Packers cruise to win over Dolphins on cold night at Lambeau

The Miami Dolphins entered their Thanksgiving night game against the Green Bay Packers hoping to erase a narrative about their struggles in cold-weather games.

They weren’t able to accomplish that goal, losing 30-17 to the Packers in below-freezing conditions at Lambeau Field.

The Dolphins’ struggles weren’t due to the performance of Tua Tagovailoa. While the veteran quarterback dropped to 0-8 in games with a starting temperature at 45 degrees or lower, he posted a solid stat line, completing 37-of-46 passes for 364 yards and two touchdowns. He also avoided an interception for just the third time in his eight cold-weather games.

What went wrong for the Dolphins? Their defense struggled early to contain the Packers, who racked up 14 points in the first quarter. Miami also lost the turnover battle, fumbling once before their first offensive drive and turning the ball over twice on downs. Those turnovers led to 13 Green Bay points, which turned out to be the difference in the game.

The Packers improved to 9-3 win the victory and will have a chance to cut into the Detroit Lions’ NFC North lead when they meet on ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 14. Incredibly, Green Bay remains in third place in the loaded NFC North behind the Lions (11-1) and Minnesota Vikings (9-2).

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As for the Dolphins, their loss snapped a three-game winning streak and dropped them to 5-7 on the season. They are still in the thick of the AFC wild-card race but will need some help from the teams ahead of them in the standings — namely the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos — to climb up the ranks.

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Packers vs. Dolphins highlights

Clock runs out on Dolphins as Packers clinch 30-17 win

The Dolphins managed to get the ball back with just under 2 minutes left in regulation, but they had to settle for underneath passes as the Packers protected against the big play.

Green Bay improves to 9-3 on the season while Miami drops to 5-7. The Packers are looking like a playoff shoo-in while the Dolphins will need to get hot again to make a playoff run.

Packers 30, Dolphins 17: Tyreek Hill catches tip-drill touchdown

The Dolphins worked quickly to get in the end-zone. Tua Tagovailoa threw a pass over the middle of the field to Jonnu Smith but the veteran tight end couldn’t hold onto it.

However, the ball bounced right into the waiting arms of Tyreek Hill, who grabbed it to add a touchdown to his stat line. The Dolphins couldn’t get the two-point conversion and still trail by 13 with 3:04 left in regulation.

Packers 30, Dolphins 11: Green Bay settles for field goal after Elgton Jenkins penalty

The Packers nearly got into the end-zone after a Dontavyion Wicks caught a Jordan Love pass just short of the goal-line but couldn’t extend the ball over the chalk. Elgton Jenkins was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty that turned a fourth-and-inches at the goal line into a fourth-and-15, so Green Bay kicked the field goal.

Brandon McManus made the kick and extended Green Bay’s lead to 19. The Dolphins now face a daunting comeback with just 5:17 left in regulation.

Josh Jacobs breaks ankles on 49-yard catch-and-run

Josh Jacobs caught a short dump-off from Jordan Love on a first-and-10 and did some great work after the catch. He made a gorgeous juke move that got a Dolphins defender out of position and dragged some defenders deep into Miami territory at the end of the play.

The Packers are now in field goal range and positioned to make this a three-score game. The catch was the longest of Jacobs’ career to date.

Dolphins can’t score from 1-yard line

The Dolphins got to the 1-yard line to set up a second-and-goal opportunity. On the ensuing three plays, De’Von Achane was stuffed for no gain, Keisean Nixon broke up a pass intended for Jonnu Smith and Tua Tagovailoa was sacked.

As a result, Miami turned the ball over on downs. Green Bay gets the ball back with 9:33 left leading by 16.

What was up with NBC airing mere seconds of Lindsey Stirling’s halftime show?

Lindsey Stirling closed out the NFL’s Thanksgiving slate of halftime entertainment with her performance during the Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins game at Lambeau Field.

Viewers watching the contest at home were barely able to see the talented violinist and dancer in action.

Dolphins force Packers to punt

Well, Miami has a chance to close in on Green Bay’s lead.

Following their touchdown, the Dolphins defense halted the Packers offense at midfield and forced a punt after a short, four-play, 17-yard drive.

The Dolphins get the ball back down two scores and the entire fourth quarter yet to play.

Packers 27, Dolphins 11: Tua Tagovailoa, De’Von Achane connect for score

Nearly three full quarters of play into the game, Miami finally reached the end zone.

A Tua Tagovailoa pass to De’Von Achane went for a 14-yard touchdown play. The Dolphins then converted the two-point conversion on a nice catch by Jaylen Waddle.

One of the key plays of the drive was a fourth-and-1 conversion at the Packers’ 46-yard line that kept the drive alive. Two plays later, the Dolphins finally had their first touchdown of the game.

Packers 27, Dolphins 3: Field goal extends lead

Brandon McManus’ second field goal – a 24-yard attempt – added to the Packers’ growing lead after their first possession of the second half.

A third-and-6 pass play from Jordan Love to Christian Watson went for 46 yards. The Packers followed up that play with a 15-yard play on a Love screen pass to Josh Jacobs.

Discouraging start to second half for Dolphins

The Dolphins came out of intermission desperately needing a spark after going down 24-3 at the end of the second quarter.

Instead, Tua Tagovailoa and the offense went three-and-out after advancing just two yards. The Packers get the ball back with a chance to extend their lead.

Packers 24, Dolphins 3: Brandon McManus extends Green Bay’s lead before halftime

After forcing the Dolphins into a turnover on downs, the Packers gained 34 yards on three plays to set up a 46-yard field goal attempt for Brandon McManus. He made it to extend Green Bay’s lead to 24-3.

The Packers outgained the Dolphins 213-121 in the first half and forced two turnovers: one fumble and one on downs. Now, Tua Tagovailoa and Co. will have to play from behind in the cold. That could prove difficult considering the accuracy issues the quarterback is having throwing the ball 10-plus yards downfield in the freezing temperatures.

Dolphins fail to convert fourth down

Mike McDaniel opted to go for a fourth-and-5 from the Packers’ 38-yard line instead of attending a field goal from 50-plus yards. Tua Tagovailoa overthrew his intended receiver De’Von Achane to give the ball back to the Packers with 22 seconds left in the half.

Green Bay has three timeouts remaining and could potentially get into field goal range.

Packers 21, Dolphins 3: Jayden Reed catches second touchdown from Jordan Love

The Packers offense stays hot on a third-and-2. Jordan Love dumped a pass off to Jayden Reed and the second-year receiver wove his way through a few Dolphins receivers to log a 12-yard score.

Brandon McManus converts the extra point to give the Packers a 21-3 lead with 1:36 left in the first half. Reed now has two catches thus far, both for touchdowns.

Who is the Packers Thanksgiving halftime show performer?

Stirling is a 38-year-old violinist, dancer and song-writer began posting videos of her choreographed violin performances on YouTube in 2007. Her unique combination of talents landed her a spot on season five of ‘America’s Got Talent,’ where she made it to the quarterfinals before being knocked out of the competition.

Tua Tagovailoa sacked on back-to-back plays, Dolphins punt

The Dolphins’ protection failed on back-to-back plays, which allowed Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare to bring down Tua Tagovailoa. Miami’s quarterback absorbed the big hits well, but Jake Bailey had to punt again.

The Packers get the ball back on their own 38-yard line with 3:03 left before halftime.

Dolphins stop Packers, force punt

Miami follows up its first scoring drive by stopping Green Bay just after it got past midfield on a 23-yard Jayden Reed punt. This time, Malik Washington fields it cleanly. However, a holding penalty will back the Dolphins up significantly with 6:32 left until halftime.

Tua Tagovailoa stats

Thus far, Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t shown any ill effects in the cold weather. He has completed 9-of-10 passes for 67 yards with his lone incompletion being a pass that was just low and in front of running back Raheem Mostert.

Tagovailoa hasn’t taken many chances downfield yet, instead opting to throw underneath and let his playmakers generate yards after the catch, but that has been a staple of Miami’s offense this year. If he can continue to play like this, the Dolphins will have a chance to move the ball against the Packers’ defense.

Packers 14, Dolphins 3: Jason Sanders makes 33-yard field goal

The Dolphins went backwards after getting a goal-to-go opportunity, so they had to settle for a 33-yard field goal. Jason Sanders made it with ease to get Miami on the board and cut Green Bay’s lead to 14-3.

Dolphins convert fourth-and-4 after eschewing field goal

The Dolphins had a chance to attempt a 43-yard field goal but Mike McDaniel opted to go for it on fourth down instead. Tua Tagovailoa was given plenty of time in the pocket and was able to find Jaylen Waddle breaking wide open over the middle of the field for a first down.

First and goal, Miami.

Packers lead Dolphins 14-0 after first quarter

Green Bay has, predictably, jumped out to a fast start amid the freezing temperatures at Lambeau Field. They are playing physically on offense, racking up 50 yards and a touchdown on the ground, and capitalized on the one Miami turnover in the opening quarter.

That said, Tua Tagovailoa has started the game on a solid clip, completing 4-of-4 passes for 31 yards. He is taking what is given to him, but it will be interesting to see if he can continue to perform efficiently given his previous struggles in cold weather games.

Packers 14, Dolphins 0: Josh Jacobs plunges in for 1-yard touchdown run

The Packers are imposing their will on the Dolphins early. Josh Jacobs got back-to-back carries in goal-to-go situations. On the first, he pushed a pile of Dolphins defenders 6 yards to get to the 1-yard line. On the next play, he punched it into the end zone.

Brandon McManus converted on the extra point again to give the Packers a 14-0 lead. Green Bay has 50 rushing yards in the first quarter compared to negative-1 for Miami.

Kader Kohou injury update

Kader Kohou, a cornerback for the Dolphins, was injured attempting to catch a pass that deflected off receiver Dontayvion Wicks’ hands. He was tended to by medical staff on the field and was seen reaching for his back before he went into the blue medical tent.

The Dolphins ruled Kohou ‘questionable’ to return because of a back injury. He was also being reviewed for a potential concussion.

Miami was already without normal starting cornerback Kendall Fuller on Thursday night.

Dolphins punt on first offensive possession after Jonnu Smith penalty

Miami started the game by getting a first down after a couple of dump-offs to De’Von Achane, but they stalled out after that. Tua Tagovailoa took a sack and a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on Jonnu Smith put the Dolphins in an unforgiving third-and-29 situation.

Jake Bailey punted it back to the Packers, who will look to improve upon their 7-0 lead on their third drive of the first quarter.

Corey Ballentine injury update

The Packers have ruled Corey Ballentine, a backup defensive back and special teamer, questionable to return to Thursday’s game after suffering a knee injury on the opening kickoff.

Ballentine has six tackles on the season in 10 games played (one start).

Packers 7, Dolphins 0: Jayden Reed opens scoring with 3-yard touchdown catch

The Packers capitalize on the Dolphins’ fumble. After two Josh Jacobs runs, Jordan Love found Jayden Reed breaking out toward the front pylon on an out route. The quarterback perfectly placed the ball in front of the receiver, preventing defensive back Storm Duck from knocking it down.

Brandon McManus connects on the extra point to make it 7-0, Packers.

Dolphins fumble punt after Packers three-and-out setting up goal-to-go opportunity

The frigid temperatures in Green Bay are making an impact early on Thanksgiving. Jordan Love overthrew Jayden Reed for a potential big play on the Packers’ first drive and as a result, they had to punt.

Malik Washington couldn’t field the punt and the Packers recovered the muff. That sets up a first-and-goal for the Packers.

Lindsey Stirling performing halftime show for Dolphins vs. Packers game

The halftime entertainment has become a part of the NFL’s Thanksgiving spectacle. Both the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have landed quality performers in recent years, with Dolly Parton’s performance at Dallas’ 2023 game particularly capturing the interest of NFL and entertainment fans alike.

This year, the Cowboys are rolling with a country music star, Lainey Wilson, to entertain their crowd while the Lions landed Shaboozey, a versatile hip-hop and alt-country artist, to rock the Motor City.

Why is Jason Garrett calling Packers vs. Dolphins?

Garrett is serving as the color commentator for the Packers vs. Dolphins game in lieu of Cris Collinsworth, who presumably has the day off to celebrate Thanksgiving.

And for those wondering why NBC is broadcasting the Thursday night game, the Thanksgiving night game rights are owned by NBC. As such, the network uses its ‘Sunday Night Football’ branding and crew for the contest.

Packers vs. Dolphins Thanksgiving game start time

Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET (5:20 PT)
Location: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin

The NFL’s Thursday night games typically begin at 8:15 p.m. ET. However, the Thanksgiving game will start five minutes later at 8:20 p.m. ET, the normal start time for NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” programming.

Packers vs. Dolphins TV channel

TV channel: NBC

Thursday night games typically belong to Amazon Prime, but NBC still owns the right to the Thanksgiving night game. As such, the game will be broadcast with NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” branding despite taking place on Thursday night.

Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (color commentary) and Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) typically handle the broadcast duties for NBC’s “SNF” broadcast. It isn’t clear whether any of the trio will have Thanksgiving off.

NBC will host a pregame show for the event as part of its “Football Night In America” branding. The program will begin at 7 p.m. ET and feature insight from a panel of analysts, including Maria Taylor, Jason Garrett, Chris Simms, Mike Florio, Devin McCourty, Tony Dungy, and more.

Packers vs. Dolphins live stream

Live stream:  Fubo TV and Peacock

For cord cutters looking for a live stream for the matchup, you can turn to Fubo TV. Fubo TV carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action through the remainder of the season.

Peacock, the proprietary streaming service of NBC, will also carry the game.

Packers vs. Dolphins picks, predictions

Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels the Packers vs. Dolphins Thanksgiving matchup will cook:

Lorenzo Reyes: Packers 23, Dolphins 19
Tyler Dragon: Packers 26, Dolphins 24
Richard Morin: Packers 24, Dolphins 21
Jordan Mendoza: Packers 23, Dolphins 21

Packers vs. Dolphins odds, moneyline, over/under

The Packers are favorites to defeat the Dolphins, according to the BetMGM NFL odds.

Spread: Packers (-3.5)
Moneyline: Packers (-185); Dolphins (+150)
Over/under: 47

Where is Packers vs. Dolphins?

Packers vs. Dolphins weather updates

The Packers vs. Dolphins game at legendary Lambeau Field is expected to be played in cold-weather conditions on Thursday night. Temperatures will drop below freezing by game time and could go as low as 19 degrees during the evening.

Below are the full details of Thursday’s forecast for Green Bay:

High temperature: 32 degrees
Low temperature: 20 degrees
Chance of precipitation: 36%
Wind: 10-20 mph

Tua Tagovailoa stats in cold weather

Tua Tagovailoa has played in seven games with a listed temperature of 45 degrees or lower, according to data from Pro Football Reference.

Tagovailoa has an 0-7 record in those contests. His other stats aren’t much better, as can be seen below.

Completion rate: 135-of-243 (55.6%)
Passing yards: 1,687
Passing TDs: 8
INTs: 10
Yards/attempt: 6.9
Passer rating: 71.13

Tagovailoa’s average of 241 passing yards per game in those cold-weather contests is respectable, but he has struggled to consistently lead his team to points. The Dolphins are averaging 16.4 points per game in those cold-weather games while allowing 32.4 points per game.

Dolphins inactives vs. Packers

LB Anthony Walker Jr.
QB Tyler Huntley (emergency third QB)
CB Ethan Bonner
CB Kendall Fuller
TE Jack Stoll
WR Dee Eskridge

Packers inactives vs. Dolphins

CB Jaire Alexander
LB Edgerrin Cooper
OL Jacob Monk
WR Romeo Doubs

Packers Thanksgiving history

The Packers are appearing on Thanksgiving for the 38^th time in 2024. That ties them with the Chicago Bears for the third-most appearances on the holiday in NFL history and the most among teams that aren’t an every-year part of the Thanksgiving tradition.

Green Bay has a record of just 15-20-2 on the holiday. Below is a look at their seven most recent Thanksgiving appearances, which date back to 2001.

Nov. 23, 2023: Packers 29, Lions 22
Nov. 26, 2015: Bears 17, Packers 13
Nov. 28, 2013: Lions 40, Packers 10
Nov. 24, 2011: Packers 27, Lions 15
Nov. 22, 2007: Packers 37, Lions 26
Nov. 27, 2003: Lions 22, Packers 14
Nov. 22, 2001: Packers 29, Lions 27

Dolphins Thanksgiving history

The Dolphins have played on Thanksgiving seven times in their franchise’s history. They have a 5-2 record in those games, with their most notable victory coming in a 16-14 victory over the Cowboys in the infamous 1993 game in which Leon Lett tried to recover a blocked field goal only for the Dolphins to recover the ball.

Below is a full look at Miami’s Thanksgiving results:

Nov. 22, 1973: Dolphins 14, Cowboys 7
Nov. 24, 1977: Dolphins 55, St. Louis Cardinals 14
Nov. 25, 1993: Dolphins 16, Cowboys 14
Nov. 25, 1999: Cowboys 20, Dolphins 0
Nov. 27, 2003: Dolphins 40, Cowboys 21
Nov. 23, 2006: Dolphins 27, Lions 10
Nov. 24, 2011: Cowboys 20, Dolphins 19

Why Lions, Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving

The NFL on Thanksgiving Day has featured some memorable moments, from Clint Longley leading a Cowboys comeback in 1974 and a national TV showcase for the incomparable Barry Sanders to the infamous Butt Fumble in 2012 and Leon Lett’s blunder in 1993.

NFL games on Thanksgiving have been a tradition since the league’s inception in 1920 (there were six games that first season!). A third prime-time game was added in 2006, and includes teams other than the Lions and Cowboys, who each play their traditional Thanksgiving home games. — Jim Reineking

NFC North standings

Detroit Lions (11-1)
Minnesota Vikings (9-2)
Green Bay Packers (8-3)
Chicago Bears (4-8)

AFC East standings

Buffalo Bills (9-2)
Miami Dolphins (5-6)
New York Jets (3-8)
New England Patriots (3-9)

Jordan Love contract details

Jordan Love signed a four-year contract extension worth up to $220 million with the Packers during the 2024 NFL offseason. That gives him an average annual value (AAV) of $55 million, tied with Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence for the second-highest in the NFL behind Dak Prescott ($60 million).

Love’s contract contains $160.3 million in guarantees, a significant investment by the Packers after his one year as a starter.

Tua Tagovailoa contract

Tua Tagovailoa was given a lucrative contract during the 2024 NFL offseason as well. He got a four-year deal worth up to $212.4 million. His AAV of $53.1 million is the fifth-highest in the NFL, but he earned the ninth-most guaranteed money for a quarterback as part of his deal ($167.17 million).

Love and Tagovailoa have fairly similar contracts, all things considered, so it will be interesting to see the two face off against one another.

Which NFL team has the most Super Bowl wins?

The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are tied for the most Super Bowl wins with six.

Pittsburgh and Dallas have the unique distinction of playing each other more than any other team combination in Super Bowl history with three matchups.

The Packers own four Super Bowl wins, most recently during the 2010 season, when the defeated the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. The Dolphins have won two Super Bowls, most recently during the 1973 season when they defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII. The Dolphins’ last Super Bowl appearance was during the 1984 season, when they were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XIX.

The Steelers’ last Super Bowl triumph came during the 2008 season, when they defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. The Browns are among four NFL teams that have never appeared in a Super Bowl.

NFL franchises with most Super Bowl wins:

New England Patriots — 6
Pittsburgh Steelers — 6
Dallas Cowboys — 5
San Francisco 49ers — 5
Green Bay Packers — 4
Kansas City Chiefs — 4
New York Giants — 4

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