NFL fans can't believe blatant fumble ruled out in Patriots game 

The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots are embroiled in a key matchup today. The Dolphins are clinging to one of the final Wild Card spots in the AFC with New England breathing down their necks.

Toward the beginning of the game, the refs made what could end up being a crucial call in favor of the Dolphins. The Patriots appeared to force a fumble on a rush by Raheem Mostert, but the refs ruled it down to forward progress instead.

NFL reporter Dov Kleiman said:

"Awful play call against the Patriots, the Dolphins clearly fumble the ball but the refs called it forward progress and this can't be reviewed."

As a result, the Dolphins maintained possession in the game, which could determine a playoff spot when it's all said and done. NFL fans couldn't believe the call.

The refs called a key fumble against the Bengals last week, which may have cost New England a win in that game.

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Are the Patriots in the playoffs?

If the season ended today, New England would miss the playoffs. The seventh and final seed in the AFC is held by today's opponent, the Dolphins. One game separates the two.

The New England Patriots play the Miami Dolphins

A win would put both teams at 8-8, which means whoever finishes the end of the season with the better record would end up as the most likely seventh seed. Other teams can get it, but it does seem like one of these two will end up playing in the postseason.

That is precisely what makes this game so crucial. A loss by New England would all but eliminate them from the playoffs with just one game remaining since the Los Angeles Chargers locked up the second wild-card spot.

With such an important game, it's difficult for fans to swallow unfortunate calls by the referees. If they can withstand that and win, they'll be in a great position to return to the postseason. If not, they might be pondering 'what if' for a long time.