Florida NFL weekend news: Jaguars dominate, Dolphins win in Spain, Buccaneers fall in shootout
It was a weekend of contrasting fortunes for Florida’s NFL franchises, with the Miami Dolphins taking their show overseas in a headline-grabbing international clash.
Elsewhere, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers found themselves in a high-octane battle with significant playoff implications, and the Jacksonville Jaguars returned home aiming to steady their momentum in a pivotal AFC matchup.
Here, Florida News Blitz writer Taylor Stephenson breaks down how all three games unfolded — and what they could mean in the weeks ahead.
Jags put the AFC on notice
The Jacksonville Jaguars sent a statement this weekend, dominating the Chargers 35–6. From start to finish, it was a physical performance — and one that could have significant playoff implications.
The run game was relentless: Travis Etienne Jr scored twice, while rookie Bhayshul Tuten added another short touchdown, and led the Jags on the ground with 74 yards.
The Jags' defence was dominant throughout all four quarters; despite losing rookie Travis Hunter for the remainder of the season, they held the Chargers to just two field goals.
Josh Hines-Allen made history, breaking the Jaguars’ all-time sack record, while Antonio Johnson came up big with the pick that set up one of the late scores.
The win boosts the Jags' record to 6–4 and keeps their playoff hopes very much alive as they chase the pack going into the business end of the season.
Buccaneers show their firepower - and their frustration
The Bucs engaged in a wild, high-scoring shootout with the Buffalo Bills; While the final result wasn’t in their favour, Tampa Bay’s offence left plenty to admire.
Sean Tucker powered the ground game, rushing for a career-high 106 yards and scoring twice on the ground, with Baker Mayfield also running one in himself.
Tucker added another score through the air as the Bills managed to keep rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka to just five receptions for 40 yards and no score.
Despite their offensive firepower, the Bucs struggled defensively, and two late touchdowns by the Bills sealed their fate.
With the defeat, Tampa Bay’s record dips to 6-4, and their tough run doesn’t get any easier this week as they take on the 8-2 Los Angeles Rams.
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Dolphins go global in gritty overtime showdown
The Miami Dolphins made history by playing in the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Spain against the Washington Commanders, extending their winning streak to back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
In a tense, tightly contested match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Miami leaned on big plays from both sides of the ball.
An interception in overtime set up the game-winning 29-yard field goal, delivering a dramatic victory abroad.
Running back De’Von Achane was a standout once again for Miami, racking up over 120 rushing yards with another 45 through the air, whilst also playing a key role in the game-winning drive.
The win brings momentum into Miami as they head into their bye week, and means fans can perhaps now ditch their paperbag masks.
Up next in the Sunshine State
With the Dolphins enjoying their bye week, only two Florida-based teams are in action this weekend, with both games taking place outside the state.
The Jags head out west to the desert to take on the struggling Arizona Cardinals in the Sunday late slots as they look to mount a serious playoff charge going into the final few weeks of the season.
The Rams and SoFi Stadium host Baker and the Bucs for Sunday Night Football.
The Rams are flying high and are many people's Super Bowl favourites, so this will once again be a challenging game for the Bucs as they look to bounce back after two straight defeats.
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