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NFL · Week 15 · December 16, 2018 · 12 min read

Miami Dolphins vs. Minnesota Vikings: 2018 Week 15 Recap

Vikings defeat Dolphins 41–17 in Week 15

Alton Robinson led Fantasy Impact as Vikings prevailed in a 17–41 Week 15 finish.

Miami Dolphins 17 7–7
Final 17–41
Minnesota Vikings 41 7–6 Winner
Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
17–41
Halftime
Miami Dolphins 10–21 Minnesota Vikings
Top passer
Ryan Tannehill
FantasyHQ MVP
Alton Robinson
Game date
December 16, 2018

Top fantasy performers · Dolphins

  • K.Ballage 12 CAR · 123 YDS · 1 TD +3.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Mike Gesicki
    Mike Gesicki 2 REC · 23 YDS +1.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Kenyan Drake
    Kenyan Drake 3 REC · 28 YDS +1.0 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • Alton Robinson
    Alton Robinson 2 REC · 44 YDS · 1 TD +4.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Dylan Cook
    Dylan Cook 20 CAR · 136 YDS · 2 TD +4.1 Fantasy Impact
  • Tyler Conklin
    Tyler Conklin 2 REC · 53 YDS +3.1 Fantasy Impact
View Dolphins vs Vikings box score View all 2018 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
Minnesota Vikings 41–17 Miami Dolphins
Halftime
Miami Dolphins 10–21 Minnesota Vikings at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Alton Robinson
Top passer
Ryan Tannehill
Biggest EPA play
(7:53) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 29-M.F…
Game date
2018-12-16

Game summary

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Miami Dolphins 41–17 on 2018-12-16. Alton Robinson posted a game-high +4.80 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 21 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Miami Dolphins01070017
Minnesota Vikings210317041

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

MIAMiami Dolphins
MINMinnesota Vikings

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

17 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 11:44TD
    Stefon Diggs

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 13
    Score
    0-6

    (11:44) (No Huddle) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 14-S.Diggs for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 11:40XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    0-7

    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

  3. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 6:27TD
    Dylan Cook

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 13
    Score
    0-13

    (6:27) 33-D.Cook left end for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 6:21XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    0-14

    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

  5. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 1:38TD
    Latavius Murray

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 18
    Score
    0-20

    (1:38) 25-L.Murray left tackle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 1:32XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    0-21

    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

  7. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 7:53TD
    Minkah Fitzpatrick

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 47
    Score
    6-21

    (7:53) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 29-M.Fitzpatrick at 50. 29-M.Fitzpatrick for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 7:44XP
    Jason Sanders

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    7-21

    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack.

  9. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 0:18FG
    Jason Sanders

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 7
    Score
    10-21

    (:18) 7-J.Sanders 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack.

  10. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q3 15:00TD
    KBK. Ballage

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 75
    Score
    16-21

    (15:00) 27-K.Ballage right tackle for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q3 14:49XP
    Jason Sanders

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    17-21

    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack.

  12. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q3 8:44FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIA 18
    Score
    17-24

    (8:44) 5-D.Bailey 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

  13. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 13:05FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIA 16
    Score
    17-27

    (13:05) 5-D.Bailey 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

  14. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 9:59TD
    Alton Robinson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 40
    Score
    17-33

    (9:59) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 17-A.Robinson for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  15. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 9:54XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    17-34

    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile. PENALTY on MIA-56-D.Godchaux, Leverage, 15 yards, enforced between downs.

  16. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 7:58TD
    Dylan Cook

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 21
    Score
    17-40

    (7:58) 33-D.Cook left guard for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  17. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 7:49XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    17-41

    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Alton RobinsonAlton Robinson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.80 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.40 EPA/play
  2. 2Dylan CookDylan Cook · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +4.10 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
  3. 3K. Ballage · Miami Dolphins · Rushing · +3.75 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
  4. 4Tyler ConklinTyler Conklin · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.06 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.02 EPA/play
  5. 5Latavius MurrayLatavius Murray · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +1.15 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.08 EPA/play
  6. 6Mike GesickiMike Gesicki · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +1.02 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
  7. 7Kenyan DrakeKenyan Drake · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +0.99 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
  8. 8Adam ThielenAdam Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +0.92 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Alton Robinson

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Alton Robinson — MIN · Receiving

Alton Robinson posted the highest total EPA (+4.80) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 2 counted snaps, they averaged +2.40 EPA per play.

Alton Robinson's top snap (+4.94 EPA): (9:59) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 17-A.Robinson for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-8.17 EPA): Kirk Cousins — (7:53) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 29-M.Fitzpatrick at 50. 29-M.Fitzpatrick for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

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

  • Ryan TannehillRyan Tannehill (Miami Dolphins) · 34 dropbacks · 32.4% completion · -19.0% CPOE · -0.73 EPA/play · -24.85 total EPA
  • Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 29 dropbacks · 48.3% completion · -1.4% CPOE · +0.02 EPA/play · +0.55 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatMiami DolphinsMinnesota Vikings
Offensive EPA/play-0.392-0.002
Offensive success rate26.0%46.5%
Pass EPA/play-0.731+0.019
Rush EPA/play+0.171+0.155
Defensive EPA/play+0.002+0.392
Defensive success rate53.5%74.0%

Drive & efficiency notes

Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (-0.00 vs -0.39), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Miami Dolphins: -0.39 EPA/play (1st percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
  • Minnesota Vikings: -0.00 EPA/play (50th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
  • Miami Dolphins: 12 drives, -28.59 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
  • Minnesota Vikings: 13 drives, -0.20 total EPA, 8 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Stefon DiggsMinnesota Vikings — Stefon Diggs (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q1 11:44)
  • Dylan CookMinnesota Vikings — Dylan Cook (Q1 6:27)
  • Latavius MurrayMinnesota Vikings — Latavius Murray (Q1 1:38)
  • Minkah FitzpatrickMiami Dolphins — Minkah Fitzpatrick (Q2 7:53)
  • Miami Dolphins — K. Ballage (Q3 15:00)
  • Alton RobinsonMinnesota Vikings — Alton Robinson (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q4 9:59)
  • Dylan CookMinnesota Vikings — Dylan Cook (Q4 7:58)

Field goals

  • Jason SandersMiami Dolphins — Jason Sanders (Q2 0:18)
  • Dominic BaileyMinnesota Vikings — Dominic Bailey (Q3 8:44)
  • Dominic BaileyMinnesota Vikings — Dominic Bailey (Q4 13:05)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 21–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIA 13 (Q1 11:44) — (11:44) (No Huddle) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 14-S.Diggs for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q1 11:40) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIA 13 (Q1 6:27) — (6:27) 33-D.Cook left end for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q1 6:21) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIA 18 (Q1 1:38) — (1:38) 25-L.Murray left tackle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q1 1:32) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..

The second quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 10–0. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the MIA 47 (Q2 7:53); Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 7:44) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the MIN 7 (Q2 0:18) — (:18) 7-J.Sanders 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack..

The third quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 7–3. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the MIN 75 (Q3 15:00) — (15:00) 27-K.Ballage right tackle for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 14:49) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the MIA 18 (Q3 8:44) — (8:44) 5-D.Bailey 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 17–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the MIA 16 (Q4 13:05) — (13:05) 5-D.Bailey 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIA 40 (Q4 9:59) — (9:59) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 17-A.Robinson for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q4 9:54); Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIA 21 (Q4 7:58) — (7:58) 33-D.Cook left guard for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q4 7:49) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Miami Dolphins (Q3 15:00) — (15:00) 27-K.Ballage right tackle for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.2% · EPA +5.99]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 12:47) — (12:47) 33-D.Cook left tackle to MIA 16 for 26 yards (22-T.McDonald). [WPA +9.3% · EPA +2.18]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 7:53) — (7:53) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 29-M.Fitzpatrick at 50. 29-M.Fitzpatrick for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -6.7% · EPA -8.17]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 13:10) — (13:10) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 19-A.Thielen to MIA 21 for 16 yards (22-T.McDonald). PENALTY on MIN-65-P.Elflein, Ineligible Downfield Pass, 5 yards, enforced at MIA 37 - No Play. [WPA -6.2% · EPA -0.72]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q3 12:21) — (12:21) 17-R.Tannehill sacked at MIA 29 for -9 yards (55-A.Barr). [WPA -5.9% · EPA -1.44]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 7:53) — (7:53) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 29-M.Fitzpatrick at 50. 29-M.Fitzpatrick for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -6.7% · EPA -8.17]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q3 15:00) — (15:00) 27-K.Ballage right tackle for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.2% · EPA +5.99]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 9:59) — (9:59) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 17-A.Robinson for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +3.9% · EPA +4.94]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q4 8:03) — (8:03) (Shotgun) 17-R.Tannehill sacked at MIA 16 for -8 yards (96-T.Johnson). [WPA -0.8% · EPA -3.54]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 11:44 · MIA 13 · Score 0-6
    (11:44) (No Huddle) 8-K.Cousins pass short right to 14-S.Diggs for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 11:40 · MIA 15 · Score 0-7
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  3. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 6:27 · MIA 13 · Score 0-13
    (6:27) 33-D.Cook left end for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 6:21 · MIA 15 · Score 0-14
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  5. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 1:38 · MIA 18 · Score 0-20
    (1:38) 25-L.Murray left tackle for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 1:32 · MIA 15 · Score 0-21
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  7. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q2 7:53 · MIA 47 · Score 6-21
    (7:53) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 29-M.Fitzpatrick at 50. 29-M.Fitzpatrick for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q2 7:44 · MIN 15 · Score 7-21
    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack.
  9. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q2 0:18 · MIN 7 · Score 10-21
    (:18) 7-J.Sanders 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack.
  10. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q3 15:00 · MIN 75 · Score 16-21
    (15:00) 27-K.Ballage right tackle for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q3 14:49 · MIN 15 · Score 17-21
    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-M.Haack.
  12. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 8:44 · MIA 18 · Score 17-24
    (8:44) 5-D.Bailey 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  13. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 13:05 · MIA 16 · Score 17-27
    (13:05) 5-D.Bailey 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.
  14. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 9:59 · MIA 40 · Score 17-33
    (9:59) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 17-A.Robinson for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 9:54 · MIA 15 · Score 17-34
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile. PENALTY on MIA-56-D.Godchaux, Leverage, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
  16. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 7:58 · MIA 21 · Score 17-40
    (7:58) 33-D.Cook left guard for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  17. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 7:49 · MIA 15 · Score 17-41
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-6-M.Wile.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Minnesota Vikings earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • Alton Robinson (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Ryan Tannehill (MIA) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Miami Dolphins vs Minnesota Vikings on 2018-12-16?

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Miami Dolphins 41-17 in Week 15, 2018.

What was the score by quarter in Miami Dolphins vs Minnesota Vikings?

Q1: Miami Dolphins 0, Minnesota Vikings 21; Q2: Miami Dolphins 10, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q3: Miami Dolphins 7, Minnesota Vikings 3; Q4: Miami Dolphins 0, Minnesota Vikings 17; Final: Miami Dolphins 17, Minnesota Vikings 41.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Miami Dolphins vs Minnesota Vikings?

Minnesota Vikings touchdown — S. Diggs (K. Cousins pass) (Q1 11:44) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — D. Cook (Q1 6:27) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — L. Murray (Q1 1:38) Miami Dolphins touchdown — M. Fitzpatrick (Q2 7:53) Miami Dolphins touchdown — K. Ballage (Q3 15:00) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Robinson (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 9:59) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — D. Cook (Q4 7:58) Miami Dolphins field goal — J. Sanders (Q2 0:18, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — D. Bailey (Q3 8:44, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — D. Bailey (Q4 13:05, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Miami Dolphins vs Minnesota Vikings?

Ryan Tannehill (Miami Dolphins), 32.4% completion, -19.0% CPOE, -0.73 EPA per dropback, -24.85 total passing EPA. Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 48.3% completion, -1.4% CPOE, +0.02 EPA per dropback, +0.55 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Miami Dolphins vs Minnesota Vikings?

Alton Robinson (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +4.80 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 2 snaps. Their top snap (+4.94 EPA): (9:59) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 17-A.Robinson for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Season records after this game

Miami Dolphins

Entered 7-6 Now 7-7 L

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 6-6 Now 7-6 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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