Patriots vs. Dolphins score: Live updates, game stats, highlights, analysis for Week 17 game

The Week 17 game between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots functions as a playoff game, with the AFC East rivals scratching and clawing at Foxboro for the final AFC playoff spot. The first half was a tight back and forth with the score at 7-7 after 30 minutes.

The host Patriots struck first, making 10 plays and covering 67 yards for the game’s first score as quarterback Mac Jones connected with rookie receiver Tyquan Thornton for a seven-yard strike. New England couldn’t muster much offense after the first drive, attacking their next two possessions before the end of halftime. Jones threw for 92 yards on 8 of 13 passes as well as the touchdown pass to Thornton.

The Dolphins’ explosive plays, which have become their trademark under first-year head coach Mike McDaniel, were not present in New England during the first half. Replacement quarterback Teddy Bridgewater started in place of Tua Tagovailoa, who is in concussion protocol again after Miami’s home loss to the Green Bay Packers a week ago. Receiver Tyreek Hill scored a two-yard rushing touchdown on a left throw play on their second practice for the Dolphins just from halftime points. The 30-year-old veteran passer had an effective first half, throwing for 136 yards on 10 of 13 passes. had just one catch for 17 yards in the first half.

Stay tuned for our second-half coverage to see if the Patriots can break through to keep their playoff dreams alive. Or maybe the Dolphins will move closer to the AFC’s final wildcard spot by ending their four-game losing streak. We’ll have all the real-time updates and analysis below!