Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
1. Patriots will pitch a second-half shutout
Look, this game will not be easy. AFC East battles are as competitive as any divisional matchup in the NFL. Both of these teams are very familiar with one another, and there isn’t much love lost between the two sides either. Remember, the Dolphins shellacked the Patriots 33-20 in Week 1 of last season.
As you read earlier, Gray will have early success against the Patriots’ run defense. A back-and-forth first half will end with the Patriots leading by a touchdown. From there, the Pats will clamp-down on defense, force several turnovers and run-up the score.
As the game winds down, the tired Dolphins defense will receive a heavy dose of LeGarrette Blount. The incessant sacks of Tannehill will continue to stall Dolphins’ drives, and the Patriots will ultimately pitch a second-half shutout out.
Final score: Patriots 34, Dolphins 17.
Next: AFC Power Rankings Week 8: Raiders climb
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