Quick answer
- Winner
- Miami Dolphins
- Final score
- Miami Dolphins 29–28 New England Patriots
- Halftime
- New England Patriots 14–10 Miami Dolphins at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Darwin Thompson
- Top passer
- A. Feeley
- Biggest EPA play
- (11:12) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 82-D.Graham INTERCEPTED by 24-S.Knight at MIA 10. 24-…
- Game date
- 2004-12-20
Game summary
The Miami Dolphins beat the New England Patriots 29–28 on 2004-12-20, overcoming New England Patriots's 14–10 halftime lead. Darwin Thompson posted a game-high +7.15 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 19 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New England Patriots | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
 Miami Dolphins | 7 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 0 | 29 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
NENew England Patriots(10:06) 12-T.Brady pass to 33-K.Faulk for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
(6:34) 31-S.Morris right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-89-E.Perry, Holder-1-M.Turk.
(7:06) 28-C.Dillon left guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
(1:56) 10-O.Mare 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-E.Perry, Holder-1-M.Turk.
(6:55) 28-T.Minor up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-89-E.Perry, Holder-1-M.Turk.
(2:15) 12-T.Brady pass to 28-C.Dillon for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
(4:06) 12-T.Brady pass to 82-D.Graham for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
(2:13) 31-S.Morris up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
(1:29) 7-A.Feeley pass to 88-D.Thompson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
MIAMiami DolphinsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 10:06TD KFKeldric FaulkPoints+6
- Yard line
- MIA 31
- Score
- 6-0
(10:06) 12-T.Brady pass to 33-K.Faulk for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 9:59XP AVA. VinatieriPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIA 2
- Score
- 7-0
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
- MIAMiami Dolphins
Q1 6:34TD SMS. MorrisPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 2
- Score
- 7-6
(6:34) 31-S.Morris right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- MIAMiami Dolphins
Q1 6:30XP OMO. MarePoints+1
- Yard line
- NE 2
- Score
- 7-7
10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-89-E.Perry, Holder-1-M.Turk.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 7:06TD CDC. DillonPoints+6
- Yard line
- MIA 3
- Score
- 13-7
(7:06) 28-C.Dillon left guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 7:01XP AVA. VinatieriPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIA 2
- Score
- 14-7
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
- MIAMiami Dolphins
Q2 1:56FG OMO. MarePoints+3
- Yard line
- NE 12
- Score
- 14-10
(1:56) 10-O.Mare 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-E.Perry, Holder-1-M.Turk.
- MIAMiami Dolphins
Q3 6:55TD TMT. MinorPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 1
- Score
- 14-16
(6:55) 28-T.Minor up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- MIAMiami Dolphins
Q3 6:50XP OMO. MarePoints+1
- Yard line
- NE 2
- Score
- 14-17
10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-89-E.Perry, Holder-1-M.Turk.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 2:15TD CDC. DillonPoints+6
- Yard line
- MIA 2
- Score
- 20-17
(2:15) 12-T.Brady pass to 28-C.Dillon for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 2:07XP AVA. VinatieriPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIA 2
- Score
- 21-17
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 4:06TD Points+6
- Yard line
- MIA 2
- Score
- 27-17
(4:06) 12-T.Brady pass to 82-D.Graham for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 3:59XP AVA. VinatieriPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIA 2
- Score
- 28-17
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
- MIAMiami Dolphins
Q4 2:13TD SMS. MorrisPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 1
- Score
- 28-23
(2:13) 31-S.Morris up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- MIAMiami Dolphins
Q4 1:29TD Points+6
- Yard line
- NE 21
- Score
- 28-29
(1:29) 7-A.Feeley pass to 88-D.Thompson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Darwin Thompson · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +7.15 total EPA · 2 snaps · +3.58 EPA/play
- 2Derrick Graham · New England Patriots · Receiving · +4.45 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.48 EPA/play
- 3D. Patten · New England Patriots · Receiving · +4.30 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.08 EPA/play
- 4C. Dillon · New England Patriots · Rushing · +4.08 total EPA · 26 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
- 5D. Branch · New England Patriots · Receiving · +3.93 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.31 EPA/play
- 6Keldric Faulk · New England Patriots · Receiving · +3.86 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.86 EPA/play
- 7B. Gilmore · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +2.93 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.47 EPA/play
- 8Keldric Faulk · New England Patriots · Rushing · +2.45 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.41 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Darwin Thompson — MIA · Receiving
Darwin Thompson posted the highest total EPA (+7.15) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Miami Dolphins. Across 2 counted snaps, they averaged +3.58 EPA per play.
Darwin Thompson's top snap (+4.75 EPA): (1:29) 7-A.Feeley pass to 88-D.Thompson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Biggest single play (-7.34 EPA): T. Brady — (11:12) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 82-D.Graham INTERCEPTED by 24-S.Knight at MIA 10. 24-S.Knight to MIA 42 for 32 yards (33-K.Faulk). FUMBLES (33-K.Faulk), ball out of bounds at MIA 42. PENALTY on N
Quarterback report card
A. Feeley led all passers in efficiency for Miami Dolphins, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- A. Feeley (Miami Dolphins) · 44 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · +0.03 EPA/play · +1.45 total EPA
- T. Brady (New England Patriots) · 33 dropbacks · 54.5% completion · -0.03 EPA/play · -1.02 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | New England Patriots | Miami Dolphins |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.027 | +0.005 |
| Offensive success rate | 52.9% | 45.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.031 | +0.033 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.182 | -0.202 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.005 | -0.027 |
| Defensive success rate | 54.3% | 47.1% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (New England Patriots +0.03, Miami Dolphins +0.01) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- New England Patriots: +0.03 EPA/play (57th percentile vs. 2004 team-game averages)
- Miami Dolphins: +0.01 EPA/play (49th percentile vs. 2004 team-game averages)
- Miami Dolphins: 13 drives, +0.39 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- New England Patriots: 13 drives, +2.31 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New England Patriots — Keldric Faulk (T. Brady pass)
- Miami Dolphins — S. Morris
- New England Patriots — C. Dillon
- Miami Dolphins — T. Minor
- New England Patriots — C. Dillon (T. Brady pass)
- New England Patriots — Derrick Graham (T. Brady pass)
- Miami Dolphins — S. Morris
- Miami Dolphins — Darwin Thompson (A. Feeley pass)
Field goals
- Miami Dolphins — O. Mare
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. New England Patriots found the end zone from the MIA 31 (Q1 10:06) — (10:06) 12-T.Brady pass to 33-K.Faulk for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the MIA 2 (Q1 9:59) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the NE 2 (Q1 6:34) — (6:34) 31-S.Morris right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q1 6:30) — 10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-89-E.Perry, Holder-1-M.Turk..
The second quarter: New England Patriots won the period 7–3. New England Patriots found the end zone from the MIA 3 (Q2 7:06) — (7:06) 28-C.Dillon left guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the MIA 2 (Q2 7:01) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the NE 12 (Q2 1:56) — (1:56) 10-O.Mare 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-E.Perry, Holder-1-M.Turk..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the NE 1 (Q3 6:55) — (6:55) 28-T.Minor up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q3 6:50) — 10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-89-E.Perry, Holder-1-M.Turk.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the MIA 2 (Q3 2:15) — (2:15) 12-T.Brady pass to 28-C.Dillon for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the MIA 2 (Q3 2:07) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller..
The fourth quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 12–7. New England Patriots found the end zone from the MIA 2 (Q4 4:06) — (4:06) 12-T.Brady pass to 82-D.Graham for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the MIA 2 (Q4 3:59) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the NE 1 (Q4 2:13) — (2:13) 31-S.Morris up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the NE 21 (Q4 1:29) — (1:29) 7-A.Feeley pass to 88-D.Thompson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- New England Patriots (Q4 1:52) — (1:52) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 82-D.Graham INTERCEPTED by 50-B.Ayanbadejo (99-J.Taylor) at NE 23. 50-B.Ayanbadejo to NE 21 for 2 yards (82-D.Graham).
- Miami Dolphins (Q4 1:29) — (1:29) 7-A.Feeley pass to 88-D.Thompson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New England Patriots (Q4 1:09) — (1:09) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 87-D.Givens INTERCEPTED by 20-A.Freeman at NE 37. 20-A.Freeman to NE 23 for 14 yards (61-S.Neal).
- New England Patriots (Q3 11:12) — (11:12) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 82-D.Graham INTERCEPTED by 24-S.Knight at MIA 10. 24-S.Knight to MIA 42 for 32 yards (33-K.Faulk). FUMBLES (33-K.Faulk), ball out of bounds at MIA 42. PENALTY on N
- New England Patriots (Q4 1:17) — (1:17) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady sacked at NE 15 for -9 yards (96-D.Bowens).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- New England Patriots (Q3 11:12) — (11:12) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 82-D.Graham INTERCEPTED by 24-S.Knight at MIA 10. 24-S.Knight to MIA 42 for 32 yards (33-K.Faulk). FUMBLES (33-K.Faulk), ball out of bounds at MIA 42. PENALTY on N
- Miami Dolphins (Q3 14:30) — (14:30) 84-C.Chambers FUMBLES (Aborted) at NE 50, RECOVERED by NE-75-V.Wilfork at NE 45. 75-V.Wilfork to NE 45 for no gain (28-T.Minor).
- Miami Dolphins (Q4 1:29) — (1:29) 7-A.Feeley pass to 88-D.Thompson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New England Patriots (Q1 6:57) — (6:57) 8-Jo.Miller punts 44 yards to MIA 27, Center-66-L.Paxton. 83-W.Welker to NE 2 for 71 yards (30-J.Cherry).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q1 10:06 · MIA 31 · Score 6-0
(10:06) 12-T.Brady pass to 33-K.Faulk for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q1 9:59 · MIA 2 · Score 7-0
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q1 6:34 · NE 2 · Score 7-6
(6:34) 31-S.Morris right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q1 6:30 · NE 2 · Score 7-7
10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-89-E.Perry, Holder-1-M.Turk. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 7:06 · MIA 3 · Score 13-7
(7:06) 28-C.Dillon left guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 7:01 · MIA 2 · Score 14-7
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller. - Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q2 1:56 · NE 12 · Score 14-10
(1:56) 10-O.Mare 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-E.Perry, Holder-1-M.Turk. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q3 6:55 · NE 1 · Score 14-16
(6:55) 28-T.Minor up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q3 6:50 · NE 2 · Score 14-17
10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-89-E.Perry, Holder-1-M.Turk. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q3 2:15 · MIA 2 · Score 20-17
(2:15) 12-T.Brady pass to 28-C.Dillon for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q3 2:07 · MIA 2 · Score 21-17
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 4:06 · MIA 2 · Score 27-17
(4:06) 12-T.Brady pass to 82-D.Graham for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q4 3:59 · MIA 2 · Score 28-17
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q4 2:13 · NE 1 · Score 28-23
(2:13) 31-S.Morris up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q4 1:29 · NE 21 · Score 28-29
(1:29) 7-A.Feeley pass to 88-D.Thompson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Miami Dolphins earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- Darwin Thompson (Miami Dolphins) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Frequently asked questions
Who won New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins on 2004-12-20?
The Miami Dolphins beat the New England Patriots 29-28 in Week 15, 2004.
What was the score by quarter in New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins?
Q1: New England Patriots 7, Miami Dolphins 7; Q2: New England Patriots 7, Miami Dolphins 3; Q3: New England Patriots 7, Miami Dolphins 7; Q4: New England Patriots 7, Miami Dolphins 12; Final: New England Patriots 28, Miami Dolphins 29.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins?
New England Patriots touchdown — K. Faulk (T. Brady pass) (Q1 10:06) Miami Dolphins touchdown — S. Morris (Q1 6:34) New England Patriots touchdown — C. Dillon (Q2 7:06) Miami Dolphins touchdown — T. Minor (Q3 6:55) New England Patriots touchdown — C. Dillon (T. Brady pass) (Q3 2:15) New England Patriots touchdown — D. Graham (T. Brady pass) (Q4 4:06) Miami Dolphins touchdown — S. Morris (Q4 2:13) Miami Dolphins touchdown — D. Thompson (A. Feeley pass) (Q4 1:29) Miami Dolphins field goal — O. Mare (Q2 1:56, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins?
A. Feeley (Miami Dolphins), 50.0% completion, +0.03 EPA per dropback, +1.45 total passing EPA. T. Brady (New England Patriots), 54.5% completion, -0.03 EPA per dropback, -1.02 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins?
Darwin Thompson (Miami Dolphins) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +7.15 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 2 snaps. Their top snap (+4.75 EPA): (1:29) 7-A.Feeley pass to 88-D.Thompson for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Was New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins a close game?
Yes — the margin was 1 points. Miami Dolphins won 29-28 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
New England Patriots
Entered 12-1 Now 12-2 L
Miami Dolphins
Entered 2-11 Now 3-11 W
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