Patriots vs. Dolphins: 6 Bold Predictions

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

4. Brandon LaFell will lead Patriots in receiving yards

Only four days removed from dropping not one, not two, not three, not four, not five but six passes in his 2015 debut, LaFell will offset his struggles against the New York Jets by lighting it up tonight. Mark these words: LaFell will be the Patriots’ best receiver in this game.

Let’s remember who we’re talking about here. LaFell had an outstanding first season in New England last year after four seasons in Carolina, recording 953 yards and seven touchdowns on 74 catches. Don’t forget that he hauled in the winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round, which sent the Pats to the AFC Championship Game and beyond. To boot LaFell caught the opening touchdown in Super Bowl XLIX.

This is all to say that LaFell is a very, very good player and is deserving of our understanding. Clearly, he was not accustomed to the speed of live play last week, so we should give him the benefit of the doubt, as painful as those six drops were.

LaFell will reward our patience by posting a 125 yards and a pair of scores on the Dolphins, eventually drawing the coverage of Brent Grimes later in the game.

Next: 3. Jamie Collins will block FG, return it for TD