If you’re looking for the final score of the miami dolphins game, the numbers on the board at Gillette Stadium told a pretty brutal story for the Fins. It ended 38-10 in favor of the New England Patriots.
That was it. The 2025-2026 regular season wrapped up on January 4, 2026, and honestly, it wasn't the heroic exit fans were hoping for.
Football is weird. One week you’re clinching a gritty win against Tampa Bay, and the next, you're watching Rhamondre Stevenson run through your defense like they're made of wet paper. This game was the definition of "one team is heading to the playoffs and the other is heading to the golf course." New England looked like a machine, finishing their year at 14-3, while Miami limped home with a 7-10 record.
Breaking Down the Scoring: How it Fell Apart
The first quarter was a nightmare. Miami came out flat, and the Patriots smelled blood immediately. TreVeyon Henderson punched in a 5-yard touchdown just minutes into the game. Before the Dolphins could even catch their breath, Stevenson added a 2-yard score.
14-0. Fast.
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Miami did show a little spark in the second quarter. Quinn Ewers—who was under center for Miami in this one—found Malik Washington for a 2-yard touchdown. It felt like maybe, just maybe, they had a comeback in them. Riley Patterson even nailed a 52-yard field goal right before the half to make it 14-10.
But then, the momentum just evaporated.
New England's Andres Borregales kicked a monster 59-yard field goal as time expired in the second, and Miami never scored again. The second half was a total shutout. Stevenson caught a 15-yard touchdown from Drake Maye, then ripped off a 35-yard run for another score. By the time Henderson added his second rushing touchdown in the fourth, most Fins fans had already changed the channel.
The Stats That Hurt
- Total Points: New England 38, Miami 10.
- Rushing Dominance: The Patriots' ground game was basically a steamroller.
- Passing: Drake Maye looked composed; Miami's offense looked disjointed.
- Final Record: Miami finishes 7-10, 3rd in the AFC East.
Why This Score Matters for the 2026 Season
Basically, this game was the final nail in the coffin for the Mike McDaniel era. It’s been a wild ride with him, but reports are already circulating that the team has moved on. You can't really blame the front office. When you finish 7-10 and get blown out by your divisional rival in the finale, people lose their jobs.
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There's a lot of "what if" going around. What if the mid-season turnaround had started earlier? After starting 1-6, the Dolphins actually won five of their next six games. For a second there, it looked like they might pull off a miracle. But the Week 15 loss to Pittsburgh effectively ended the dream, and this loss to the Patriots just confirmed they weren't ready for the big stage yet.
The 2026 schedule is already looking like a beast. According to analysts like Alain Poupart, Miami is looking at the second-toughest strength of schedule in the NFL next year. They’ll be facing the NFC North—which was a powerhouse this past year—along with the usual AFC East gauntlet.
What's Next for the Fins?
The offseason is going to be a frenzy. With Champ Kelly having stepped in as interim GM after Chris Grier moved on in October, the front office is in total flux.
Here is what is actually on the horizon:
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- Finding a Head Coach: The search is officially on.
- The Draft: Miami holds the No. 13 pick. Do they go defense or look for more protection for whoever is under center?
- The 17th Game: It’s confirmed. Miami will play the San Francisco 49ers in 2026 after the Rams edged them out in the NFC West standings.
It's tough. Being a Dolphins fan usually involves a lot of "there's always next year," and 2025 was no different. The 10-38 score of the miami dolphins game was a tough pill to swallow, but it also provides a clear baseline for where this team needs to improve. They need more consistency on defense and a run game that can actually keep up when the passing attack stalls out.
If you're keeping track of the postseason, the Patriots and Bills are the only ones moving on from the AFC East. For Miami, the focus shifts entirely to the NFL Draft and rebuilding a coaching staff that can survive the brutal schedule waiting for them in September.
Immediate Actions for Fans:
- Watch the coaching search updates—names like Ben Johnson or even a return of a veteran defensive mind are already being whispered.
- Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl. With the 13th pick, Miami needs an immediate starter, likely on the offensive line or at edge rusher.
- Check the final 2026 opponent list—the home games include Kansas City and the Chargers, so season tickets won't be cheap.
The season is over, but the work for 2026 has already started.