New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins Preview and Predictions

Where to watch, listen, or follow

The Patriots are away to Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium at 1 p.m. EST, Sunday September 14th live on CBS-WBZ and on 98.5 FM The Sports Hub radio. We at thepatscorner.com will provide live updates on our website also.

Head to head, recent meetings, and last season's records

The Patriots ended last season with a 4-13 record while the Miami Dolphins went 8-9, just missing out on the playoffs. Miami leads the Pats head to head all time 64-55 although New England leads 2-1 in playoff meetings. There is no other way to articulate it but the Pats have an absolutely abysmal record in Miami, 16-43 including 1-1 tie in the playoffs. Things have never been easy for New England in Miami, even in the dynasty years. Last time out the Patriots had an embarrassing 34-15 loss in Hard Rock Stadium and have not won in Miami in the previous 5 games and also have lost in the last 4 meetings home and away. A losing streak we hope they snap on Sunday. You have to go back to September 2019 for the last Patriots win in Miami, a 43-0 thrashing of the Dolphins, a Tom Brady masterclass.

Ex Patriots players

LS Joe Cardona, (2015-24) 

P Jake Bailey, (2019-22) 

LB Matthew Judon, (2021-23)

Ex Patriots Coaches/Executives

Bobby Grier, (1981-2000)

Chris Grier, (1994-99)

Ex Miami players

WR Mack Hollins, (2019-21)

Ex Miami Coaches

Doug Marrone, (1987)

Terrell Williams, (2015-17)

Who to watch

RB Treveyon Henderson

One of the better performers from last weekend. He needs to get the ball more often, he's capable of taking some of the pressure from Drake with his running ability.

TE Hunter Henry

Was Drake's favorite target last Sunday and likely will be up there again this weekend. Need another performance akin to the first half performance to have a chance at success in this game.

WR Kayshon Boutte

Pleasantly surprised with Kayshon last week, one of the receivers I didn't expect to produce but he did. If he can continue to contribute, it takes pressure off the rest of the guys which gives us a chance to win.

WR Stefon Diggs

Another receiver on the watch list. Didn't have a spectacular game but I think my expectations of him was a little high. With that said, he did not have a bad game and I'm expecting him to be a key piece of the attack on Sunday.

LB Harold Landry

An excellent performance last Sunday with two and a half sacks. We need guys like him to continue their form to give us the best chance in Miami.

DT Christian Barmore

I was worried that his previous health issues with blood clots would be an issue but his performance taught me that it is of no concern. Another vital piece of the defense that we need to keep on the field and performing.

Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels

Need more from the coaching staff, more risks, so what if it doesn't work. Playing safe is no good if it doesn't work either. If we're chasing the game, need to be aggressive and take Miami on in fourth down situations. This is on McDaniels too.

Odds

Miami are shading the bookies odds (-1.5). The total is set at 43.5.

Prediction

Tua Tagovailoa unbeaten versus the Pats in his career. New England looks to snap 4 game loss streak in Miami and 5 game loss streak against Miami. Key is to manage Tua and make him beat us from the pocket, keep Hill quiet, and ensure that we can limit Miami's run game as much as possible. Do those three things and I think the Pats win.  

My prediction is that we can do those three things and our offense is going to play much better resulting in a 24-20 Patriots win.