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Gabe Davis' 23-yard touchdown late in the third quarter ultimately proved to be the decisive score| Dates: Saturday, 14 - Monday, 16 February |
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The Buffalo Bills held on for a thrilling 34-31 win over the Miami Dolphins to book their spot in week two of the NFL play-offs.
The pre-season Super Bowl favourites and AFC second seeds, Buffalo charged into a 17-0 lead.
Miami lost five of their last six games of the regular season yet managed to snatch a 24-20 lead after half-time.
The Bills hit back with two quickfire touchdowns but another Miami score left the hosts hanging on in a nervy finish.
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With Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater out injured, out-of-form Miami had to start their third-choice quarterback, rookie Skylar Thompson, and the Bills soon looked set for a blowout win.
Quarterback Josh Allen found Dawson Knox for a nine-yard touchdown before James Cook rushed into the end zone and Tyler Bass kicked a field goal early in the second quarter.
A couple of Allen interceptions helped the Dolphins work their way back into the game, with three straight field goals before Thompson's touchdown pass to Mike Gesicki allowed Miami to level things up.
A field goal edged the Bills back in front right before the half but, on their first possession of the second half, Miami forced an Allen fumble and defensive end Zach Sieler recovered it to give the Dolphins a surprise lead.
But Miami chucked away their lead as they opted to throw on three-and-19, and Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam intercepted to give Allen the chance to pick out Cole Beasley for a six-yard score.
On Buffalo's next drive, Gabe Davis kept his feet inbounds to make a 23-yard touchdown catch and make it 34-24 to the Bills.
Yet Miami still were not done as Jeff Wilson got in from a yard in the final quarter, meaning a field goal would take it into overtime.
However, they could not get themselves within range on their final possession.
The first round of the NFL play-offs, known as the wildcard weekend, continues with two more games on Sunday and another on Monday.
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