On November 28, 2024, the Miami Dolphins vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats in a chilly Thanksgiving night game at Lambeau Field. The final score of 30-17 in favor of the Packers showcased a battle of resilience, explosive plays, and standout performances in freezing conditions. Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan, a fantasy football enthusiast, or just curious about the stats, this breakdown dives into the key player performances, team stats, and pivotal moments that defined this exciting Week 13 matchup. Let’s unpack the Miami Dolphins vs Green Bay Packers match player stats in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages!
Game Overview: A Cold Night at Lambeau
The Dolphins, riding a three-game winning streak, entered the game hoping to reach a .500 record for the first time since Week 2. Led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, they faced a tough challenge against a Packers team that had regained momentum with wins over the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers. The frigid Wisconsin weather, with a kickoff temperature of 27°F and a wind chill of 18°F, posed an extra hurdle for Miami, a team known for struggling in cold conditions. Despite bringing over 3,000 pounds of cold-weather gear, the Dolphins couldn’t keep up with Green Bay’s fast start and balanced attack, as the Packers improved to a 9-3 record.
This game was a tale of two halves. The Packers dominated early, building a 24-3 lead by halftime, thanks to a muffed punt by Miami’s Malik Washington and efficient offensive drives. The Dolphins showed fight in the second half, with Tagovailoa leading a comeback attempt, but a critical goal-line stand by Green Bay’s defense sealed the victory. Let’s dive into the player stats and see who shined, who struggled, and how the game unfolded.
Key Player Stats: Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa (Quarterback)
Tua Tagovailoa put up an impressive performance despite the loss, showing why he’s the cornerstone of Miami’s offense. He completed 37 of 46 passes for 365 yards, throwing two touchdowns with no interceptions, earning a quarterback rating of 114.2. His accuracy and ability to spread the ball around kept the Dolphins in the game, especially in the second half when they mounted a comeback attempt. Notable moments included a 14-yard touchdown pass to De’Von Achane and a 12-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill, both in the second half. However, Tua faced relentless pressure, taking five sacks, which disrupted Miami’s rhythm at key moments.
Jonnu Smith (Tight End)
Tight end Jonnu Smith was a focal point of Miami’s passing game, hauling in 10 receptions for 113 yards. This marked his second game of the season with over 100 receiving yards, showcasing his growing chemistry with Tagovailoa. Smith’s ability to find open spaces and convert crucial third-down plays kept drives alive, though he didn’t find the end zone. For fantasy football players, Smith’s 13.2 PPR points were a solid contribution, making him a reliable option at the tight end position.
Tyreek Hill (Wide Receiver)
Nicknamed “Cheetah” for his blazing speed, Tyreek Hill lived up to his reputation as a game-changer. He caught six passes for 83 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that gave Miami a late spark. While Hill’s first half was quiet (just 1.2 PPR points), he heated up late, finishing with 20+ PPR points for fantasy managers. His explosive plays, including a 20+ yard reception, tested Green Bay’s secondary, but the Packers’ disciplined coverage limited his overall impact.
De’Von Achane (Running Back)
Running back De’Von Achane was a dual-threat weapon, contributing both as a rusher and receiver. He carried the ball five times for 19 yards and caught eight passes for 56 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown in the third quarter. His two-point conversion catch from Tagovailoa helped cut Green Bay’s lead to 27-11, giving Miami a glimmer of hope. Achane’s 15.7 PPR points were a bright spot for fantasy players, though Miami’s run game struggled overall, totaling just 39 yards.
Jaylen Waddle (Wide Receiver)
Jaylen Waddle had a quieter night, catching four passes for 53 yards. His biggest contribution came on a two-point conversion after Achane’s touchdown, which kept Miami’s comeback hopes alive. Waddle’s 2.6 PPR points in the first half were disappointing for fantasy managers, but his clutch catches in critical moments showed his value to the team.
Defensive Standouts
The Dolphins’ defense struggled to contain Green Bay’s balanced attack, allowing 388 total yards. Linebacker Tyrel Dodson led the team with 10 total tackles (five solo), while Jordyn Brooks added nine tackles (five solo) and one tackle for loss. Safety Jordan Poyer also recorded nine tackles, though only two were solo. Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah contributed five tackles, and Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell each recorded a quarterback hit. However, Miami failed to register a single sack, putting little pressure on Packers quarterback Jordan Love. The secondary, led by Jalen Ramsey and Siran Neal (each with one pass deflection), struggled to contain Green Bay’s passing attack, allowing 274 yards.
Key Player Stats: Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love (Quarterback)
Jordan Love was the star of the night, earning the John Madden Trophy and two turkey legs for his performance. He completed 21 of 28 passes for 274 yards, throwing two touchdowns to Jayden Reed without an interception. His poise under pressure and ability to connect on big plays, like a 46-yard pass to Christian Watson, kept the Packers in control. Love’s 20 passing touchdowns on the season highlight his growth as Green Bay’s franchise quarterback, and his clean play (no turnovers) was crucial in the win. For fantasy players, Love’s performance was a feast, delivering strong points in a high-profile game.
Josh Jacobs (Running Back)
Running back Josh Jacobs was a workhorse, totaling 23 touches for 117 yards (43 rushing, 74 receiving) and a 1-yard rushing touchdown. His physical running style punished Miami’s defense, especially on a 12-play, 76-yard drive in the first quarter that ended with his score. Jacobs’ versatility as a receiver out of the backfield, including a 49-yard catch, added balance to Green Bay’s offense. His 117 total yards and touchdown made him a fantasy football stud for the week.
Jayden Reed (Wide Receiver)
Wide receiver Jayden Reed was Love’s favorite target, catching three passes for 34 yards and two touchdowns (3 yards and 12 yards). His first score came after a muffed punt gave Green Bay prime field position, and his second capped a clutch drive before halftime. Reed’s seven total touchdowns on the season (six receiving) make him a rising star in the Packers’ offense and a valuable fantasy asset with 20+ PPR points in this game.
Tucker Kraft (Tight End)
Tight end Tucker Kraft had a solid night, catching six passes for 78 yards. His 17-yard reception on third-and-3 and a nine-yard screen pass set up key scores. Kraft’s consistency (33.5 receiving yards over/under) makes him a reliable fantasy option, though he didn’t find the end zone. His 8.33 half-PPR points were a nice bonus for managers who started him.
Christian Watson (Wide Receiver)
Christian Watson made a highlight-reel play with a diving 46-yard catch, finishing with three receptions for 68 yards. His ability to stretch the field opened up opportunities for Green Bay’s other weapons. Watson’s performance atoned for a dropped touchdown the previous week, making him a sneaky fantasy pickup for those who started him.
Defensive Standouts
Green Bay’s defense was relentless, recording 71 total tackles (51 solo) and five sacks on Tagovailoa. Linebackers Isaiah McDuffie and Quay Walker each had 10 tackles, with Walker adding a crucial fourth-down sack at the goal line to stop Miami’s comeback. Safety Xavier McKinney contributed nine tackles (seven solo), and Keisean Nixon had six solo tackles and a pass deflection. Defensive end Kingsley Enagbare and linebacker Lukas Van Ness each recorded a sack, while defensive tackle Kenny Clark added another. The Packers’ goal-line stand, highlighted by Rashan Gary’s run stop and Walker’s sack, was the defining moment of the game.
Team Miami Dolphins vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats Comparison
|
Category |
Miami Dolphins |
Green Bay Packers |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
375 | 388 |
|
Passing Yards |
336 | 274 |
|
Rushing Yards |
39 | 114 |
|
Turnovers |
1 | 0 |
|
1st Downs |
21 | 19 |
|
3rd Down Conv. |
4/14 (28.6%) | 5/11 (45.5%) |
|
4th Down Conv. |
3/5 (60%) | 0/0 (0%) |
|
Red Zone |
2/4 (50%) | 3/5 (60%) |
|
Penalties |
10-75 yards |
7-44 yards |
|
Possession Time |
33:04 | 26:56 |
The Packers’ balanced attack (114 rushing yards, 274 passing yards) and zero turnovers gave them the edge. Miami’s 336 passing yards were impressive, but their inability to run the ball (39 yards) made them one-dimensional, especially in catch-up mode. Green Bay’s defense capitalized on this, pressuring Tagovailoa and limiting Miami’s third-down conversions.
Pivotal Moments That Shaped the Game
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Muffed Punt Sets the Tone: Early in the first quarter, Miami’s Malik Washington muffed a punt, and Green Bay’s Robert Rochell recovered at the Dolphins’ 9-yard line. Three plays later, Love hit Reed for a 3-yard touchdown, giving the Packers a 7-0 lead.
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Jacobs’ Rushing Touchdown: Green Bay’s 12-play, 76-yard drive in the first quarter, capped by Jacobs’ 1-yard touchdown, showcased their physicality and consumed nearly seven minutes, putting Miami in a 14-0 hole.
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Goal-Line Stand: With Miami trailing 27-11 in the fourth quarter and facing second-and-goal at the 1-yard line, Green Bay’s defense stood tall. Rashan Gary stopped Achane for a loss, Keisean Nixon deflected a pass, and Quay Walker sacked Tagovailoa on fourth down, ending Miami’s comeback hopes.
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Late Field Goal Seals It: After the goal-line stand, Love connected with Jacobs for a 49-yard pass, setting up a 33-yard field goal by Brandon McManus to make it 30-11 with 5:02 left, effectively icing the game.
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Hill’s Late Touchdown: Tagovailoa’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Hill with 3:04 remaining brought the score to 30-17, but it was too little, too late for Miami.
Fantasy Football Impact
For fantasy football players, this game had plenty of winners and losers:
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Winners: Jordan Love (274 yards, 2 TDs), Josh Jacobs (117 total yards, 1 TD), Jayden Reed (2 TDs), Jonnu Smith (10 receptions, 113 yards), De’Von Achane (15.7 PPR points), and Tyreek Hill (20+ PPR points with a late TD).
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Losers: Jaylen Waddle (2.6 PPR points in the first half), Miami’s run game (39 yards), and the Dolphins’ defense (no sacks, no turnovers).
Green Bay’s players benefited from the early lead, while Miami’s stars like Hill and Achane salvaged their fantasy days with strong second-half performances.
Miami Dolphins vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats Historical Context
The Packers improved their all-time record against the Dolphins to 7-10, with Miami still leading the series. The Dolphins have now lost 12 straight games in cold weather (kickoff temperature below 40°F), a trend that continued in this game. Green Bay’s third straight win solidified their place in the NFC North race, while Miami’s loss dropped them to 5-7, making their playoff path tougher.
Looking Ahead
The Packers (9-3) face a quick turnaround with a Thursday night showdown against the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions. Their balanced offense and stout defense make them a legitimate playoff contender. The Dolphins (5-7) head home to face the New York Jets on December 8, needing to regroup to keep their playoff hopes alive. Tagovailoa’s 300+ yard performance shows Miami’s offense can compete, but their cold-weather struggles and defensive lapses need addressing.
Conclusion
The Miami Dolphins vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats on Thanksgiving 2024 was a thrilling clash of styles, with Green Bay’s discipline and fast start overpowering Miami’s explosive offense. Standout performances from Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, Jayden Reed, Tua Tagovailoa, Jonnu Smith, and Tyreek Hill gave fans plenty to cheer about, while Green Bay’s goal-line stand was the defining moment. Whether you’re analyzing stats for fantasy football or just love the game, this breakdown of player stats and key moments captures the excitement of this NFL Week 13 showdown. Stay tuned for more NFL action as both teams push toward the playoffs!