FantasyHQ · Game Recap

NFL · Week 1 · September 13, 2015 · 10 min read

Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders: 2015 Week 1 Recap

Dolphins defeat Commanders 17–10 in Week 1

Josh Cameron led Fantasy Impact as Dolphins prevailed in a 17–10 Week 1 finish.

Miami Dolphins 17 1–0 Winner
Final 17–10
Washington Commanders 10 0–1
Winner
Miami Dolphins
Final score
17–10
Halftime
Miami Dolphins 7–10 Washington Commanders
Top passer
Ryan Tannehill
FantasyHQ MVP
Josh Cameron
Game date
September 13, 2015

Top fantasy performers · Dolphins

  • Josh Cameron 4 REC · 73 YDS +4.9 Fantasy Impact
  • R.Matthews 4 REC · 34 YDS · 1 TD +2.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Gary Jennings
    Gary Jennings 3 REC · 29 YDS +2.4 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

  • P.Garcon 6 REC · 74 YDS +3.4 Fantasy Impact
  • A.Roberts 3 REC · 36 YDS +2.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Marcus Jones
    Marcus Jones 7 CAR · 28 YDS +0.7 Fantasy Impact

Game story

The Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 17–10 in Week 1 of the 2015 NFL season on 2015-09-13, a matchup that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half. The decisive swing (-23.8% win probability) came in the third quarter when Miami Dolphins swung the momentum.

In Week 1 of the 2015 NFL season on 2015-09-13, the Miami Dolphins took care of business against the Washington Commanders, pulling away with a 17–10 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

R. Tannehill (Miami Dolphins) paced the passing game, with +0.65 total EPA, and +2.1% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, J. Cameron (Miami Dolphins) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +4.92 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-23.8% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Miami Dolphins changed the game: (12:34) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill sacked at WAS 35 for -13 yards (94-P.Smith). FUMBLES (94-P.Smith) [94-P.Smith], RECOVERED by WAS-94-P.Smith at MIA 40. 94-P.Smith to MIA 40 for no gain (17-R.Tannehill

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q4T
Miami Dolphins07100017
Washington Commanders3700010

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 J. Cameron · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +4.92 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
  2. 2 P. Garcon · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +3.44 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
  3. 3 A. Roberts · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.59 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
  4. 4 R. Matthews · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +2.52 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
  5. 5 G. Jennings · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +2.40 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.80 EPA/play
  6. 6 L. Miller · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +1.58 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.58 EPA/play
  7. 7 J. Landry · Miami Dolphins · Rushing · +1.56 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.56 EPA/play
  8. 8 K. Stills · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +0.80 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

J. Cameron — MIA · Receiving

J. Cameron posted the highest total EPA (+4.92) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Miami Dolphins's efficiency. Across 7 counted snaps, they averaged +0.70 EPA per play.

The signature play (-7.32 EPA) came from Miami Dolphins: (12:34) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill sacked at WAS 35 for -13 yards (94-P.Smith). FUMBLES (94-P.Smith) [94-P.Smith], RECOVERED by WAS-94-P.Smith at MIA 40. 94-P.Smith to MIA 40 for no gain (17-R.Tannehill).

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Washington Commanders — J. Reed (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 31:54)
  • Miami Dolphins — R. Matthews (R. Tannehill pass) (Q2 30:32)
  • Miami Dolphins — J. Landry (Q4 10:38)

Field goals

  • Washington Commanders — K. Forbath (Q1 52:45)
  • Miami Dolphins — A. Franks (Q4 12:10)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 3–0. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the MIA 27 (Q1 52:45) — (7:45) 2-K.Forbath 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..

The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the MIA 4 (Q2 31:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 86-J.Reed for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q2 31:49) — 2-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the WAS 3 (Q2 30:32) — (:32) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill pass short right to 18-R.Matthews for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 30:27) — 3-A.Franks extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-4-M.Darr..

The fourth quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 10–0. Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the WAS 4 (Q4 12:10) — (12:10) 3-A.Franks 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-4-M.Darr.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the MIA 85 (Q4 10:38) — (10:38) 5-T.Way punts 54 yards to MIA 31, Center-57-N.Sundberg. 14-J.Landry for 69 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 10:22) — 3-A.Franks extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-4-M.Darr..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

  • Miami Dolphins (Q3 27:34) — (12:34) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill sacked at WAS 35 for -13 yards (94-P.Smith). FUMBLES (94-P.Smith) [94-P.Smith], RECOVERED by WAS-94-P.Smith at MIA 40. 94-P.Smith to MIA 40 for no gain (17-R.Tannehill [WPA -23.8% · EPA -7.32]
  • Washington Commanders (Q4 10:38) — (10:38) 5-T.Way punts 54 yards to MIA 31, Center-57-N.Sundberg. 14-J.Landry for 69 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -23.8% · EPA -4.92]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q3 28:34) — (13:34) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill pass deep right to 84-J.Cameron to WAS 28 for 27 yards (34-T.Robinson). [WPA +14.4% · EPA +3.32]
  • Washington Commanders (Q4 2:22) — (2:22) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass incomplete short middle to 86-J.Reed. [WPA -12.9% · EPA -3.16]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q2 40:44) — (10:44) 72-J.Linkenbach reported in as eligible. 34-D.Williams left end to WAS 12 for no gain (91-R.Kerrigan). [WPA -12.8% · EPA -3.86]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

  • Miami Dolphins (Q3 27:34) — (12:34) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill sacked at WAS 35 for -13 yards (94-P.Smith). FUMBLES (94-P.Smith) [94-P.Smith], RECOVERED by WAS-94-P.Smith at MIA 40. 94-P.Smith to MIA 40 for no gain (17-R.Tannehill [WPA -23.8% · EPA -7.32]
  • Washington Commanders (Q4 10:38) — (10:38) 5-T.Way punts 54 yards to MIA 31, Center-57-N.Sundberg. 14-J.Landry for 69 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -23.8% · EPA -4.92]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q2 40:44) — (10:44) 72-J.Linkenbach reported in as eligible. 34-D.Williams left end to WAS 12 for no gain (91-R.Kerrigan). [WPA -12.8% · EPA -3.86]
  • Washington Commanders (Q1 45:32) — (:32) 2-K.Forbath 46 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. [WPA -5.6% · EPA -3.43]

Quarterback report card

R.Tannehill led all passers in efficiency for Miami Dolphins, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • R.Tannehill (Miami Dolphins) · 38 dropbacks · 57.9% completion · +2.1% CPOE · +0.02 EPA/play · +0.65 total EPA
  • K.Cousins (Washington Commanders) · 37 dropbacks · 56.8% completion · +4.8% CPOE · -0.03 EPA/play · -0.98 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

StatMiami DolphinsWashington Commanders
Offensive EPA/play-0.091-0.173
Offensive success rate42.9%42.7%
Pass EPA/play+0.017-0.027
Rush EPA/play-0.328-0.130
Defensive EPA/play+0.173+0.091
Defensive success rate57.3%57.1%

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Miami Dolphins generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.09 vs -0.17), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

  • Miami Dolphins: 10 drives, -6.40 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
  • Washington Commanders: 10 drives, -15.43 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. Cameron (Miami Dolphins) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
  • K. Cousins (WAS) 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.

  1. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 52:45 · MIA 27 · Score 0-3
    (7:45) 2-K.Forbath 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  2. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 31:54 · MIA 4 · Score 0-9
    (1:54) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 86-J.Reed for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 31:49 · MIA 15 · Score 0-10
    2-K.Forbath extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  4. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q2 30:32 · WAS 3 · Score 6-10
    (:32) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill pass short right to 18-R.Matthews for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q2 30:27 · WAS 15 · Score 7-10
    3-A.Franks extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-4-M.Darr.
  6. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q4 12:10 · WAS 4 · Score 10-10
    (12:10) 3-A.Franks 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-4-M.Darr.
  7. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q4 10:38 · MIA 85 · Score 16-10
    (10:38) 5-T.Way punts 54 yards to MIA 31, Center-57-N.Sundberg. 14-J.Landry for 69 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q4 10:22 · WAS 15 · Score 17-10
    3-A.Franks extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-4-M.Darr.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders?

The Miami Dolphins beat the Washington Commanders 17-10 in Week 1, 2015 on 2015-09-13.

What was the final score of Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders?

The final score was Miami Dolphins 17, Washington Commanders 10 (MIA 17-10 WAS) in Week 1, 2015 on 2015-09-13.

What was the score by quarter in Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders?

Q1: Miami Dolphins 0, Washington Commanders 3; Q2: Miami Dolphins 7, Washington Commanders 7; Q4: Miami Dolphins 10, Washington Commanders 0; Final: Miami Dolphins 17, Washington Commanders 10.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders?

Washington Commanders touchdown — J. Reed (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 31:54) Miami Dolphins touchdown — R. Matthews (R. Tannehill pass) (Q2 30:32) Miami Dolphins touchdown — J. Landry (Q4 10:38) Washington Commanders field goal — K. Forbath (Q1 52:45, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — A. Franks (Q4 12:10, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders?

R. Tannehill (Miami Dolphins), 57.9% completion, +2.1% CPOE, +0.02 EPA per dropback, +0.65 total passing EPA. K. Cousins (Washington Commanders), 56.8% completion, +4.8% CPOE, -0.03 EPA per dropback, -0.98 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders?

J. Cameron (Miami Dolphins) led the game in total EPA with +4.92 on receiving plays. across 7 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.32 EPA): (12:34) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill sacked at WAS 35 for -13 yards (94-P.Smith). FUMBLES (94-P.Smith) [94-P.Smith], RECOVERED by WAS-94-P.Smith at MIA 40. 94-P.Smith to MIA 40 for no . The biggest win-probability swing was -23.8%.

Was Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders a close game?

Yes — the margin was 7 points. Miami Dolphins won 17-10 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

Season records after this game

Miami Dolphins

Now 1-0 W

Washington Commanders

Now 0-1 L