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NFL · Week 16 · December 24, 2023 · 12 min read

Dallas Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins: 2023 Week 16 Recap

Dolphins defeat Cowboys 22–20 in Week 16

Dak Prescott led Fantasy Impact as Dolphins prevailed in a 20–22 Week 16 finish.

Dallas Cowboys 20 10–5
Final 20–22
Miami Dolphins 22 11–4 Winner
Winner
Miami Dolphins
Final score
20–22
Halftime
Dallas Cowboys 7–22 Miami Dolphins
Top passer
Dak Prescott
FantasyHQ MVP
Dak Prescott
Game date
December 24, 2023

Top fantasy performers · Cowboys

  • Dak Prescott
    Dak Prescott 20/43 · 266 YDS · 2 TD +15.3 Fantasy Impact
  • CeeDee Lamb
    CeeDee Lamb 6 REC · 118 YDS · 1 TD +9.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Jalen Tolbert
    Jalen Tolbert 2 REC · 51 YDS +3.5 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Dolphins

  • Tua Tagovailoa
    Tua Tagovailoa 24/39 · 284 YDS · 1 TD +7.7 Fantasy Impact
  • Durham Smythe
    Durham Smythe 5 REC · 56 YDS +3.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Trysten Hill
    Trysten Hill 9 REC · 99 YDS +3.0 Fantasy Impact
View Cowboys vs Dolphins box score View all 2023 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Miami Dolphins
Final score
Miami Dolphins 22–20 Dallas Cowboys
Halftime
Dallas Cowboys 7–22 Miami Dolphins at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Dak Prescott
Top passer
Dak Prescott
Biggest EPA play
(7:22) 66-T.Bass reported in as eligible. 4-D.Prescott FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIA 2, RECOVER…
Game date
2023-12-24

Game summary

The Miami Dolphins beat the Dallas Cowboys 22–20 on 2023-12-24. Dak Prescott posted a game-high +15.27 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 16 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Dallas Cowboys70310020
Miami Dolphins61666022

Scoring Map

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

DALDallas Cowboys
MIAMiami Dolphins

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

15 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q1 2:55FG
    Jason Sanders

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 39
    Score
    0-3

    (2:55) 7-J.Sanders 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  2. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q1 2:50FG
    Jason Sanders

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIA 35
    Score
    0-3

    7-J.Sanders kicks 65 yards from MIA 35 to end zone, Touchback.

  3. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q1 1:41TD
    CeeDee Lamb

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 49
    Score
    6-3

    (1:41) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle to 88-C.Lamb for 49 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q1 1:30XP
    Brandon Aubrey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    7-3

    17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.

  5. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 4:36FG
    Jason Sanders

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 34
    Score
    7-6

    (4:36) 7-J.Sanders 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  6. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 0:21TD
    Raheem Mostert

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DAL 4
    Score
    7-12

    (:21) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short left to 31-R.Mostert for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  7. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 0:17TD
    Jason Sanders

    Points+7

    Yard line
    DAL 15
    Score
    7-13

    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  8. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q3 9:04FG
    Jason Sanders

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 36
    Score
    7-16

    (9:04) 7-J.Sanders 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  9. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q3 5:32FG
    Brandon Aubrey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIA 25
    Score
    10-16

    (5:32) 17-B.Aubrey 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.

  10. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q3 1:28FG
    Jason Sanders

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 17
    Score
    10-19

    (1:28) 7-J.Sanders 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  11. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q4 12:35FG
    Brandon Aubrey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    13-19

    (12:35) 17-B.Aubrey 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.

  12. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q4 3:33TD
    Brandin Cooks

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 8
    Score
    19-19

    (3:33) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short left to 3-B.Cooks for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [43-A.Van Ginkel].

  13. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q4 3:27XP
    Brandon Aubrey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    20-19

    17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.

  14. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q4 0:02FG
    Jason Sanders

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 11
    Score
    20-22

    (:02) 7-J.Sanders 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  15. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q4 0:00FG

    Points+3

    Yard line
    —
    Score
    20-22

    END GAME

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Dak PrescottDak Prescott · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +15.27 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play
  2. 2CeeDee LambCeeDee Lamb · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +9.46 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.95 EPA/play
  3. 3Tua TagovailoaTua Tagovailoa · Miami Dolphins · Passing · +7.68 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.20 EPA/play
  4. 4Jalen TolbertJalen Tolbert · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +3.46 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.73 EPA/play
  5. 5Brandin CooksBrandin Cooks · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +3.38 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.69 EPA/play
  6. 6Durham SmytheDurham Smythe · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +3.28 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play
  7. 7Trysten HillTrysten Hill · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +3.03 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
  8. 8Jake FergusonJake Ferguson · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +2.41 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

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

Dak Prescott

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Dak Prescott — DAL · Passing

Dak Prescott posted the highest total EPA (+15.27) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Dallas Cowboys. Across 43 counted snaps, they averaged +0.36 EPA per play.

Dak Prescott's top snap (-6.74 EPA): (7:22) 66-T.Bass reported in as eligible. 4-D.Prescott FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIA 2, RECOVERED by MIA-29-B.Jones at MIA 2.

Quarterback report card

Dak Prescott led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Dak PrescottDak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) · 43 dropbacks · 46.5% completion · -1.8% CPOE · +0.36 EPA/play · +15.27 total EPA
  • Tua TagovailoaTua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) · 39 dropbacks · 61.5% completion · +1.9% CPOE · +0.20 EPA/play · +7.68 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatDallas CowboysMiami Dolphins
Offensive EPA/play+0.119+0.127
Offensive success rate43.9%50.6%
Pass EPA/play+0.355+0.197
Rush EPA/play-0.261-0.211
Defensive EPA/play-0.127-0.119
Defensive success rate49.4%56.1%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Dallas Cowboys +0.12, Miami Dolphins +0.13) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Dallas Cowboys: +0.12 EPA/play (84th percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
  • Miami Dolphins: +0.13 EPA/play (84th percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
  • Dallas Cowboys: 9 drives, +9.73 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
  • Miami Dolphins: 9 drives, +10.30 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • CeeDee LambDallas Cowboys — CeeDee Lamb (Dak Prescott pass) (Q1 1:41)
  • Raheem MostertMiami Dolphins — Raheem Mostert (Tua Tagovailoa pass) (Q2 0:21)
  • Brandin CooksDallas Cowboys — Brandin Cooks (Dak Prescott pass) (Q4 3:33)

Field goals

  • Jason SandersMiami Dolphins — Jason Sanders (Q1 2:55)
  • Jason SandersMiami Dolphins — Jason Sanders (Q1 2:50)
  • Jason SandersMiami Dolphins — Jason Sanders (Q2 4:36)
  • Jason SandersMiami Dolphins — Jason Sanders (Q3 9:04)
  • Brandon AubreyDallas Cowboys — Brandon Aubrey (Q3 5:32)
  • Jason SandersMiami Dolphins — Jason Sanders (Q3 1:28)
  • Brandon AubreyDallas Cowboys — Brandon Aubrey (Q4 12:35)
  • Jason SandersMiami Dolphins — Jason Sanders (Q4 0:02)
  • Miami Dolphins — unlisted player (Q4 0:00)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 7–6. Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the DAL 39 (Q1 2:55) — (2:55) 7-J.Sanders 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the MIA 35 (Q1 2:50) — 7-J.Sanders kicks 65 yards from MIA 35 to end zone, Touchback.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the MIA 49 (Q1 1:41) — (1:41) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle to 88-C.Lamb for 49 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q1 1:30) — 17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger..

The second quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 16–0. Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the DAL 34 (Q2 4:36) — (4:36) 7-J.Sanders 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the DAL 4 (Q2 0:21) — (:21) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short left to 31-R.Mostert for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the DAL 15 (Q2 0:17) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey..

The third quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 6–3. Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the DAL 36 (Q3 9:04) — (9:04) 7-J.Sanders 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the MIA 25 (Q3 5:32) — (5:32) 17-B.Aubrey 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the DAL 17 (Q3 1:28) — (1:28) 7-J.Sanders 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey..

The fourth quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 10–6. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the MIA 15 (Q4 12:35) — (12:35) 17-B.Aubrey 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the MIA 8 (Q4 3:33) — (3:33) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short left to 3-B.Cooks for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [43-A.Van Ginkel].; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q4 3:27) — 17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the DAL 11 (Q4 0:02) — (:02) 7-J.Sanders 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal (Q4 0:00) — END GAME.

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Miami Dolphins (Q4 0:02) — (:02) 7-J.Sanders 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey. [WPA +28.5% · EPA +0.12]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q1 7:22) — (7:22) 66-T.Bass reported in as eligible. 4-D.Prescott FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIA 2, RECOVERED by MIA-29-B.Jones at MIA 2. [WPA -20.1% · EPA -6.74]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q4 4:23) — (4:23) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass incomplete short right to 9-K.Turpin. PENALTY on MIA-21-D.Elliott, Defensive Pass Interference, 3 yards, enforced at MIA 4 - No Play. Penalty on MIA-25-X.Howard, Def [WPA +17.6% · EPA +3.50]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q1 1:41) — (1:41) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle to 88-C.Lamb for 49 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +17.4% · EPA +4.75]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q4 3:33) — (3:33) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short left to 3-B.Cooks for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [43-A.Van Ginkel]. [WPA +14.7% · EPA +3.15]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Dallas Cowboys (Q1 7:22) — (7:22) 66-T.Bass reported in as eligible. 4-D.Prescott FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIA 2, RECOVERED by MIA-29-B.Jones at MIA 2. [WPA -20.1% · EPA -6.74]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q1 1:41) — (1:41) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle to 88-C.Lamb for 49 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +17.4% · EPA +4.75]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q1 6:32) — (6:32) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep right to 17-J.Waddle ran ob at DAL 47 for 50 yards. [WPA +10.8% · EPA +4.20]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q4 4:23) — (4:23) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass incomplete short right to 9-K.Turpin. PENALTY on MIA-21-D.Elliott, Defensive Pass Interference, 3 yards, enforced at MIA 4 - No Play. Penalty on MIA-25-X.Howard, Def [WPA +17.6% · EPA +3.50]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q1 2:55 · DAL 39 · Score 0-3
    (2:55) 7-J.Sanders 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  2. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q1 2:50 · MIA 35 · Score 0-3
    7-J.Sanders kicks 65 yards from MIA 35 to end zone, Touchback.
  3. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 1:41 · MIA 49 · Score 6-3
    (1:41) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle to 88-C.Lamb for 49 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 1:30 · MIA 15 · Score 7-3
    17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
  5. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q2 4:36 · DAL 34 · Score 7-6
    (4:36) 7-J.Sanders 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  6. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q2 0:21 · DAL 4 · Score 7-12
    (:21) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short left to 31-R.Mostert for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Miami Dolphins TD (+7) — Q2 0:17 · DAL 15 · Score 7-13
    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  8. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q3 9:04 · DAL 36 · Score 7-16
    (9:04) 7-J.Sanders 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  9. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q3 5:32 · MIA 25 · Score 10-16
    (5:32) 17-B.Aubrey 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
  10. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q3 1:28 · DAL 17 · Score 10-19
    (1:28) 7-J.Sanders 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  11. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 12:35 · MIA 15 · Score 13-19
    (12:35) 17-B.Aubrey 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
  12. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 3:33 · MIA 8 · Score 19-19
    (3:33) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short left to 3-B.Cooks for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [43-A.Van Ginkel].
  13. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 3:27 · MIA 15 · Score 20-19
    17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
  14. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q4 0:02 · DAL 11 · Score 20-22
    (:02) 7-J.Sanders 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  15. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q4 0:00 · Score 20-22
    END GAME

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.
  • Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Dallas Cowboys vs Miami Dolphins on 2023-12-24?

The Miami Dolphins beat the Dallas Cowboys 22-20 in Week 16, 2023.

What was the score by quarter in Dallas Cowboys vs Miami Dolphins?

Q1: Dallas Cowboys 7, Miami Dolphins 6; Q2: Dallas Cowboys 0, Miami Dolphins 16; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 3, Miami Dolphins 6; Q4: Dallas Cowboys 10, Miami Dolphins 6; Final: Dallas Cowboys 20, Miami Dolphins 22.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Dallas Cowboys vs Miami Dolphins?

Dallas Cowboys touchdown — C. Lamb (D. Prescott pass) (Q1 1:41) Miami Dolphins touchdown — R. Mostert (T. Tagovailoa pass) (Q2 0:21) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — B. Cooks (D. Prescott pass) (Q4 3:33) Miami Dolphins field goal — J. Sanders (Q1 2:55, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — J. Sanders (Q1 2:50, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — J. Sanders (Q2 4:36, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — J. Sanders (Q3 9:04, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q3 5:32, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — J. Sanders (Q3 1:28, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q4 12:35, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — J. Sanders (Q4 0:02, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — unlisted player (Q4 0:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Dallas Cowboys vs Miami Dolphins?

Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), 46.5% completion, -1.8% CPOE, +0.36 EPA per dropback, +15.27 total passing EPA. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins), 61.5% completion, +1.9% CPOE, +0.20 EPA per dropback, +7.68 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Dallas Cowboys vs Miami Dolphins?

Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +15.27 total EPA on Passing plays. across 43 snaps. Their top snap (-6.74 EPA): (7:22) 66-T.Bass reported in as eligible. 4-D.Prescott FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIA 2, RECOVERED by MIA-29-B.Jones at MIA 2..

Was Dallas Cowboys vs Miami Dolphins a close game?

Yes — the margin was 2 points. Miami Dolphins won 22-20 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Dallas Cowboys

Entered 10-4 Now 10-5 L

Miami Dolphins

Entered 10-4 Now 11-4 W

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