The San Francisco 49ers saw their playoff aspirations come crashing down on December 22, 2024, when they fell 29-17 to the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The loss not only eliminated the defending NFC champions from postseason contention but also encapsulated the struggles they faced throughout the season.
Before the game even kicked off, the 49ers were knocked out of playoff contention due to victories by the Washington Commanders and the Los Angeles Rams. The Commanders won against the Philadelphia Eagles 36-33, and the Rams triumphed over the New York Jets, ensuring San Francisco's hopes for wild-card placement evaporated. This marked the 49ers as the 16th team to miss the playoffs following a Super Bowl appearance.
The game itself was marked by sloppy play from the 49ers, with defensive end Nick Bosa lamenting, “It’s happened way too many times this year. When it rains, it pours.” Indeed, the 49ers committed 11 penalties during the match, including three for unnecessary roughness, reflecting their inability to maintain discipline on the field. Bosa pointed out, “When you have so many penalties, it’s a harbinger of loss.”
Running back Patrick Taylor, starting due to injuries to key players like Christian McCaffrey, was unable to make significant gains, finishing the game with just 24 yards on eight carries. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 313 yards and had two touchdown passes, but his performance was marred by a costly interception late in the game.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins kept their playoff hopes alive, needing this victory to remain mathematically alive for postseason play. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 22 of 34 passes for 215 yards, including his milestone 100th career touchdown, tossed to star receiver Tyreek Hill. Although Hill had three catches for 29 yards, he acknowledged post-game how his practice routine contributed to his performance. “I need those valuable reps with Tua. Those vet rest days are starting to show,” he admitted.
The first half began with the 49ers’ offense struggling to establish rhythm. They opened with a three-and-out, and after a couple of drives back and forth, the Dolphins were the first to score, courtesy of kicker Jason Sanders’ 44-yard field goal. San Francisco managed to respond with their own offensive drive, culminating with Purdy connecting with Deebo Samuel for the first touchdown of the game, putting the Niners up 7-6.
But the Dolphins answered with their own touchdown, with Tagovailoa targeting Hill for 13-7 lead later followed by another Sanders field goal, finishing the half with the Dolphins leading 13-10. The 49ers were visibly frustrated, as penalties continued to outweigh their offensive efforts. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan noted he had felt the team was trending toward elimination following their previous week’s loss to the Rams, adding, “We kind of knew what was coming.”
Things didn’t improve as the second half began, as the 49ers fell victim to another unnecessary roughness penalty, setting the Dolphins up for their successful offensive plays. Sanders added two more field goals, extending the Dolphins' lead to 19-10. The 49ers fought back, with Purdy’s second touchdown pass, connecting with tight end Eric Saubert, cutting the deficit to 19-17.
But the Dolphins weren't finished; after another Purdy interception threw the momentum back to Miami, running back Da’Von Achane sealed their victory with a stunning 50-yard touchdown run, providing the final score of 29-17. Achane finished the game with 121 rushing yards, showcasing Miami's ability to capitalize on the 49ers' mistakes.
The 49ers' latest defeat signaled not only the end of their playoff campaign but also solidified their losing record for the season at 6-9. Looking back, injuries plagued the team throughout—a trend they hope to rectify heading toward offseason rehabilitation and planning. Shanahan admitted after the game, “We did not know we were officially eliminated, but we knew how we had been trending.”
The Dolphins improved their record to 7-8 with the win, still eyeing the playoffs with two key games remaining. Left tackle Terron Armstead stated, “We control what we can control,” encouraging his team to focus on what lies ahead. Despite enjoying sporadic success, the Dolphins are eager for consistent performance to assure their playoff spot.
For the 49ers, this was yet another chapter of disappointment, with injured players like linebacker Dre Greenlaw and guard Aaron Banks leaving the game, compounding their woes. Rising star Deebo Samuel showed flashes of brilliance with seven catches for 96 yards and one touchdown, but even his spirited play couldn’t mask the long-standing issues of penalties and turnover management. “There were moments,” remarked Purdy, reflecting the paradox of missed opportunities alongside such defeats.
Both teams are left with contrasting futures—while the Dolphins cling to the last threads of hope for the playoffs, the 49ers prepare for what appears to be another offseason filled with repair and reflection. Their early exit this year compels a dramatic evaluation of strategy and personnel, and fans might wonder how soon they can return to being playoff contenders.
