Miami Gardens, Florida
Sports Desk | NFL
Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were competing Sunday in an NFL Week 17 matchup at Hard Rock Stadium, with the Buccaneers leading the Dolphins 23-20 in the closing stages of regulation. The game began at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 28, 2025, as part of the 2025 regular season schedule. The outcome carries implications for Tampa Bay’s pursuit of an NFC South division title and Miami’s evaluation of its roster with playoff hopes ended, according to official box scores and live game data.
The Buccaneers, with a 7-8 record entering the game, and the Dolphins, at 6-9, matched up in what the NFL designates as an interconference regular-season contest. The teams were level early before Miami gained a halftime edge, but Tampa Bay had rallied into a narrow lead late in the fourth quarter. Official game statistics and play-by-play data show both teams trading scoring drives throughout regulation.
Key Facts & Timeline
- Who: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFC South) vs. Miami Dolphins (AFC East).
- What: Week 17 regular-season NFL game.
- When: Sunday, December 28, 2025, kickoff at 1 p.m. ET.
- Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida.
- Score in regulation: Buccaneers leading 23-20 late in the fourth quarter.
Live statistical feeds show Tampa Bay scored first on a Baker Mayfield touchdown pass to Chris Godwin Jr., while Miami answered with multiple scoring drives led by quarterback Quinn Ewers and kicker Riley Patterson. The Buccaneers held a narrow late-game advantage as the contest approached its final minutes.
Official Statements & Sources
No formal statements have been released by either franchise regarding the game result at this time. Postgame quotes from coaches or players are pending completion of the contest and availability of postgame interviews with team media relations departments.
Context & Background
The Buccaneers and Dolphins share an in-state NFL rivalry dating back to the 1970s, with Tampa Bay holding a slight historical series lead. Both teams have met sporadically over the decades, with the next scheduled matchup set for December 28, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Tampa Bay entered Week 17 still seeking to improve its standing in the NFC South and maintain playoff contention, while Miami was already eliminated from postseason contention and using late-season games to evaluate emerging talent.
Impact & Public Relevance
- Playoff implications: A Buccaneers win could bolster their position in the NFC South and keep alive slim playoff hopes entering the final week of the regular season.
- Rosters: Both teams have dealt with notable injuries and roster changes throughout the season affecting key position groups.
- Fan interest: Florida’s two NFL franchises draw considerable regional and national attention when matched, particularly late in the season with divisional stakes involved.
What Happens Next
- Completion: The game was ongoing late in the fourth quarter, with final outcome and official statistics to be posted upon conclusion.
- Standings: Final results will influence the NFC South standings and overall playoff picture entering Week 18.
- Follow-up: Standings updates and postgame analysis will be available through official NFL sources and team communications once the contest ends.
When he’s not writing, Oleh enjoys reading, discovering new tools, and staying curious about the ever-changing digital world.
