The Miami Dolphins are set to face off against the New England Patriots this Sunday at Gillette Stadium, with kickoff slated for 1:00 p.m. ET.
The Patriots are slightly favored with a one-point spread, and the expected total score for the game is 36.5 points.
Miami enters the game with a record of 1-3 SU, 0-4 ATS, and 1-3 O/U, following a disappointing 31-12 loss to Tennessee last Monday night. The Dolphins have faced setbacks, losing three consecutive games.
On the other hand, New England also holds a 1-3 SU record, with 1-2-1 ATS and 2-2 O/U. They suffered a 30-13 defeat to San Francisco last weekend, marking their third straight loss.
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Dolphins’ Offense in Turmoil
The Dolphins struggled significantly in their last outing against Tennessee, accumulating a mere 184 total yards on offense while allowing 31 points defensively, even with Titans’ starting QB Will Levis sidelined due to injury. With Tua Tagovailoa and backup Skylar Thompson both unavailable, Miami turned to Tyler Huntley, who had recently been signed from Baltimore’s practice squad. Huntley managed to throw for 96 yards and rushed for a touchdown, but the team also faced the loss of linebacker Jaelan Phillips to a season-ending injury.
As Huntley prepares for his second start, he is expected to feel more at ease within the Dolphins’ system. In his career, he has completed 64.6% of his passes for 2,053 yards, with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Connecting with star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will be essential for Miami to establish an effective passing game. This could also benefit De’Von Archane, who has carried the ball 165 times but averages only 3.1 yards per carry.
“There’s a major disconnect between preparation and execution,” Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel stated.
Currently, Miami ranks last in scoring, averaging only 11.3 points per game (32nd) and 285.0 total yards (26th). Their defense allows 25.8 points (26th) and has been solid against the pass, giving up only 162.5 yards per game (5th). The Dolphins maintain a turnover differential of zero.
Key injuries: RB Raheem Mostert, OT Terron Armstead, DB Jordan Poyer, QB Skylar Thompson, WR Braxton Berrios, CB Kendall Fuller, and LB David Long Jr. are all listed as questionable.
Patriots Struggling to Find Their Groove
New England faced a tough matchup against San Francisco, being outgained 431-216 in total yards. The Patriots’ offense struggled, recording only 143 passing yards while averaging just 3.8 yards per pass attempt. The ground game was equally ineffective, averaging 3.0 yards per carry. The team converted only 6 of 19 attempts on third and fourth downs. Despite quarterback Jacob Brissett’s difficulties, New England’s coaching staff remains committed to him.
“At this point, Jacoby is our starting quarterback,” said head coach Jerod Mayo. “We’re always evaluating every single position.”
The Patriots are averaging 13.0 points per game (31st) and a league-low 238.8 total yards (32nd), with only 112.3 passing yards (32nd) but a more respectable 126.5 rushing yards (12th). New England’s defense gives up 21.8 points (16th) and 353.3 total yards (23rd). Their turnover differential is also zero.
Key injuries: DB Jabrill Peppers, WR K.J. Osborn, DB Kyle Dugger, DB Marcus Jones, LB Anfernee Jennings, and OT Caedan Wallace are questionable.
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Predictions for Dolphins vs. Patriots
It is believed that Miami will find a way to secure a win in New England. Huntley is expected to perform better in his second start, and it is anticipated that the Dolphins will implement a more aggressive passing strategy against the Patriots, whose pass defense ranks last in the league. If Miami can establish a passing game, it will likely aid their running game as well.
New England must address its quarterback situation before bettors can feel confident in their chances. Brissett has limited options for receiving threats, making it difficult for him to keep defenses guessing. Even with a solid rushing attack, the Patriots’ offense lacks creativity, which could hinder their ability to advance against a Miami defense that has limited opponents to only 282.0 total yards per game (6th).
Bet on the Dolphins to win straight up this Sunday.
