Dolphins at Patriots: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

We’re getting ready to see the New England Patriots host the Miami Dolphins this Sunday afternoon. Which team will prevail in this contest?

When the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots take the field on Sunday afternoon in Foxborough, we know Tom Brady will be behind center for the defending Super Bowl champions.

So what about the ‘Fins. Last week in a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jay Cutler was knocked out of action and replaced by Matt Moore. Could the longtime backup be getting ready to make his second start of the season? This is the first of five games vs. AFC East rivals for the Patriots the final six weeks. Are the Dolphins capable of pulling off a huge upset?

Odds

Line: Patriots (-17)

Over/Under: 47.5

Consider the fact that the Patriots have held each of their last six opponents to 17 points or less, the line for this AFC East battle (courtesy of the folks at OddsShark) is extremely intriguing. And when you take into account the way the Dolphins’ defense and Patriots’ offense are playing these days, it would be surprising if the teams didn’t easily surpass that total of 47.5.

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Be it Cutler or Moore, the New England Patriots’ defense figures to make life miserable for whoever the Gase and the Miami Dolphins trot out behind center. The Pats have limited each of their last six opponents to 17 points or less. A unit that was stung for 14 offensive touchdowns during the club’s 2-2 start has allowed only nine offensive TDs during this 6-0 run. It’s the classic two teams headed in opposite directions. And it doesn’t figure to end well for the team from South Florida.

Pick: Patriots 31, Dolphins 10