In a key regular season Week 12 matchup, the Patriots maintained their undefeated run with a 20-14 victory over the Dolphins on November 18, 2046 at home. The win improved the Patriots' record to 12-0 and secured their spot atop the division with a 3-0 division record. Meanwhile, the Dolphins fell to 6-6.

The Patriots took control early, capitalizing on a crucial turnover in the first quarter. After Dolphins’ running back Brian Rafferty fumbled on the Miami 16-yard line, Patriots’ Thomas Golden recovered the ball, setting up the first touchdown. Running back Rafferty redeemed himself soon after, punching in a one-yard rushing touchdown, followed by John Reynolds’ successful extra point to put the Patriots ahead 7-0.

Boston quickly added to the lead with quarterback Fred Matthews connecting on a short touchdown pass to running back Shaun Kilpatrick. Reynolds’ extra point extended the Patriots' advantage to 14-0 by the end of the opening quarter.

The Patriots’ special teams controlled field position by limiting Dolphins’ return yardage, while the defense forced several key turnovers. Notably, Brady Strong recovered a fumble by Dolphins' John Berryhill early in the third quarter, contributing to a Patriots’ drive that culminated in a 30-yard John Reynolds field goal, boosting the lead to 20-0.

Despite the deficit, Dolphins mounted a second-half rally led by quarterback Paul Phillips who passed for 210 yards and two touchdowns. The biggest play was a 61-yard touchdown to John Shea, narrowing the score to 20-7. Shea also contributed on the ground with a rushing touchdown. Dolphins’ William Spurlock made a pair of successful extra points throughout the game.

The Patriots' offense totaled 153 passing yards from Matthews and 138 rushing yards, with Shaun Kilpatrick accounting for 70 yards on the ground and one touchdown. Brian Rafferty also contributed significantly, combining for 53 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown. Receiver Andrew Ramsey led Patriots with 66 receiving yards.

Defensively, the Patriots forced one interception, recovered two fumbles, and limited Miami to 50 rushing yards. Both teams combined for five penalties each, but the Patriots held a slight yardage advantage with 37 to Miami's 53.

With this win, Coach Charles Reed's Patriots continue their dominant season, clinching the division while maintaining a perfect winning streak. The Dolphins, under Coach Robert Wilson, dropped to a .500 record and remain outside playoff contention.

The Patriots will look to carry this momentum forward as they aim to secure home-field advantage throughout the postseason, while the Dolphins seek to regroup as the regular season winds down.