5 things we learned from yesterday’s game

DOLPHINS SCORED IN FIRST QUARTER AND HELD RARE FIRST-QUARTER LEAD

The Dolphins entered Saturday’s game with 34 first-quarter points this season, fewest in the NFL. They scored in the first quarter against the Bills and led, 7-0, at the end of the quarter. It marked just the third time they’ve led this season after the first quarter. Miami improved to 3-0 when they lead after the first quarter, beating Cleveland (7-0 lead) and Arizona (7-6 lead).

MIAMI’S PASS DEFENSE SHOWING LOTS OF VULNERABILITY

Buffalo quarterback Tyrod Taylor (26 of 39, 329 yards, three TDs, 118.4 passer rating) attacked Miami’s defense underneath and over the top numerous times. Taylor also completed passes at intermediate depths, as evident on tight end Charles Clay’s touchdown in the third quarter. The Dolphins entered Saturday’s game ranked 11th in the NFL in pass defense but they showed weaknesses against Buffalo on underneath, intermediate and deep passes. Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (seven receptions, 154 yards, one TD) and Clay (8 receptions, 85 yards, two TDs) did heavy damage.

DOLPHINS BECOMING PROFICIENT AT LONG TOUCHDOWNS

Wide receiver DeVante Parker’s 56-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Matt Moore in the third quarter was Miami’s 12th touchdown of 40 or more yards this season. Running back Kenyan Drake had a 45-yard run in the second quarter.

DOLPHINS IN PLAYOFFS IF CHIEFS TOP BRONCOS ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT

What if Denver wins in Kansas City? Miami is in if they beat New England next week or tie, or if Denver loses to Oakland in the finale. According to ESPN, if the Dolphins lose and the Broncos win their final two, then Miami fans would need San Diego to top Kansas City in the finale to create a three- or four-team tiebreaker at 10-6. Meanwhile, the Dolphins can still slide up into the fifth seed in the playoffs if they win out and Kansas City loses a game.

MOORE HAS BEEN A BETTER QUARTERBACK AFTER HALFTIME

In the first half of his games, Matt Moore he has completed 13-of-26 passes for two touchdowns against one interception, for a passer rating of 80.1. After the intermission, Moore has completed 18 of 30 for 348 yards, with four touchdowns, one interception and a passer rating of 126.1.