So, you're looking for the Dolphins score. Honestly, if you were hoping for a late-season miracle to catapult Miami into the playoffs, the news from Foxborough isn't what anyone in South Florida wanted to hear.
The Miami Dolphins closed out their 2025-2026 regular season with a rough 10-38 loss against the New England Patriots.
It wasn't just a loss; it was a definitive "season over" moment that left the Fins with a 7-10 record. If you’re checking the score right now hoping for a live update on a playoff game, the reality is a bit harsher: the Dolphins are officially in the offseason. While teams like the Bills and Patriots are moving into the Divisional Round this weekend, Miami is back at the drawing board.
What's the score for the Miami Dolphins game against New England?
The final whistle at Gillette Stadium told the whole story. 38-10.
Miami actually kept it somewhat competitive in the first half—well, sort of. They went into the locker room down 17-10 after a Malik Washington touchdown reception from Quinn Ewers. But the second half? Total collapse. The Patriots scored 21 unanswered points while the Dolphins' offense basically went into hibernation.
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The biggest headache for Miami’s defense was Rhamondre Stevenson. The guy was a one-man wrecking crew, finding the end zone three different times. Whether it was on the ground or catching passes from Drake Maye, the Dolphins had zero answers for him.
Why the 10-38 Score Matters
This wasn't just another Week 18 game. This loss cemented a third-place finish in the AFC East. It also marked the end of an era in some ways. Just days after the game, the organization made the massive decision to move on from head coach Mike McDaniel.
When you look at the final score, you see the symptoms of a larger problem. The offense, which used to be this high-flying, track-meet-style unit, averaged only about 15 points over the final month of the season.
The 2025-2026 Season at a Glance
Miami’s season was a literal roller coaster. They started 0-3, then somehow clawed their way back to respectability in the middle of the year, only to fall apart when the weather turned cold.
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- September Slump: A winless start that had everyone questioning the roster depth.
- The International Spark: That narrow 16-13 overtime win against Washington in Madrid felt like it might save the season.
- The December Slide: Losing three of their last four games, including a 45-21 blowout at home against the Bengals.
Basically, the Dolphins were a team that could beat the Jets (twice!) but couldn't hold their own against the heavy hitters of the AFC. They finished 3-3 in the division, which sounds okay until you realize they got swept by a New England team that looks like a legitimate Super Bowl contender again.
Breaking Down the Stats
If you look past the 10-38 score, the box score reveals where things went sideways. Quinn Ewers, stepping in for Tua Tagovailoa, finished 16 for 23 with 137 yards. On paper, 69% completion isn't terrible, but when you're only averaging 6 yards per attempt, you aren't threatening anybody's secondary.
The run game was equally stagnant. De'Von Achane has been the spark plug for this team, but New England's front seven treated him like a backup. Without a ground game to respect, the Patriots' pass rushers just pinned their ears back and made life miserable for the Miami O-line.
On the other side of the ball, the defense was gassed. They allowed over 340 yards of total offense. Drake Maye, who is making a very strong case for NFL MVP, looked like he was playing a 7-on-7 drill for most of the second half.
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What's Next for the Fins?
Since the Dolphins aren't playing today, the "score" that matters now is in the front office.
The search for a new head coach is officially on. Names are already flying around, and the rumor mill is spinning faster than a Tyreek Hill route. The Dolphins have some pieces—Achane is a star, and the receiving corps is still elite—but the lack of consistency at quarterback and the aging defense are massive red flags.
Expect a lot of noise about the 2026 NFL Draft. Miami will likely have a mid-first-round pick, and with the coaching staff being overhauled, nobody's spot on the roster is truly safe.
If you're a fan, the focus now shifts from "what's the score" to "who's the coach." It's going to be a long, busy spring in Miami Gardens.
Actionable Steps for Dolphins Fans
- Track the Coaching Search: Follow local beat writers for updates on who the Dolphins are interviewing to replace McDaniel.
- Monitor the Salary Cap: Miami has some tough decisions to make with veteran contracts this March.
- Watch the Playoffs: The Patriots and Bills are still in the hunt; watching how they play can give you an idea of the standard Miami needs to reach to compete in the AFC East next year.