Pats Life Predictions: Week 15 vs Miami
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Conor Frederick (@C_Frederick1016):
Patriots by 14
Things have changed a bit since these 2 teams faced off back in Week 1. The Patriots have gone on an 8-1 tear after starting 2-2 (including a loss at Miami). The Dolphins have been about average at 7-6 and they're missing a key weapon in Knowshon Moreno, a Patriots killer.
I see the Patriots handling this one pretty comfortably for a couple reasons - 1, they've got a shot to clinch the AFC East again. 2 - The Patriots are playing at a much higher level than in Week 1. As I mentioned above, they've been on a tear, and I don't see that stopping tomorrow. For the most part, Brady and the offense have been firing on all cylinders since struggling to open the year, which should continue on Sunday. The Patriots defense also doesn't have to deal with Moreno, which should be a huge plus.
In the end, this will be a pretty comfortable win and the Patriots will clinch yet another AFC East crown.
Patriots 28-14 Dolphins
Benjamin Dawes (@PatriotsFan1057)
Patriots by 17
The Dolphins have looked very mediocre the past month but the Patriots have struggled the past two weeks. Neither team is going into this game with much momentum.
The Patriots look nothing like their week 1 selves. They now have Browner at corner and they have figured out their offensive starting line. Look for the Patriots to look good on both sides of the ball with the Dolphins struggling on offense and having to play away in cold weather.
Normally I like predicting that the Patriots will run the ball, and this week will be no different. Hopefully we will see more of Blount, Develin, and Wright on the field because the Dolphins pass defense is just too good. They rank third in passing yards allowed on defense, so don't look for Brady to put up big numbers.
Blount has had a few weeks to become re-acclimated into the offense, so look for him to have a big day and for Gronk and Wright to have big plays off play action.
Miami 14 Patriots 31
Brian Thibodeau (@b_thibs34):
The Patriots defense is really starting to come together, and with the possible return of Chandler Jones, it will only get better. I don't see any way the Dolphins offense does much against us.
On the offensive side of the ball, if the Patriots score more than 20 I'd consider this game a success for the offense. This Dolphins defense is nothing to write off. Cameron Wake coming off the edge is very scary.
I see Gronk having a huge game for New England. He'll have two touchdowns, Blount will add another on the ground, and Brady and LaFell will connect for a deep ball.
Final Score: Patriots 31-Dolphins 10
Andrew Sheehan (@_AndrewSheehan):
Patriots by 4
Don't be fooled by the recent struggles the Dolphins have faced. They played Denver and Green Bay very tough losing the two games by 6 total points and they are very capable of keeping this game close.
In the Week 1 match-up the Patriots offensive line struggled, still in search of continuity. While they seem to have figured things out for the most part, Cameron Wake is still going to make his plays and be disruptive in the backfield. The Patriots are going to need to lean heavily on their ground attack to balance the game and neutralize the Miami pass rush. Shot gun draw plays and out side runs will keep Miami off balance.
The Patriots have some added firepower since the two teams met in early September. Gronk is back and 100% healthy, Browner is on the field, and the team has added Akeem Ayers, Jonathan Cassilas, and Alan Branch. The added fire power will play a big role in today's game.
With the Division Title on the line, I see the Patriots coming out with laser focus, locked in on completing the first step toward their ultimate goal of a championship.
Patriots 27 Dolphins 23
Jesse Gaunce (@JesseGaunce):
Patriots by 10
Division games are usually always tough, and this one will be no exception. The Dolphins have struggled recently, but so have the Patriots. And they are better than their 7-6 record suggests. Ryan Tannehill is more than just a game manager, and he has had success against New England.
I don't take much stock in the whole cold weather thing screwing some teams up, but the Dolphins, at least during the Brady-Belichick regime have struggled in New England this time of year. The Patriots defense is much better now than it was in Week 1 despite Jerod Mayo and Chandler Jones (possibly) not being around this time.
Despite the Dolphins being very good against the pass, I see Tom Brady throwing for at least two touchdown passes, and I see a heavy reliance on the run game today. The Patriots defense will generate some pressure on Tannehill and force him to make quick decisions, something he doesn't always excel at.
Patriots 27, Dolphins 17
Paul Murphy (@_prmurphy):
Patriots by 5
After a sluggish first half, the New England ground game came to life behind Jonas Gray. A second quarter fumble by RB LaGarrette gave Gray his chance. Jonas rushed for 114 yards on 22 carries and 2 TD's.
A late Miami TD pass from Ryan Tannehill to Mike Wallace made the score close.
The Patriots held the ball for 35 minutes. Tom Brady had an easy day with 15 for 22 for 202 yards. TE Rob Gronkowski was kept in to double team Miami's DE Cameron Wake. Rob had only two catches for 12 yards. The strategy worked because Wake recorded zero sacks.
New England 27 Miami 22
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