Game story
In Week 13 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-12-03, the Miami Dolphins took care of business against the Washington Commanders, pulling away with a 45–15 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 27 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
S. Howell (Washington Commanders) paced the passing game, with -9.48 total EPA, and -8.2% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +21.24 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+22.1% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Miami Dolphins changed the game: (9:37) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left to 10-T.Hill for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dolphins | 17 | 20 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 45 |
| Washington Commanders | 0 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Tagovailoa · Miami Dolphins · Passing · +21.24 total EPA · 25 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
- 2 T. Hill · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +14.52 total EPA · 7 snaps · +2.07 EPA/play
- 3 C. Samuel · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +5.03 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.01 EPA/play
- 4 D. Achane · Miami Dolphins · Rushing · +3.42 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 5 J. Waddle · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +3.09 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 6 B. Robinson · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +2.29 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 7 J. Hill · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +2.21 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.10 EPA/play
- 8 R. Mostert · Miami Dolphins · Rushing · +1.41 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Tagovailoa — MIA · Passing
T. Tagovailoa posted the highest total EPA (+21.24) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Miami Dolphins's efficiency. Across 25 counted snaps, they averaged +0.85 EPA per play.
The signature play (-9.33 EPA) came from Washington Commanders: (1:01) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass short right intended for 1-J.Dotson INTERCEPTED by 43-A.Van Ginkel at WAS 33. 43-A.Van Ginkel for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Miami Dolphins — T. Hill (T. Tagovailoa pass)
- Miami Dolphins — S. Howell
- Washington Commanders — S. Howell
- Miami Dolphins — T. Hill (T. Tagovailoa pass)
- Miami Dolphins — R. Mostert
- Miami Dolphins — D. Achane
- Washington Commanders — S. Howell
- Miami Dolphins — D. Achane
Field goals
- Miami Dolphins — J. Sanders
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 17–0. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the WAS 78 (Q1 54:37) — (9:37) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left to 10-T.Hill for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q1 54:28) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the WAS 31 (Q1 48:43) — (3:43) 7-J.Sanders 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the MIA 62 (Q1 46:01); Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q1 45:55) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey..
The second quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 20–7. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the MIA 1 (Q2 41:20) — (11:20) 14-S.Howell up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q2 41:18); Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the WAS 60 (Q2 39:22) — (9:22) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep right to 10-T.Hill for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 39:14) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the WAS 1 (Q2 30:24) — (:24) (Shotgun) 31-R.Mostert left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the WAS 15 (Q2 30:20) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey..
The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 8–7. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the WAS 4 (Q3 24:41) — (9:41) (Shotgun) 28-D.Achane left guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q3 24:36); Washington Commanders found the end zone from the MIA 13 (Q3 19:39) — (4:39) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell scrambles up the middle for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders registered a safety from the MIA 2 (Q3 19:31) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 14-S.Howell pass to 82-L.Thomas is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
The fourth quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 7–0. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the WAS 2 (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 28-D.Achane left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 1:57) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Miami Dolphins (Q1 54:37) — (9:37) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left to 10-T.Hill for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q1 46:01) — (1:01) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass short right intended for 1-J.Dotson INTERCEPTED by 43-A.Van Ginkel at WAS 33. 43-A.Van Ginkel for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q1 59:19) — (14:19) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass short right to 1-J.Dotson ran ob at WAS 39 for 12 yards. Miami challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands. (Timeo
- Washington Commanders (Q2 42:43) — (12:43) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass deep right to 4-C.Samuel pushed ob at MIA 1 for 33 yards (29-B.Jones). MIA-55-J.Baker was injured during the play. He is Out. MIA 55 - knee injury
- Miami Dolphins (Q2 39:22) — (9:22) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep right to 10-T.Hill for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Washington Commanders (Q1 46:01) — (1:01) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass short right intended for 1-J.Dotson INTERCEPTED by 43-A.Van Ginkel at WAS 33. 43-A.Van Ginkel for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Miami Dolphins (Q1 54:37) — (9:37) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left to 10-T.Hill for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Miami Dolphins (Q2 39:22) — (9:22) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep right to 10-T.Hill for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q3 19:39) — (4:39) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell scrambles up the middle for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
S.Howell led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- S.Howell (Washington Commanders) · 30 dropbacks · 40.0% completion · -8.2% CPOE · -0.32 EPA/play · -9.48 total EPA
- T.Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) · 25 dropbacks · 72.0% completion · +8.5% CPOE · +0.85 EPA/play · +21.24 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Miami Dolphins | Washington Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.352 | -0.168 |
| Offensive success rate | 52.7% | 26.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.776 | -0.316 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.109 | -0.009 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.168 | -0.352 |
| Defensive success rate | 73.6% | 47.3% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Miami Dolphins generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.35 vs -0.17), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Miami Dolphins: 10 drives, +26.03 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 11 drives, -12.06 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.
- T. Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- S. Howell (WAS) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- T. Tagovailoa (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 54:37 · WAS 78 · Score 6-0
(9:37) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left to 10-T.Hill for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q1 54:28 · WAS 15 · Score 7-0
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey. - Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q1 48:43 · WAS 31 · Score 10-0
(3:43) 7-J.Sanders 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q1 46:01 · MIA 62 · Score 16-0
(1:01) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass short right intended for 1-J.Dotson INTERCEPTED by 43-A.Van Ginkel at WAS 33. 43-A.Van Ginkel for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q1 45:55 · WAS 15 · Score 17-0
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 41:20 · MIA 1 · Score 17-6
(11:20) 14-S.Howell up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 41:18 · MIA 15 · Score 17-7
6-J.Slye extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way. PENALTY on MIA-20-J.Bethel, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q2 39:22 · WAS 60 · Score 23-7
(9:22) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep right to 10-T.Hill for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q2 39:14 · WAS 15 · Score 24-7
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q2 30:24 · WAS 1 · Score 30-7
(:24) (Shotgun) 31-R.Mostert left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins TD (+7) — Q2 30:20 · WAS 15 · Score 31-7
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q3 24:41 · WAS 4 · Score 37-7
(9:41) (Shotgun) 28-D.Achane left guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q3 24:36 · WAS 15 · Score 38-7
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey. PENALTY on WAS-34-C.Holmes, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 19:39 · MIA 13 · Score 38-13
(4:39) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell scrambles up the middle for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders Safety (+2) — Q3 19:31 · MIA 2 · Score 38-15
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 14-S.Howell pass to 82-L.Thomas is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q4 2:00 · WAS 2 · Score 44-15
(2:00) (Shotgun) 28-D.Achane left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q4 1:57 · WAS 15 · Score 45-15
7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders?
The Miami Dolphins beat the Washington Commanders 45-15 in Week 13, 2023 on 2023-12-03.
What was the final score of Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders?
The final score was Miami Dolphins 45, Washington Commanders 15 (MIA 45-15 WAS) in Week 13, 2023 on 2023-12-03.
What was the score by quarter in Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders?
Q1: Miami Dolphins 17, Washington Commanders 0; Q2: Miami Dolphins 20, Washington Commanders 7; Q3: Miami Dolphins 7, Washington Commanders 8; Q4: Miami Dolphins 7, Washington Commanders 0; Final: Miami Dolphins 45, Washington Commanders 15.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders?
Miami Dolphins touchdown — T. Hill (T. Tagovailoa pass) (Q1 54:37) Miami Dolphins touchdown — S. Howell (Q1 46:01) Washington Commanders touchdown — S. Howell (Q2 41:20) Miami Dolphins touchdown — T. Hill (T. Tagovailoa pass) (Q2 39:22) Miami Dolphins touchdown — R. Mostert (Q2 30:24) Miami Dolphins touchdown — D. Achane (Q3 24:41) Washington Commanders touchdown — S. Howell (Q3 19:39) Miami Dolphins touchdown — D. Achane (Q4 2:00) Miami Dolphins field goal — J. Sanders (Q1 48:43, 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?
S. Howell (Washington Commanders), 40.0% completion, -8.2% CPOE, -0.32 EPA per dropback, -9.48 total passing EPA. T. Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins), 72.0% completion, +8.5% CPOE, +0.85 EPA per dropback, +21.24 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders?
T. Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) led the game in total EPA with +21.24 on passing plays. across 25 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-9.33 EPA): (1:01) (Shotgun) 14-S.Howell pass short right intended for 1-J.Dotson INTERCEPTED by 43-A.Van Ginkel at WAS 33. 43-A.Van Ginkel for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +22.1%.
Season records after this game
Miami Dolphins
Entered 8-3 Now 9-3 W
Washington Commanders
Entered 4-8 Now 4-9 L
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