Introduction
The showdown between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Miami Dolphins on November 17, 2024, finished with Miami securing a strong 34–19 victory at home. It was the kind of game where player-level performance shaped every moment, from quarterback efficiency to defensive pressure. This article breaks down the essential player stats from both sides, highlights the standout performers, and explains what the numbers reveal about the matchup.
Match Summary
Miami controlled the game statistically, finishing with 353 total yards compared to the Raiders’ 328. The rushing attacks from both teams were modest — Las Vegas reached just 60 yards, while Miami produced 82. The passing game defined the matchup, with the Dolphins delivering a more efficient, explosive, and mistake-free performance. Their quarterback led the offense with a crisp, accurate outing that set the tone early.
Las Vegas Raiders – Offense Stats
Quarterback Performance
Gardner Minshew completed 30 of 43 passes for 282 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The stat line looks solid at first glance, with respectable accuracy and yardage, but the single interception came at a costly moment. The Raiders needed consistent scoring, and while Minshew delivered flashes, the offense struggled to maintain rhythm.
Running Backs
Las Vegas posted only 60 rushing yards, reflecting one of their biggest issues throughout the game. The ground attack couldn’t generate push or explosiveness. Every attempt felt hard-earned, and Miami’s defensive front consistently stacked the line and closed interior lanes.
Receivers and Tight Ends
Though the Raiders accumulated some yardage, the receiving corps lacked a true game-changing moment. They picked up short and intermediate gains, but no single player created the kind of explosive plays needed to keep pace with Miami’s aerial attack. The lack of a deep-threat impact limited their scoring potential.
Offensive Line
Protection mismatches showed throughout the night. While the Raiders’ line held up at times, they allowed critical pressures that prevented extended drives. Their inability to create run lanes contributed directly to the lack of offensive balance.
Las Vegas Raiders – Defense and Special Teams Stats
Defense
The Raiders defense surrendered 353 yards and three passing touchdowns, struggling to contain Miami’s passing rhythm. They recorded only one sack, and the lack of consistent pressure allowed Miami’s quarterback to pick apart coverage. While they had moments of resistance, defensive breakdowns in key matchups swung the momentum repeatedly.
Special Teams
The Raiders special teams performed steadily. Their kicker connected on two field goals and handled the basics well. Punting and coverage were competent, but there were no game-altering plays in the return game to boost the struggling offense.
Miami Dolphins – Offense Stats
Quarterback Performance
Tua Tagovailoa delivered one of the cleanest performances of the week, completing 28 of 36 passes for 288 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. His efficiency, patience, and ability to spread the ball made the Miami offense fluid and difficult to stop. He avoided negative plays, made smart reads, and consistently found open receivers in stride.
Running Backs
De’Von Achane led the Dolphins on the ground with 17 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown. While the Dolphins didn’t dominate on the ground, their rushing game was efficient enough to keep the Raiders unsure of what was coming next. The threat of Achane’s speed alone stretched the defense horizontally.
Receivers and Tight Ends
The receiving star of the game was Jonnu Smith, who posted 101 yards on six catches and scored two touchdowns — a career-high performance. Tyreek Hill added 61 yards and a touchdown of his own. Miami’s pass-catchers consistently found space, created separation, and produced yards after the catch. Their presence dictated matchup adjustments throughout the contest.
Offensive Line
Miami’s offensive line deserves special credit. They provided clean pockets, limited pressures, and allowed their quarterback to stay decisive and unhurried. The result: a near-perfect passing performance and a balanced offensive rhythm.
Miami Dolphins – Defense and Special Teams Stats
Defense
Miami’s defensive unit delivered three sacks, with standout moments from Zach Sieler, Calais Campbell, and Emmanuel Ogbah. Their pressure disrupted the Raiders’ timing and forced Minshew off his platform multiple times. The defensive highlight came from Jalen Ramsey, whose late interception effectively sealed the game. Miami controlled crucial downs and limited the Raiders’ scoring windows.
Special Teams
Special teams execution was efficient and mistake-free for Miami. Their kicking game stayed steady, and coverage units prevented any explosive returns. While not flashy, they contributed positively to field position throughout the night.
Head-to-Head Player Comparison
Quarterback Comparison
The difference between the quarterbacks defined the game. Tagovailoa’s 288 yards, 3 touchdowns, and zero turnovers decisively outperformed Minshew’s numbers, despite similar yardage totals. Efficiency and ball security swung the advantage heavily in Miami’s favor.
Running Game Comparison
Achane’s 73 yards and a score provided balance for Miami, while Las Vegas’ 60 yards on the ground never generated momentum. Miami simply had more consistent chunk gains and a bigger threat of explosive plays.
Receiving Matchup
Smith’s breakout performance (101 yards, 2 TDs) eclipsed any output from the Raiders’ receiving group. Miami’s receivers played faster, cleaner, and more decisive routes, and their ability to win contested balls separated the two teams.
Defensive Comparison
Miami’s defense delivered three sacks and forced a critical interception. The Raiders managed just one sack and no turnovers. That difference in defensive impact was reflected in the scoreboard.
Key Factors That Decided the Game
The Dolphins dominated on third downs, controlled pace, and won crucial battles in the trenches. Their offensive line gave their quarterback comfort, while their defensive front created pressure at timely moments. The turning point came in the fourth quarter when the Raiders narrowed the lead before Jalen Ramsey intercepted a pass that halted the comeback. Miami’s big plays, discipline, and turnover margin ultimately sealed the win.
Standout Performers
Offensive standout: Jonnu Smith — 101 yards, 2 TDs.
Quarterback standout: Tua Tagovailoa — 288 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT.
Defensive standout: Jalen Ramsey — game-sealing interception.
Pass-rush standouts: Sieler, Campbell, Ogbah — combining for 3 sacks.
Advanced Metrics Observations
While advanced analytics weren’t fully published for every category, the available stats tell a clear story. Miami dominated categories strongly correlated with winning:
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Turnover margin
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Red-zone efficiency
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Explosive passing plays
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Sacks and pressures
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QB accuracy percentage
The Raiders struggled most in categories they typically lean on, including rushing efficiency and defensive pressure.
Statistical Trends and What They Show
For Miami, the game reinforced a season-long pattern: when their passing attack is accurate and controlled, they can dictate tempo and space. Their defense has also shown a reliable ability to produce timely turnovers.
For Las Vegas, the lack of a dynamic running game has become a recurring theme. Without a reliable ground attack, their offense becomes predictable, and opponents can focus on pass coverage and pressure.
What These Stats Mean Going Forward
For the Dolphins, this win highlights their potential to secure a strong postseason position if they maintain efficiency and continue getting standout contributions from both their stars and role players.
For the Raiders, the stats underline a need to fix foundational issues — running-game consistency, offensive line stability, and defensive disruption. Without improvements in those areas, close games will continue to slip away.
Conclusion
The 34–19 Miami victory was more than a numerical win; it was a textbook example of how disciplined quarterback play, timely defensive pressure, and efficient passing attacks shape modern NFL outcomes. Miami executed cleaner, played faster, and produced more game-changing moments. The Raiders had opportunities, but their inability to run the ball and failure to win the turnover margin proved too much to overcome.
