The Dolphins jumped out to a 16-0 lead and then held on for the win. Rich Storry / Imagn Images
The Miami Dolphins avoided a late-game collapse and beat the New Orleans Saints 21-17 on Sunday. Miami has now won three in a row after starting 2-7, while the Saints (2-10) were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss.
The Saints rallied back from 16-0 halftime deficit to make it a one-score game in the fourth quarter. New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough led two touchdown drives and connected with Devaughn Vele for a 15-yard score to cut the Dolphins’ lead to 19-17 with under two minutes to go. But Shough’s pass on the two-point attempt was intercepted and returned by the Dolphins’ Minkah Fitzpatrick for 2 points.
However, that wasn’t the end of the Saints’ — or Vele’s — comeback efforts. Vele recovered an onside kick for New Orleans that gave the Saints another shot at a game-winning drive. Shough found Chris Olave for a first down on the first play of the drive, but the Dolphins made the stop on the next set of downs to secure the win.
Dolphins running back De’Von Achane had his third straight 100-plus yard rushing performance and fourth this season. Achane scored Miami’s opening touchdown on a 29-yard run in the first quarter. He finished the day with 22 carries for 134 yards.
Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson went 4-for-4 on field goal attempts, including a long of 48 yards.
The Dolphins dug themselves into too deep a hole to be eyeing the postseason, but the recent surge is promising, especially because it comes on the heels of the organization parting ways with general manager Chris Grier.
The Saints entered Sunday in the mix for next year’s top pick in the NFL Draft. They’re still in position for an early selection, but the Tennessee Titans’ loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars gives the Titans (1-11) the edge.
Dec 1, 2025
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