The Miami Dolphins entered Week 6 of the 2020 NFL season in search of their first home win of the year. The team was 0-2 entering the game against the New York Jets, with losses coming to the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks in tough, one score games. Perhaps the most frustrating part about the Dolphins’ early losses at home? Both games were there for the taking for the Dolphins — Miami had successfully secured a 24-20 lead against the Bills in the 4th-quarter and was within two points (17-15) of Seattle midway through the final quarter before late-game meltdowns cost Miami both games.
There would be no meltdown on Sunday against the New York Jets. The Dolphins put this game away quickly, finishing off the first shutout of the 2020 season with a 24-0 victory over their hated rival and their former coach, Adam Gase.
And with that, the South Florida home field advantage is alive and well. With the victory over the Jets, Miami has moved to 21-14 (0.600) at Hard Rock Stadium since the start of the 2016 season. Given the woeful start to the season for Miami in 2019 and the frustrating losses to open the 2020 campaign, it would seem as though the Dolphins have room for improvement while still offering a 60% win percentage at home in recent years. Miami’s remaining home games this season?
- Los Angeles Rams
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Kansas City Chiefs
- New England Patriots
The law of averages suggests Miami should win three of four of these contests to finish the season with a winning record at Hard Rock Stadium this season — which would continue the strong recent trend of success in the friendly confines of South Florida. The home field advantage of heat was prevalent early in the season but did not yield wins, perhaps two cross-country road trips from both Los Angeles teams and getting the cold-weather Chiefs and Patriots at home in December can serve as a bigger catalyst to wins.
But for now, Miami’s home field advantage is back in the win column with a week off to prep for their next crack at securing yet another victory.