Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game from 5 January 2026 on ESPN (IN).

It's Miami Dolphins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFL Week 17 game. Follow live updates from Quinn Ewers' second career start.

It's "Monday Night Football" from frigid Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh where the Miami Dolphins (6-7) are hoping to keep their very slim NFL playoff hopes alive when they take on the Steelers (7-6).

The Miami Dolphins put together a strong performance Sunday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20–10 behind timely playmaking on both sides of the ball. Miami leaned on its rushing attack,

Barnes closed out 2025 with an Instagram dump that highlighted friends, family, graduation moments and a clip of Ewers walking out for a game. She celebrated his draft and career milestones, writing per People, “So incredibly proud and overjoyed!! Quinn, you are so deserving of this and a whole lot more!”

The Bucs' defense cannot stop the Dolphins' offense, which is being led by seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers. They marched down the field using screen passes and quick routes to get the ball into the hands of their playmakers, and as a result, they are now up 17-7 with the second half closing.

The Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets 31-10, extending their winning streak to four games. Dolphins running back De'Von Achane left the game in the second quarter with a rib injury. The Dolphins dominated the first quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points before the Jets scored on a punt return.

The Patriots host the Dolphins on Sunday. We break down what the game means for the NFL playoff picture in Week 18.