Tyreek, Dolphins Saluted by Fans in Win vs. Browns with Tua Out Amid NFL Playoff Race

Zach BacharContributor IDecember 30, 2024

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 29: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins runs the ball after a catch during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on December 29, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Miami Dolphins' playoff hopes stayed alive on Sunday.

With a 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns, the Dolphins avoided elimination to stay in the AFC postseason picture.

Tua Tagovailoa was inactive due to a hip injury, leading to backup Tyler Huntley starting against the Browns. Huntley finished 22-of-26 for 225 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a team-high 52 yards to go along with a second score.

NFL @NFL
Tyler Huntley takes it in himself! TD <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiDolphins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiDolphins</a> 🙌 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIAvsCLE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIAvsCLE</a> on CBS/Paramount+ 📱: <a href="https://t.co/waVpO909ge">https://t.co/waVpO909ge</a> <a href="https://t.co/dV8R5c5JJx">pic.twitter.com/dV8R5c5JJx</a>

Tyreek Hill was Huntley's top target, hauling in nine receptions for 105 yards.

NFL @NFL
Gain of 25 for <a href="https://twitter.com/cheetah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheetah</a>! 🐆 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIAvsCLE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIAvsCLE</a> on CBS/Paramount+ 📱: <a href="https://t.co/waVpO909ge">https://t.co/waVpO909ge</a> <a href="https://t.co/UVAd6CMgZW">pic.twitter.com/UVAd6CMgZW</a>

Fans praised Hill for his performance after he was initially listed as questionable with a wrist injury.

Joe Schad @schadjoe
Bounce back for Tyreek Hill 105 receiving yards Apparently volunteered for punt returns

Dolphins Muse @Dolphins_Muse
Tyreek Hill in the win: — 9 Receptions — 105 Receiving Yards — 11.7 Yards per catch <a href="https://t.co/yl1UCspztW">pic.twitter.com/yl1UCspztW</a>

Travis Wingfield @WingfieldNFL
Tyreek is playing with a little something extra today. You can see it.

Ghost of XavienHoward @XavienBuner
Give Tyreek his due he's hurt and played through the injury with no drops

Chris at Phins.com @PhinsChris
Tenth touch by Tyreek Hill. This is what they should have been doing all season. You want the ball in his hands as much as possible.

Nay-Nay @Nasteshia1
Tyreek showed up tonight!! Gotta give him his due

Neal Driscoll @NealDriscoll
Smart play by Tyreek!!

Miami's defense also stepped up, keeping the Browns out of the end zone and limiting them to an average of just 3.6 yards per play. The Dolphins also forced two turnovers.

Fans were impressed with the overall team effort by Miami, as a loss would have put an end to its postseason chances.

FOX Sports: NFL @NFLonFOX
With their win today, the Dolphins keep their season alive and will try to clinch a playoff spot in Week 18! 😤 <a href="https://t.co/EX37WpmskD">pic.twitter.com/EX37WpmskD</a>

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Adam Beasley @AdamHBeasley
Snoop Huntley, Tyreek Hill, Calais Campbell, Jonnu Smith, and yes, Mike McDaniel, did what was required today. And because they did, the Dolphins will play meaningful football in Week 18 -- which is admirable, considering this team was 2-6.

Logan Laine @LoganLaine7
What's crazy about the Dolphins is that if they got into the playoffs, Tua, Tyreek, Waddle, Jonnu, and Achane could do something. I don't care what anyone tells you otherwise.

Omar Kelly @OmarKelly
So the Dolphins still have a shot at making the playoffs. <a href="https://t.co/Re51l00qxt">pic.twitter.com/Re51l00qxt</a>

Daniel @DanielEliesen
The one positive thing I can say about Mike McDaniel is that he still has this team playing for him. The Dolphins looked like a team today that wanted their shot at the playoffs.

Safid Deen 💯💯💯💯 @Safid_Deen
The Dolphins' playoff chances <a href="https://t.co/T6DDTrkGen">pic.twitter.com/T6DDTrkGen</a>

David Fischer @DavidFischer_71
Jonnu with the TD!! Somehow the Dolphins are going to win this game and enter week 18 still in the playoff hunt!!

For the Browns, Dorian Thompson-Robinson started at quarterback and struggled with his efficiency. Thompson-Robinson finished 24-of-47 for 170 yards and an interception.

After staying alive on Sunday, the Dolphins will need some help to clinch a playoff berth. Miami must defeat the New York Jets to close out the regular season while also requiring the Kansas City Chiefs to take down the Denver Broncos.

After sitting at 2-6 through their first eight games, the Dolphins still have a shot to make a postseason appearance in Week 18.

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