The Miami Dolphins have now won three games in a row, defeating the New Orleans Saints by a score of 21-17 in Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season. Though the game never should have been close, the Dolphins managed to hold on and fight off a late Saints comeback to secure the victory.
Here’s three reasons why the Dolphins got the win.
1. Weaver’s Win
This win had Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s fingerprints all over it.
Through the first two quarters, the Dolphins held the Saints to zero points, forced two turnovers, and allowed just 63 total yards of offense. Even as Miami’s offense was sputtering, Weaver’s men consistently forced the Saints off the field, and gave the ball back to their offense. This helped the Dolphins race out to a 16-0 lead, and the team never looked back.
Though the Saints managed to make the game competitive in the second half, Miami’s defense never quit. An interception by Minkah Fitzpatrick on a failed two-point conversion was the game’s key play, and secured the win for the Dolphins. The Dolphins also had four sacks on the day, their highest in any game this season.
2. Run Achane, Run
De’Von Achane.
That’s it. There’s reason #2.
In all seriousness, Dolphins running back De’Von Achane almost singlehandedly carried the offense on Sunday. He finished the game with 22 carries for 134 yards, and one touchdown. On a day where the Dolphins couldn’t get anything going through the air (just 157 passing yards), Achane’s legs propelled the team to victory.
His patience, vision, and elusiveness in the open field is among the best in the NFL, and it’s no surprise that he’s already passed the 1,000+ yard mark for the season. He is the team’s heartbeat on offense, and deserves all the credit for his performance in Week 13. Extend that man this offseason, and don’t think twice.
3. Kick, Kick, Kick, Kick!
When one player directly contributes to more than half of a team’s points, they must have done something right.
On Sunday, that’s exactly what Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson did.
Patterson was 4/4 on field goal attempts, and also converted his only extra point try on the day. His longest was a 48-yard attempt.
With starting kicker Jason Sanders sidelined for what looks to be the entire season, Patterson has stepped in and delivered for the Dolphins. Though he doesn’t have the strongest leg (season long of 49-yards), he ranks in the Top-10 among all kickers this season for field goals made with 21 (1oth), and field goal percentage at 91.3% (7th).
Next Week
Next week, the Dolphins travel up north to take on the 3-9 New York Jets, who are coming off a 27-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons. The Dolphins already beat the Jets this season, back in Week 4 by a score of 27-21.
What are your thoughts on Miami’s win in Week 13? Who impressed you, and who didn’t? Let us know in the comments down below!
This article was written by Sumeet Jena, who can found on X at @flameosumeet.
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