The 49ers vs Miami Dolphins match player stats give a full story of how this exciting Week 16 game played out on December 22, 2024, at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins secured a powerful 29–17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in a game full of surprises and big performances. From offensive highlights to defensive stops and field goal accuracy, this match had everything fans love.
This post covers complete player performance stats, team stats, and insights on momentum swings. It’s great for those who missed the game or fans looking for fantasy football insights, future playoff implications, and a breakdown of the biggest names who made an impact. Let’s jump into the full analysis of this 49ers vs Dolphins stats showdown.
Key Team-Level Stats: Total Yards, Time of Possession, Third‑Down Efficiency
The full team-level stats offer a clearer picture of how evenly matched these two teams were across most categories. Even though the Dolphins won the game, both sides posted nearly identical total yardage: Miami with 381 and San Francisco with 374 yards. But the 49ers committed 11 penalties, totaling 90 yards, which proved costly in key moments.
In terms of possession, Miami controlled the clock, holding the ball for 33:06 compared to San Francisco’s 26:54. This helped the Dolphins chip away with five field goals from Jason Sanders. Third-down efficiency was nearly even, with the 49ers converting 5 of 13 (38%) and the Dolphins 4 of 12 (33%). While total yards were close, Miami capitalized better on opportunities with cleaner execution.
Quick Game Stats Comparison
| Team | Total Yards | Time Possessed | 3rd Down % | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49ers | 374 | 26:54 | 38% | 11 for 90 |
| Dolphins | 381 | 33:06 | 33% | 6 for 45 |
Offensive Player Stats: Passing, Rushing & Receiving Highlights
When analyzing the 49ers vs Miami Dolphins match player stats, the offensive numbers provide key insights into each team’s approach. The 49ers leaned heavily on quarterback Brock Purdy, who threw 40 passes, completing 26 for 313 yards, with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He also added 26 rushing yards on four scrambles. Purdy’s aggressive passing gave the 49ers early momentum, but his late interception ultimately shifted the game’s outcome.
For the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa was more conservative but efficient. He completed 22 of 34 passes for 215 yards and 1 touchdown without any turnovers. Tua’s poise in the pocket and smart decision-making allowed Miami to slowly gain control of the game, especially in the second half. He also reached a career milestone, throwing his 100th career touchdown pass, a short 3-yard strike to Tyreek Hill.
In the ground game, De’Von Achane was the clear standout. He had 17 carries for 120 yards and a 50-yard touchdown run that sealed the win. Achane also caught 6 passes for 70 yards, totaling a massive 190 scrimmage yards. The 49ers couldn’t contain his speed or shiftiness. In the receiving game, George Kittle led all receivers with 8 catches for 106 yards, while Deebo Samuel added 96 yards and a touchdown. The mix of short and deep throws kept the Miami defense guessing.
| Player | Team | Pass Yds | Rush Yds | Rec Yds | Total TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brock Purdy | SF | 313 | 26 | – | 2 |
| Tua Tagovailoa | MIA | 215 | – | – | 1 |
| De’Von Achane | MIA | – | 120 | 70 | 1 |
| George Kittle | SF | – | – | 106 | 0 |
| Deebo Samuel | SF | – | – | 96 | 1 |
| Tyreek Hill | MIA | – | – | TD only | 1 |
Defensive & Special Teams Stats That Mattered
Defense and special teams played a huge role in this 49ers vs Miami Dolphins matchup, especially in limiting scoring opportunities and swinging momentum. The 49ers defense showed flashes, including Deommodore Lenoir’s early pass breakup, but they couldn’t generate a turnover or stop the Dolphins’ long drives. While the 49ers defense held up statistically, they struggled with discipline — the 11 penalties were drive-killers.
The Dolphins’ defense, on the other hand, created a game-changing moment with a late interception by Kader Kohou, who read Purdy’s eyes perfectly to shut down a red zone threat. Miami’s secondary was disciplined, and their pressure forced a few off-target throws from Purdy.
On special teams, Jason Sanders was perfect, going 5-for-5 on field goals, including makes from 44, 38, 54, 33, and 48 yards. His accurate kicking ensured Miami always came away with points, even when drives stalled. For San Francisco, special teams failed to make any game-changing plays, and their return game was mostly neutralized.
Fantasy Football Impact & Player Grades
If you’re a fantasy football manager, the 49ers vs Miami Dolphins match player stats delivered mixed results. The MVP was De’Von Achane, who totaled 190 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, making him a top-5 fantasy scorer this week. His dual-threat performance gave owners a major playoff boost. George Kittle and Deebo Samuel were also solid, combining for over 200 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Brock Purdy gave fantasy owners a decent return with 2 touchdowns and over 300 yards, but his interception and lack of rushing TDs hurt his ceiling. Meanwhile, Tua’s numbers were modest but clean — helpful in 2QB leagues but not dominant. Tyreek Hill’s performance was underwhelming, though he did find the end zone for a small fantasy boost.
Player grades by analysts rated San Francisco’s offense as a D, mainly for their inconsistency and turnovers. The Dolphins’ defense earned a B+ for their bend-but-don’t-break strategy, while Jason Sanders and the Miami special teams received an A.
Game Momentum & Turning Points
Looking back at the full game, the 49ers vs Dolphins match stats show a back-and-forth battle that hinged on a few momentum-shifting plays. In the first half, San Francisco started strong with an early lead behind Brock Purdy’s quick passes to Kittle and Samuel. They looked dominant early on, but penalties and a missed third-down conversion slowed their rhythm.
The momentum shifted firmly to Miami in the second half. The turning point came when De’Von Achane broke free for a 50-yard touchdown, putting the Dolphins up by two scores. Just moments later, Kader Kohou’s interception erased a promising 49ers drive. From that point on, the Dolphins slowed the pace and relied on Jason Sanders’ kicking game to maintain control.
These key moments — especially the explosive touchdown and crucial interception — were enough to turn a close game into a comfortable Miami win.
What This Means: Playoff & Season Implications
The outcome of this game had major implications for both teams. For the San Francisco 49ers, the loss officially eliminated them from playoff contention. It also marked their first losing season since Kyle Shanahan’s first year as head coach. The penalties, lack of defensive turnovers, and offensive inconsistency were recurring problems all season, and this game reflected that.
For the Miami Dolphins, the victory kept their slim playoff hopes alive. They improved their record to 8–7 and now rely on other AFC teams losing to sneak into a Wild Card spot. More importantly, the game showed they can win with defense, special teams, and a steady offense — not just explosive plays. This win may have saved head coach Mike McDaniel’s job and gives Dolphins fans hope going into the final week.
FAQs: 49ers vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats
1. Who had the most total yards in the 49ers vs Dolphins game?
De’Von Achane was the top performer with 190 total yards. He rushed for 120 and caught passes for another 70, making him the most productive player on either team.
2. How did Brock Purdy perform?
Purdy passed for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns, but also threw a costly interception late in the game that helped the Dolphins secure the win.
3. Did Tua Tagovailoa hit any milestones?
Yes, Tua threw his 100th career touchdown pass during the game. It was a short 3-yard completion to Tyreek Hill.
4. How many field goals did Jason Sanders make?
Jason Sanders made 5 field goals, including two kicks over 45 yards. He was the Dolphins’ most reliable scorer throughout the game.
5. What were the biggest turning points in the game?
The two biggest moments were Achane’s 50-yard touchdown run and Kohou’s late interception, which turned the tide permanently in Miami’s favor.
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