Packers dominate Dolphins in cold weather clash, delivering a 30-17 blow at Lambeau

The Miami Dolphins entered Thursday night's game against the Green Bay Packers with an opportunity to alter the narrative of their play in cold weather. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had expressed confidence earlier in the week, saying the Dolphins could prove they could compete in freezing conditions. The team, however, did that once again and was defeated 30-17 at Lambeau Field as light flurries and cold temperatures set the stage.

Packers Freeze Dolphins’ Playoff Hopes with 30-17 Win

The Dolphins' loss is yet another disappointing chapter in their struggles playing in cold temperatures. Miami (5-7) has now lost 12 straight regular-season and postseason games when the temperature at kickoff is 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4°C) or lower. Thursday's game at Lambeau Field had a kickoff temperature of just 27 degrees (-2.7°C), with winds gusting at 10 mph, creating a wind chill factor of 18 degrees.


The most recent victory for Miami over their opponent in such weather is way back on December 24, 2016. It was a 34-31 overtime win in similarly chilly conditions against the Buffalo Bills. That victory has almost been forgotten as the Dolphins still continue to falter under similar cold weather.

This chronic cold-weather issue could become a problem for the Dolphins if they advance into the playoffs. With only a few games left in the regular season, the path to Miami's third straight postseason appearance becomes steeper. Miami closes with a challenging pair of road games against the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets, which are no strangers to snow and wind.

Though the cold temperatures at Lambeau Field were far less extreme than what the Dolphins faced in last year's playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where the temperature was -4°F (-20°C) with a wind chill of -27°F, the team seemed off their usual game. Despite their strong showings over the past several weeks, including a three-game winning streak that had given this team some hope for playing in the playoffs, the Dolphins didn't have the level of sharpness and energy to be competitive in the cold.

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With this game result, the NFC North becomes the first division to have three nine-win teams through Week 13 since 1985 as Lions and Vikings are also on the same line.

For the Dolphins to make a push for the postseason, they'll have to overcome their cold-weather woes, as well as an arduous stretch of road challenges to close out the regular season.