Dolphins Edge Buccaneers 20-17 in Final Home Game, Stay in AFC Playoff Race
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| Miami Dolphins Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-17 in Final Home Game of the Season |
Game Summary
Miami struck early and maintained control for much of the afternoon, though Tampa Bay refused to go away. The Buccaneers kept the score tight with steady drives and key stops, setting up a tense final quarter.
When it mattered most, the Dolphins’ defense delivered, preventing a potential go-ahead score in the closing minutes and preserving the three-point win.
Scoring by Quarter
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dolphins | 7 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 20 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 3 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
Impact on the Standings
After this week’s results, Miami remains firmly in the playoff conversation.
AFC East standings after this round
| Team | Record | Division Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills | 10-5 | 1 |
| Miami Dolphins | 9-6 | 2 |
| New York Jets | 6-9 | 3 |
| New England Patriots | 4-11 | 4 |
Note: Records reflect games completed through Sunday.
The win keeps Miami within reach of the division lead while strengthening its position in the AFC Wild Card race.
Final Home Game Significance
Sunday marked the Dolphins’ final home appearance of the regular season. Ending that stretch with a victory was important both for team morale and for a fan base that has consistently shown up throughout the year.
The Dolphins now shift their focus to the road, where every remaining game carries postseason implications.
Strong Start, Tight Finish
Miami set the tone early, moving the ball efficiently and capitalizing on key opportunities. The Dolphins’ offense did just enough to build and protect a slim lead, while the defense stepped up in critical moments to keep Tampa Bay from taking control.
The Buccaneers stayed within striking distance throughout the game and made things interesting late, but Miami’s defense held firm in the closing minutes to seal the three-point victory.
Postgame Coverage
Fans can watch full postgame reaction and in-depth analysis from the CBS Miami sports team on 5th Quarter, airing live immediately after the game on CW Miami 33, Pluto TV, and the CBS News Miami stream.
What’s Next
With the regular season winding down, Miami will now turn its attention to the remaining games on the schedule, aiming to build consistency and confidence heading into the offseason.
Fans can catch full postgame reaction and in-depth analysis from the CBS Miami sports team on 5th Quarter, airing live immediately after the game on CW Miami 33, Pluto TV, and the CBS News Miami stream.
The Dolphins may be done at home for the season, but Sunday’s 20-17 win ensured they left their fans with a strong final impression.
