The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots rivalry has always been a compelling one for AFC East fans. The two teams will face off again this season on November 2, 2026. Before that matchup, let’s look back at their last meeting and see where both teams stand heading into the 2026 season.
Last Meeting: September 14, 2025: Patriots 33, Dolphins 27
The two teams most recently met in Foxborough, where the Patriots edged out the Dolphins 33–27. Special teams played a key role, as both sides produced big return touchdowns.
Quarter-by-quarter score:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriots | 12 | 3 | 8 | 10 | 33 |
| Dolphins | 0 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 27 |
Key Player Stats
Quarterbacks:
- Drake Maye (NE): 19/23 passing (82.6%), 230 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, QB rating of 137.3. Rushing: 10 attempts for 31 yards and 1 TD.
- Tua Tagovailoa (MIA): 26/32 passing (81.2%), 2 TD, 1 INT, QB rating of 115.5.
Rushing/Receiving leaders:
- Rhamondre Stevenson (NE): 11 carries for 54 yards, plus 5 catches on 5 targets for 88 receiving yards.
- Jaylen Waddle (MIA): 18-yard touchdown catch.
- De’Von Achane (MIA): 29-yard touchdown catch.
- Kayshon Boutte (NE): 16-yard touchdown catch.
- Mack Hollins (NE): 8-yard touchdown catch.
Special teams decided the game:
- Malik Washington (MIA): 74-yard punt return touchdown.
- Antonio Gibson (NE): 90-yard kickoff return touchdown.
- Riley Patterson (MIA): Field goals of 40 and 44 yards.
- Andy Borregales (NE): Field goals of 22 and 53 yards.
The Patriots also controlled time of possession, and while the Dolphins’ offense actually out-gained them through the air, turnovers and special-teams returns swung the game New England’s way.
2026 Season: A Lot Has Changed for Both Teams
It’s worth noting that both franchises look very different heading into 2026:
Miami Dolphins: A Full Rebuild
- New head coach: Jeff Hafley (formerly Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator)
- New GM: Jon-Eric Sullivan
- Tua Tagovailoa was released (now with the Atlanta Falcons); Tyreek Hill is also no longer with the team
- New starting QB: Malik Willis, who reunited with Hafley after their time together in Green Bay
- De’Von Achane remains a key offensive piece on the roster
- Per the standings, Miami’s 2026 record currently sits at 0–3 — a difficult start to the season
New England Patriots
- Per the standings, New England’s record currently sits at 1–2, placing them third in the AFC East
- Drake Maye continues to hold down the starting quarterback job
Upcoming Matchup Preview: November 2, 2026
The next meeting will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This matchup arrives in a very different context than last year’s game, given how much Miami’s offensive and coaching setup has changed.
What to watch for:
- Malik Willis vs. the Patriots defense: This is his first season with an entirely new coaching staff, so his consistency is a big question mark.
- De’Von Achane’s role: Reports suggest Hafley’s staff wants to lean heavily on Achane’s dual-threat ability to help offset the uncertainty at quarterback.
- Drake Maye’s form: Maye has been a steady presence for the Patriots, and his performance in the last meeting (137.3 rating) was strong.
- Miami’s record: After starting 0–3, the Dolphins need wins, and a home game gives them a real chance to get one.
Final Thoughts
The last Dolphins-Patriots meeting was close and high-scoring, decided largely by special teams. But the November 2026 matchup arrives in a completely different context: Miami is rebuilding with a new coach, new GM, and new quarterback, while New England is looking for stability with its existing core. Once the game is actually played, this article can be updated with the real player stats.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Dolphins and Patriots last play?
On September 14, 2025, in Foxborough. New England won 33–27.
Who had the better quarterback performance in that game?
Drake Maye posted a 137.3 rating (19/23, 230 yards, 2 TD), slightly ahead of Tua Tagovailoa’s 115.5 rating (26/32, 2 TD, 1 INT).
What decided the last meeting between the two teams?
Special teams played a big role; a 74-yard punt return TD from Malik Washington and a 90-yard kickoff return TD from Antonio Gibson were key plays.
Who is Miami’s starting quarterback in 2026?
Malik Willis, under new head coach Jeff Hafley. Tua Tagovailoa was released and is now with the Atlanta Falcons.
When do the Dolphins and Patriots play next?
On November 2, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
What are both teams’ records heading into the 2026 matchup?
As of the latest standings, Miami is 0–3, and New England is 1–2.
Will this article include stats from the November 2026 game?
No, it hasn’t yet, since that game hasn’t been played. It can be updated with real player stats once the game is completed. Read More!