The Miami Dolphins continue to exceed (by far) the expectations of everyone around the NFL as they defeated the Buffalo Bills yesterday, improving to 8-5 on the season and moving into a 3 way tie with New York and New England for 1st place in the AFC East.

The Dolphins squared off with the ice cold Buffalo Bills in Toronto yesterday and walked away 16-3 winners. A 20 yd TD pass from Chad Pennington to TE Anthony Fasano was all Miami would need as the defense absolutely shut down the Buffalo offense. Dan Carpenter would add 3 FGs, and Buffalo would muster 1 FG in the 1st quarter, but in the end Miami’s defense would keep Buffalo in check.

Miami’s defense was absolutely stifling allowing Buffalo a total net yardage of 163 (79 passing and 84 rushing) getting 4 sacks and 1 INT. Joey Porter continued his strong play this season with 2 sacks and a forced fumble to lead the defense on Sunday.

It is worth noting Buffalo fans were critical of the game being played in Toronto. Buffalo’s hold on their franchise is tenuous as it is literally the mental will of their owner Ralph Wilson keeping them in Buffalo, a small market. Buffalo has played pre season games in the past in Toronto, but this was the first time a regular season game was played there, and it may not be the last. Buffalo fans felt not only robbed of a home game, but robbed of the advantage they would have had with the bitter temperatures and conditions outdoors in Buffalo. Yesterday’s game was played indoors in Toronto. Buffalo was also without their offensive catalyst, QB Trent Edwards.

Backup QB or not, indoors or out, Miami again just got it done on offense and was dominating on defense. Miami’s win, combined with New York’s loss, throws the Dolphins, Patriots, and Jets into a 3 way tie for 1st place in the AFC East. Miami however currently sits at the bottom of this tie as New England has the tie breaker over them, as does New York via their opening week victory in Miami.

The Dolphins have as good a chance as New York or New England to get into the playoffs as the division champ. New England has the easier 3 game remaining schedule with games against Oakland, Arizona, and Buffalo. The Jets have games agaisnt Buffalo, Seattle, and the Dolphins. Miami has San Francisco, Kansas City, and the Jets left to play.

If the Dolphins can get the job done against San Francisco and Kansas City, their playoff destiny can be in their own hands with just a little outside help required. For the Dolphins to get in they need to A) Beat San Fran and KC, B) New England to lose at least once, and C) defeat the Jets the last week of the season. There are many teams out there with more complicated routes to the playoffs, for the Dolphins it’s simple. If they beat their opponents and get help just once in a New England defeat, then the Dolphins are playoff bound!