Miami Dolphins Celebrate a Win Against the Bucs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Miami Dolphins - NFL 2025

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Jordyn Brooks #20 of the Miami Dolphins reacts after a kickoff return during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)Photo: Julio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images

The Miami Dolphins win the battle of Florida with a 20-17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite not making the playoffs.

Miami quarterback Quinn Ewers got his first win in his second start after franchise QB Tua Tagovailoa was benched for poor play.

Head coach Mike McDaniel says Ewers was excellent and watching him develop is rewarding.

"You have an idea, a feeling that the game isn't too big for a player based on your history and your experience day in, day out with them," he said. "And I think it's awesome in this profession when you believe in people and they take advantage of the opportunity. He added that the moment was not too big for him and, "I think Quinn played a very good game with what we asked him to do."

Ewers passed for more than 170 yards to go with two touchdowns as the Fins sit 12th in the draft order.

The Bucs got lucky that the Seahawks crushed the Panthers. Tampa still has a slim chance of making the post-season as they take on Carolina from the Sunshine State in Week 18 for the NFC South crown.

The Jaguars are in the playoffs after beating the Colts 23-17.

The 7-and-9 Fins visit the red-hot Patriots for the final week of the regular season.