Game story
In Week 15 of the 2005 NFL season on 2005-12-18, the Miami Dolphins took care of business against the New York Jets, pulling away with a 24–20 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
B. Bollinger (New York Jets) paced the passing game, with +2.32 total EPA.
On the individual side, L. Coles (New York Jets) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.75 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-35.6% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when New York Jets changed the game: (:52) 5-B.Bollinger pass incomplete to 88-D.Jolley (37-Y.Bell).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Jets | 0 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 20 |
| Miami Dolphins | 7 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 L. Coles · New York Jets · Receiving · +6.75 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.69 EPA/play
- 2 M. Booker · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +5.79 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.90 EPA/play
- 3 D. Jolley · New York Jets · Receiving · +4.59 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 4 J. McCareins · New York Jets · Receiving · +4.02 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.01 EPA/play
- 5 J. Cotchery · New York Jets · Receiving · +3.71 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.93 EPA/play
- 6 C. Houston · New York Jets · Rushing · +3.20 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 7 C. Chambers · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +2.97 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
- 8 B. Bollinger · New York Jets · Passing · +2.32 total EPA · 55 snaps · +0.04 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
L. Coles — NYJ · Receiving
L. Coles posted the highest total EPA (+6.75) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on New York Jets's efficiency. Across 4 counted snaps, they averaged +1.69 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.75 EPA) came from New York Jets: (8:58) 5-B.Bollinger pass to 88-D.Jolley for 60 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 — C. Chambers (G. Frerotte pass)
- New York Jets — L. Coles (B. Bollinger pass)
- New York Jets — D. Jolley (B. Bollinger pass)
- Miami Dolphins — R. Williams
- Miami Dolphins — M. Booker (S. Rosenfels pass)
Field goals
- Miami Dolphins — O. Mare
- New York Jets — M. Nugent
- New York Jets — M. Nugent
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 NYJ 8 (Q1 49:13) — (4:13) (Shotgun) 11-G.Frerotte pass to 84-C.Chambers for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the NYJ 2 (Q1 49:08) — 10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-97-J.Denney, Holder-5-D.Jones..
The second quarter: New York Jets won the period 10–3. Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the NYJ 14 (Q2 34:02) — (4:02) 10-O.Mare 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-J.Denney, Holder-5-D.Jones.; New York Jets found the end zone from the MIA 4 (Q2 31:23) — (1:23) 5-B.Bollinger pass to 87-L.Coles for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Jets added 1 points from the MIA 2 (Q2 31:18) — 1-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-85-J.Dearth, Holder-7-B.Graham.; New York Jets connected on a field goal from the MIA 24 (Q2 30:08) — (:08) 1-M.Nugent 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-85-J.Dearth, Holder-7-B.Graham..
The third quarter: New York Jets won the period 7–0. New York Jets found the end zone from the MIA 60 (Q3 23:58) — (8:58) 5-B.Bollinger pass to 88-D.Jolley for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Jets added 1 points from the MIA 2 (Q3 23:49) — 1-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-85-J.Dearth, Holder-7-B.Graham..
The fourth quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 14–3. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the NYJ 23 (Q4 13:53) — (13:53) (No Huddle) 34-R.Williams left end for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the NYJ 2 (Q4 13:45) — 10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-97-J.Denney, Holder-5-D.Jones.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the NYJ 50 (Q4 11:05) — (11:05) 18-S.Rosenfels pass to 86-M.Booker for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the NYJ 2 (Q4 10:55) — 10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-97-J.Denney, Holder-5-D.Jones.; New York Jets connected on a field goal from the MIA 24 (Q4 4:37) — (4:37) 1-M.Nugent 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-85-J.Dearth, Holder-7-B.Graham..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- New York Jets (Q4 0:52) — (:52) 5-B.Bollinger pass incomplete to 88-D.Jolley (37-Y.Bell).
- Miami Dolphins (Q4 11:05) — (11:05) 18-S.Rosenfels pass to 86-M.Booker for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New York Jets (Q4 2:06) — (2:06) (Shotgun) 5-B.Bollinger pass incomplete to 89-J.Cotchery. PENALTY on MIA-25-R.Howard, Defensive Pass Interference, 34 yards, enforced at NYJ 23 - No Play.
- New York Jets (Q3 23:58) — (8:58) 5-B.Bollinger pass to 88-D.Jolley for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Miami Dolphins (Q4 13:53) — (13:53) (No Huddle) 34-R.Williams left end for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- New York Jets (Q3 23:58) — (8:58) 5-B.Bollinger pass to 88-D.Jolley for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Miami Dolphins (Q4 11:05) — (11:05) 18-S.Rosenfels pass to 86-M.Booker for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New York Jets (Q3 15:45) — (:45) 5-B.Bollinger pass to 34-C.Houston to MIA 42 for 8 yards (56-D.Pope). FUMBLES (56-D.Pope), RECOVERED by MIA-98-M.Roth at MIA 39. 98-M.Roth to MIA 39 for no gain (74-S.Gragg).
- New York Jets (Q2 42:32) — (12:32) (Field Goal formation) 7-B.Graham to MIA 12 for -9 yards (25-R.Howard). FUMBLES (25-R.Howard), RECOVERED by MIA-37-Y.Bell at MIA 12. 37-Y.Bell to MIA 24 for 12 yards (1-M.Nugent).
Quarterback report card
B.Bollinger led all passers in efficiency for New York Jets, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- B.Bollinger (New York Jets) · 55 dropbacks · 50.9% completion · +0.04 EPA/play · +2.32 total EPA
- G.Frerotte (Miami Dolphins) · 18 dropbacks · 44.4% completion · -0.12 EPA/play · -2.19 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | New York Jets | Miami Dolphins |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.011 | +0.005 |
| Offensive success rate | 47.9% | 43.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.042 | -0.039 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.216 | -0.088 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.005 | +0.011 |
| Defensive success rate | 56.6% | 52.1% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (New York Jets -0.01, Miami Dolphins +0.01) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Miami Dolphins: 15 drives, +0.45 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- New York Jets: 14 drives, -1.10 total EPA, 4 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.
- L. Coles (New York Jets) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q1 49:13 · NYJ 8 · Score 0-6
(4:13) (Shotgun) 11-G.Frerotte pass to 84-C.Chambers for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q1 49:08 · NYJ 2 · Score 0-7
10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-97-J.Denney, Holder-5-D.Jones. - Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q2 34:02 · NYJ 14 · Score 0-10
(4:02) 10-O.Mare 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-J.Denney, Holder-5-D.Jones. - New York Jets TD (+6) — Q2 31:23 · MIA 4 · Score 6-10
(1:23) 5-B.Bollinger pass to 87-L.Coles for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Jets XP (+1) — Q2 31:18 · MIA 2 · Score 7-10
1-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-85-J.Dearth, Holder-7-B.Graham. - New York Jets FG (+3) — Q2 30:08 · MIA 24 · Score 10-10
(:08) 1-M.Nugent 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-85-J.Dearth, Holder-7-B.Graham. - New York Jets TD (+6) — Q3 23:58 · MIA 60 · Score 16-10
(8:58) 5-B.Bollinger pass to 88-D.Jolley for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Jets XP (+1) — Q3 23:49 · MIA 2 · Score 17-10
1-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-85-J.Dearth, Holder-7-B.Graham. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q4 13:53 · NYJ 23 · Score 17-16
(13:53) (No Huddle) 34-R.Williams left end for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q4 13:45 · NYJ 2 · Score 17-17
10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-97-J.Denney, Holder-5-D.Jones. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q4 11:05 · NYJ 50 · Score 17-23
(11:05) 18-S.Rosenfels pass to 86-M.Booker for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q4 10:55 · NYJ 2 · Score 17-24
10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-97-J.Denney, Holder-5-D.Jones. - New York Jets FG (+3) — Q4 4:37 · MIA 24 · Score 20-24
(4:37) 1-M.Nugent 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-85-J.Dearth, Holder-7-B.Graham.
Frequently asked questions
Who won New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins?
The Miami Dolphins beat the New York Jets 24-20 in Week 15, 2005 on 2005-12-18.
What was the final score of New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins?
The final score was New York Jets 20, Miami Dolphins 24 (NYJ 20-24 MIA) in Week 15, 2005 on 2005-12-18.
What was the score by quarter in New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins?
Q1: New York Jets 0, Miami Dolphins 7; Q2: New York Jets 10, Miami Dolphins 3; Q3: New York Jets 7, Miami Dolphins 0; Q4: New York Jets 3, Miami Dolphins 14; Final: New York Jets 20, Miami Dolphins 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins?
Miami Dolphins touchdown — C. Chambers (G. Frerotte pass) (Q1 49:13) New York Jets touchdown — L. Coles (B. Bollinger pass) (Q2 31:23) New York Jets touchdown — D. Jolley (B. Bollinger pass) (Q3 23:58) Miami Dolphins touchdown — R. Williams (Q4 13:53) Miami Dolphins touchdown — M. Booker (S. Rosenfels pass) (Q4 11:05) Miami Dolphins field goal — O. Mare (Q2 34:02, 3 pts) New York Jets field goal — M. Nugent (Q2 30:08, 3 pts) New York Jets field goal — M. Nugent (Q4 4:37, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins?
B. Bollinger (New York Jets), 50.9% completion, +0.04 EPA per dropback, +2.32 total passing EPA. G. Frerotte (Miami Dolphins), 44.4% completion, -0.12 EPA per dropback, -2.19 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins?
L. Coles (New York Jets) led the game in total EPA with +6.75 on receiving plays. across 4 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.75 EPA): (8:58) 5-B.Bollinger pass to 88-D.Jolley for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -35.6%.
Was New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. Miami Dolphins won 24-20 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
New York Jets
Entered 3-10 Now 3-11 L
Miami Dolphins
Entered 6-7 Now 7-7 W
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