Dolphins vs. Packers score: Live updates, game stats, analysis as Miami, Green Bay battle on Christmas

The Green Bay Packers entered Week 16 with their playoff hopes looking slim, needing not only to win out, but also receive plenty of help from other teams. The Packers received plenty of Christmas Eve presents, getting the losses around the league that they needed, but they were unable to make the most of that assistance through the first 30 minutes, trailing 20-13 in Miami against the host Dolphins. 

Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa diced up the Green Bay defense in the first half, throwing for 229 yards and a touchdown on 9 of 12 passing, averaging 19.1 yards per completion. His scoring strike came on a crossing route in the middle of the Packers defense that wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught and took upfield for an 84-yard score. Tagovailoa also hit wideout Tyreek Hill for a 52-yard deep strike that put Miami down on the one-yard line. Running back Jeff Wilson scored on the very next play on a run up the middle. 

The Packers had multiple opportunities to make big plays and even take the lead in the first half, but they haven’t been able to seize the moment for the most part. Returner Keisean Nixon took the kickoff on the Packers’ first possession out of the end zone for 93 yards down to the Miami nine. That drive ended in a field goal since Aaron Rodgers took a sack on second-and-goal from the five. They did come through for a touchdown on fourth and goal from the one on the next drive off a play-action pass from Rodgers to 38-year-old tight end Marcedes Lewis. 

Following a Dolphins punt, the Packers needed just a couple yards to pick up a fourth-and-one inside Miami’s 40, but Rodgers took a deep shot to rapidly developing rookie receiver Christian Watson, who got behind the defense. However, Rodgers overthrew him, resulting in a turnover on downs. Tagovailoa’s 52-yarder to Hill came on the ensuing drive, a contrast in the two teams’ deep-ball execution. 

However, the Packers received some extra life as Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert fumbled, and Packers defensive tackle Jarran Reed recovered the loose ball. That allowed the Packers to start on the Dolphins’ 49 with 1:55 left in the half. They were only able to come away with three points off a 46-yard field goal from kicker Mason Crosby, but that put them within seven and in position to tie the game to start the third quarter. 

Stay tuned to our coverage in the second half to see if the Packers can rally for the upset to keep their playoff dreams alive. Or, perhaps the Dolphins offense continues to be too much for the Packers’ maligned defense to handle. We’ll have all the real-time updates and analysis!