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The Miami Dolphins scored a much-needed victory on Thursday Night Football, defeating the Buffalo Bills 22-9 in perhaps the biggest must-win game of the season.

They started off fast, then gave up momentum and couldn't seem to gain it back for a good quarter and a half thanks to a Ryan Tannehill fumble when the score was tied at 3-3 early in the second quarter.

The Bills would outscore Miami 6-0 in that time, failing to capitalize.

Midway through the third quarter, the Dolphins would answer a Bills field goal with a touchdown, taking a 10-9 lead. This would be followed by a safety, and then on Miami's next offensive drive (following a Jarvis Landry fumble on the free kick and missed Dan Carpenter field goal), the Dolphins would add another touchdown.

One more field goal late in the fourth quarter and the Dolphins would wind up with the victory, all while the defense clamped down on the Bills, allowing two yards rushing in the second half and shutting down every passing lane Buffalo exploited in the first half.

For a plethora of reasons the Miami Dolphins have to feel nothing but satisfied by their 22-9 victory over the Buffalo Bills.

The first reason is easy: It's a victory. Secondly, it's a victory over a division rival.

There's more to that, though, as they scored a victory over a division rival that they have had issues defeating. Going into Thursday night's contest, the Bills had won the last three games between the two teams, as well as four out of the last five.

Buffalo also helped to keep Miami out of the playoffs in 2013. This time around, Miami's victory over the Bills could keep Buffalo out of the postseason.

Most importantly, Miami's at 6-4 with its playoffs hopes very alive and well. A 4-2 finish to the season gets the team in.

Here are the grades for Miami's victory over the Bills, one that the Dolphins will have plenty of time to enjoy with a 10-day break coming up.