Patriots-Dolphins predictions

So, we all got it wrong when it came to last week's thrilling upset win over the Arizona Cardinals. With that game in our back pockets, the PatriotsLife staff is looking ahead to today's game against the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins obviously aren't as good as the Cards, but they still present a formidable challenge.

Hopefully we get this one right.

Jesse Gaunce

Score: Patriots 24, Dolphins 17

The Dolphins' defense is pretty good, and they put up a solid effort against a Seattle Seahawks team who some believe is a Super Bowl contender. You've always got to account for Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh, but the Patriots should have enough, even without Rob Gronkowski for the second week in a row, to best Miami. Jimmy Garoppolo looked pretty comfortable last week, and I believe that will continue with the home crowd behind him. I'd expect another big game out of Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan, too. For the Patriots' defense, stopping Jarvis Landry will be key.

Aidan Stenson

Score: Patriots 27, Dolphins 14

Compared to last week's showdown with Arizona, Miami is a much easier opponent for the Pats. Jimmy Garoppolo has looked good so far, and the Dolphins rarely pose trouble to the Patriots in Gilette. Though the Fish played Seattle tough last week (and might have won if not for a Kenny Stills drop), the Patriots are the best team in the league. Bill Belichick will execute a masterful game plan once again, the passing game will carve up a bad Dolphin secondary, and the Patriots will roll to a 2-0 record, with Miami falling to 0-2. No surprises here!

Sean Melia

Score: Patriots 17, Dolphins 13

Despite Belichick's obvious distaste for last January's dud and his apparent attempt to motivate the Patriots into punishing the Dolphins, look for a difficult grind on Sunday. The Patriots will struggle to move the ball offensively but the defense will stop the run and Tannehill, forcing the visitors to move the ball down the field in small chunks. Miami will show heart but some stupid penalties along the way and a late strip sack by Long will seal the game.

Chris Jacobs

Score: Patriots 33, Dolphins 21