Dolphins (5-2) vs. Patriots (2-5), Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
Latest line: Dolphins are favored by 9 1/2 points.
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record 5-2): Dolphins 24, Patriots 16
Whatever chance the Dolphins had for looking ahead to defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City vanished when the Dolphins lost in Philadelphia and the Patriots beat Buffalo. Playing at home, against a team with little offensive firepower, the Dolphins should regain their footing in the season. But New England certainly will be ready to play and won’t go quietly.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (Season record 4-3): Dolphins 34, Patriots 17
This should be a nice bounce-back game before the Dolphins head to Germany and then open their world to the cameras of Hard Knocks. The margin of victory doesn’t matter, the Dolphins just need to win. This game won’t answer the question about whether or not the Dolphins are overrated. While struggling against top-tier teams, the Dolphins have pummeled inferior opponents.
David Furones, Dolphins Writer (Season record 6-1): Dolphins 30, Patriots 13
After the letdown for the Dolphins against the Eagles comes redemption. And after the thrilling win for the Patriots over the Bills comes a letdown. Miami already won in Foxborough, 24-17 in Week 2. Now, the Dolphins should win the home meeting in the series. Tua Tagovailoa is 5-0 against Bill Belichick. Miami gets a tune-up for the Chiefs game in Germany in two weeks.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record 5-2): Dolphins 34, Patriots 27
The Dolphins will likely follow the same blueprint that helped them win at New England earlier this season. Tua Tagovailoa spread the ball around to eight different receivers in that Week 2 matchup. Raheem Mostert rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. The biggest question is if the Dolphins can get their running game going after rushing for a season-low 45 yards against the Eagles. Miami entered the game No. 1 in rushing at 181.8 yards per game.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record 6-1): Dolphins 27, Patriots 20
The Dolphins should get another win against a sub-.500 team when they host the 2-5 Patriots. The combined records of teams Miami has beaten this season is 8-25. However, Miami’s offensive line needs to play better. Injuries have taken their toll, but injuries to key players are piling up for every NFL team. The Dolphins’ offensive line struggled mightily against the Eagles, who were determined to shut down the run game and make Miami one-dimensional. The Patriots will likely do the same.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record 4-3): Dolphins 25, Patriots 0
The Dolphins, coming off their loss in Philadelphia, get a matchup that has favored them recently. Tua Tagovailoa is 5-0 for his career against the Patriots, though it is the defense that has carried the weight in those five games, scoring three touchdowns while allowing only 15.2 points per game. Miami will be focused to do more damage to New England.
