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Patriots at Dolphins: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Brad Weiss

Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore (8) throws a ball before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore (8) throws a ball before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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In an AFC East battle, the Miami Dolphins will play host to the New England Patriots in a matchup of playoff teams.

The New England Patriots will travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins on Sunday, in a matchup of two teams that have already clinched their berths in the playoffs. The Dolphins have been a surprise team this season, as first-year head coach Adam Gase has really done a nice job in changing the culture in South Beach. Despite Tom Brady being suspended for the first four games of the season, New England is currently the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and will be looking to hang onto that on Sunday.

Miami has already clinched a Wild Card spot, but they will be jockeying for position against New England. With a win, coupled with a Kansas City loss, the Dolphins can actually move up to the No. 5 spot in the playoffs. If they fall to the Patriots, they will finish at No. 6, which is still quite an accomplishment in itself. The Dolphins have played well over their expectations this season, and have continued to win even with starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill on the shelf.

If the Patriots win in Miami, they will lock up home field advantage throughout the playoffs. At 13-2, the Patriots have run through the NFL in 2016, as Tom Brady has looked like he reached into the Fountain of Youth. At 39 years old, Brady is playing some of the best football of his career, and despite missing four games, could be in line for another MVP Award.

Odds

Line: New England (-9.5)

Over/Under: 44.5

While most believed the Patriots would be in the playoffs, it was supposed to be the New York Jets that would join them based on preseason outlooks. However, with Tannehill playing great football, and running back Jay Ajayi running wild, Miami has looked like a playoff team throughout the second half of the season. Miami went on an impressive six-game winning streak earlier in the year, and after losing to the Week 13, they have won their last three.

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New England should win this one, as Brady will be looking to make one last statement on his MVP campaign. Locking up home field advantage throughout the playoffs will be huge, as no team wants to go into Kansas City or Pittsburgh. The Patriots seem to always take care of business inside Foxboro Stadium, and the AFC Championship should run through them this playoff season.

Prediction: New England 31 Miami 20

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