Patriots vs Dolphins final score, recap, and immediate reactions Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images The Miami Dolphins hosted the New England Patriots on Sunday in the final game at Hard Rock Stadium this year. Miami came into the game at 8-5, looking to remain in position to make the playoffs. The Patriots entered the day 6-7 and looking to avoid being eliminated from the postseason picture. The Dolphins left the game with the win, still in position to claim a playoff berth, and the knowledge that they eliminated the Patriots. Final score First half recap The Patriots received the opening kick, starting on offense at their own 25-yard line after the touchback. On first down, quarterback Cam Newton threw incomplete before running back Sony Michel was stuffed by defensive end Christian Wilkins and linebacker Elandon Roberts, losing a yard. On third down, Newton threw to Damiere Byrd on a screen pass, only to have linebacker Kyle Van Noy shut it down for a two-yard loss. New England punted after a three-and-out drive, losing three yards.