Game story
In Week 13 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-12-02, the Miami Dolphins took care of business against the Buffalo Bills, pulling away with a 21–17 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 15 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Allen (Buffalo Bills) paced the passing game, with +9.95 total EPA, and +8.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Allen (Buffalo Bills) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.95 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-20.8% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Buffalo Bills changed the game: (1:05) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass incomplete deep right to 85-C.Clay.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills | 0 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 17 |
| Miami Dolphins | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Allen · Buffalo Bills · Passing · +9.95 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
- 2 Z. Jones · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +5.82 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
- 3 P. DiMarco · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +2.61 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.61 EPA/play
- 4 D. Parker · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +1.72 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 5 K. Stills · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +1.72 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
- 6 F. Gore · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +1.44 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.44 EPA/play
- 7 I. McKenzie · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +1.35 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
- 8 D. Thompson · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +1.06 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.06 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Allen — BUF · Passing
J. Allen posted the highest total EPA (+9.95) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Buffalo Bills's efficiency. Across 46 counted snaps, they averaged +0.22 EPA per play.
The signature play (+3.85 EPA) came from Miami Dolphins: (3:51) (Punt formation) 2-M.Haack punts 38 yards to BUF 30, Center-92-J.Denney. 19-I.McKenzie MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by MIA-34-S.Perry at BUF 36. 34-S.Perry to BUF 36 for no gain (51-J.Stanford).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Miami Dolphins — D. Parker (R. Tannehill pass)
- Buffalo Bills — Z. Jones (J. Allen pass)
- Miami Dolphins — K. Drake (R. Tannehill pass)
- Buffalo Bills — Z. Jones (J. Allen pass)
- Miami Dolphins — K. Stills (R. Tannehill pass)
Field goals
- Buffalo Bills — S. Hauschka
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 7–0. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the BUF 18 (Q1 54:49) — (9:49) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill pass deep middle to 11-D.Parker for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN [55-J.Hughes].; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q1 54:42) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack..
The second quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 7–6. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the MIA 15 (Q2 41:53); Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the BUF 3 (Q2 30:44) — (:44) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill pass short left to 32-K.Drake for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q2 30:40) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack..
The third quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 3–0. Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the MIA 14 (Q3 24:06) — (9:06) (Field Goal formation) 4-S.Hauschka 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-M.Darr..
The fourth quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 8–7. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the MIA 25 (Q4 12:05) — (12:05) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep middle to 11-Z.Jones for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills registered a safety from the MIA 2 (Q4 12:00) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-J.Allen pass to 11-Z.Jones is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the BUF 13 (Q4 8:48) — (8:48) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill pass short left to 10-K.Stills for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN [93-T.Murphy].; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q4 8:42) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Buffalo Bills (Q4 1:05) — (1:05) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass incomplete deep right to 85-C.Clay.
- Buffalo Bills (Q4 5:14) — (5:14) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen sacked at MIA 30 for -7 yards (28-B.McCain).
- Buffalo Bills (Q4 12:05) — (12:05) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep middle to 11-Z.Jones for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Miami Dolphins (Q4 8:48) — (8:48) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill pass short left to 10-K.Stills for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN [93-T.Murphy].
- Buffalo Bills (Q4 6:37) — (6:37) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen scrambles left tackle pushed ob at MIA 24 for 26 yards (28-B.McCain).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Miami Dolphins (Q2 33:51) — (3:51) (Punt formation) 2-M.Haack punts 38 yards to BUF 30, Center-92-J.Denney. 19-I.McKenzie MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by MIA-34-S.Perry at BUF 36. 34-S.Perry to BUF 36 for no gain (51-J.Stanford).
- Buffalo Bills (Q4 12:05) — (12:05) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep middle to 11-Z.Jones for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Miami Dolphins (Q1 54:49) — (9:49) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill pass deep middle to 11-D.Parker for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN [55-J.Hughes].
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 41:53) — (11:53) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass short right to 11-Z.Jones for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-C.Wake]. PENALTY on MIA-91-C.Wake, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
Quarterback report card
J.Allen led all passers in efficiency for Buffalo Bills, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Allen (Buffalo Bills) · 46 dropbacks · 39.1% completion · +8.9% CPOE · +0.22 EPA/play · +9.95 total EPA
- R.Tannehill (Miami Dolphins) · 31 dropbacks · 51.6% completion · +4.1% CPOE · +0.02 EPA/play · +0.64 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Buffalo Bills | Miami Dolphins |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.003 | +0.012 |
| Offensive success rate | 41.6% | 40.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.216 | +0.021 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.162 | -0.223 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.012 | +0.003 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.2% | 58.4% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Buffalo Bills -0.00, Miami Dolphins +0.01) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Buffalo Bills: 11 drives, -0.23 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Miami Dolphins: 12 drives, +0.83 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Miami Dolphins leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- J. Allen (Buffalo Bills) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Allen (BUF) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- R. Tannehill (MIA) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q1 54:49 · BUF 18 · Score 0-6
(9:49) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill pass deep middle to 11-D.Parker for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN [55-J.Hughes]. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q1 54:42 · BUF 15 · Score 0-7
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack. - Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q2 41:53 · MIA 15 · Score 6-7
(11:53) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass short right to 11-Z.Jones for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-C.Wake]. PENALTY on MIA-91-C.Wake, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforc - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q2 30:44 · BUF 3 · Score 6-13
(:44) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill pass short left to 32-K.Drake for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q2 30:40 · BUF 15 · Score 6-14
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack. - Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q3 24:06 · MIA 14 · Score 9-14
(9:06) (Field Goal formation) 4-S.Hauschka 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-M.Darr. - Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q4 12:05 · MIA 25 · Score 15-14
(12:05) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep middle to 11-Z.Jones for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Buffalo Bills Safety (+2) — Q4 12:00 · MIA 2 · Score 17-14
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-J.Allen pass to 11-Z.Jones is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q4 8:48 · BUF 13 · Score 17-20
(8:48) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill pass short left to 10-K.Stills for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN [93-T.Murphy]. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q4 8:42 · BUF 15 · Score 17-21
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins?
The Miami Dolphins beat the Buffalo Bills 21-17 in Week 13, 2018 on 2018-12-02.
What was the final score of Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins?
The final score was Buffalo Bills 17, Miami Dolphins 21 (BUF 17-21 MIA) in Week 13, 2018 on 2018-12-02.
What was the score by quarter in Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins?
Q1: Buffalo Bills 0, Miami Dolphins 7; Q2: Buffalo Bills 6, Miami Dolphins 7; Q3: Buffalo Bills 3, Miami Dolphins 0; Q4: Buffalo Bills 8, Miami Dolphins 7; Final: Buffalo Bills 17, Miami Dolphins 21.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins?
Miami Dolphins touchdown — D. Parker (R. Tannehill pass) (Q1 54:49) Buffalo Bills touchdown — Z. Jones (J. Allen pass) (Q2 41:53) Miami Dolphins touchdown — K. Drake (R. Tannehill pass) (Q2 30:44) Buffalo Bills touchdown — Z. Jones (J. Allen pass) (Q4 12:05) Miami Dolphins touchdown — K. Stills (R. Tannehill pass) (Q4 8:48) Buffalo Bills field goal — S. Hauschka (Q3 24:06, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins?
J. Allen (Buffalo Bills), 39.1% completion, +8.9% CPOE, +0.22 EPA per dropback, +9.95 total passing EPA. R. Tannehill (Miami Dolphins), 51.6% completion, +4.1% CPOE, +0.02 EPA per dropback, +0.64 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins?
J. Allen (Buffalo Bills) led the game in total EPA with +9.95 on passing plays. across 46 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+3.85 EPA): (3:51) (Punt formation) 2-M.Haack punts 38 yards to BUF 30, Center-92-J.Denney. 19-I.McKenzie MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by MIA-34-S.Perry at BUF 36. 34-S.Perry to BUF 36 for no gain (. The biggest win-probability swing was -20.8%.
Was Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. Miami Dolphins won 21-17 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Buffalo Bills
Entered 4-7 Now 4-8 L
Miami Dolphins
Entered 5-6 Now 6-6 W
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