC North with a victory over the Minnesota Vikings, while the Seattle Seahawks’ late win over the Tennessee Titans kept their season alive.

Quarterback Joe Flacco continued his remarkable late-career comeback in the NFL as he led AFC playoff hopefuls the Cleveland Browns to their third straight win with a 36-22 victory at the Houston Texans.

Miami becomes the second team in the AFC to secure a playoff place, following the Baltimore Ravens, but they were pushed to the brink by Dallas and their quarterback Dak Prescott.

After a grueling, physical encounter, Dallas got in front with a touchdown with just 3:27 left in the game after Prescott led an outstanding 17 play, 69-yard drive which culminated in a brilliant touchdown catch in the corner, under intense pressure from Brandin Cooks.

But Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa responded in kind, managing the clock perfectly as he led Miami down the field with a 64-yard, 12-play drive to set up Sanders.