NFL Predictions Week One: New England Patriots Win A Tough One In Miami

Dec 15, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback

(29) brings down New England Patriots wide receiver

(80) late in the game at Sun Life Stadium. Miami defeated New England 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots 27 Dolphins 16

It has been a fun week of discussing, and dissecting this game, but now it is time to make a prediction. As tempting as it is to give the Pats a blowout win, I don’t think that will happen for two reasons.

The first, is the defensive line Miami will trot out on Sunday. They have one of the best pass rushing units in the league, led by Cameron Wake, and with New England’s offensive line in a bit of a transition, I think Tom Brady will be under pressure more than he would like. And secondly, the Patriots always struggle in the Florida heat. No matter how much Bill Belichick prepares them, there is no getting around it. The Dolphins also will be running a much faster offense this year, which will make life even harder on the Patriots defense.

However with all that said, the Pats will still win this ballgame. Brady has a ton of offensive weapons to work with, specifically if Rob Gronkowski will be playing (which is likely). In addition to that, New England’s new and improved secondary should be able to handle the Dolphins passing game fairly easily, even if they get caught up in the Miami heat a few times. It will be tough, but the Patriots are starting the season 1-0.

(Continue to the next slide for the rest of my week one predictions)