The New England Patriots, who entered Week 17 in a desperate situation, hosted the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The Patriots, in a game that saw some lead changes, won the game in a contest that had a final score that was within a field goal. The result was Miami 21, and New England 23 as the Patriots kept some playoff hopes alive for the final week of the season.
Game Summary Week 17: Miami vs New England
- Final score: Miami 21, New England 23
- The Dolphins fell to 8-8
- The Patriots, with the win, improved to 8-8
- Mac Jones's passer rating: 98.4
- Teddy Bridgewater's passer rating: 85.7
Mac Jones passes for 203 yards
Mac Jones of the Patriots was the winning quarterback in the game. He had 203 passing yards in the outing and his ratio of TDs to INTs was 2 to 0. Jones had a passer rating of 98.4. Meanwhile, Teddy Bridgewater of the Dolphins was the losing quarterback in the game. He had 161 passing yards in the outing and his ratio of TDs to INTs was 1 to 1. Bridgewater had a passer rating of 85.7. Skylar Thompson, in relief, had a passer rating of 66.4 in the game.
Dolphins @ Patriots Sunday: playoff updates now
With the loss, the Dolphins are now 8-8 on the season. They were playing the game without Tua Tagovailoa, a player who had concussion protocols. Furthermore, they played without Teddy Bridgewater for part of the game as he injured his hand.
With the loss, the Miami Dolphins need a win next week against the New York Jets. They would also need some results in other games to go their way. They have, in effect, lost control of their own destiny despite being 8-3 several weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the Patriots improved to 8-8 with the 2-point victory. If they win next week, then they are into the playoffs without having to worry about any other results. They do play Buffalo next week, which should be a tough game, especially with the Bills hosting. A Patriots' victory would also eliminate the Dolphins from contention.
Further reading: Our recent NFL Power Rankings
