Patriots vs. Dolphins: 6 reasons to be excited

Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports

1. Importance of victory

Week 17 can be a sleepy slate of games for many NFL fans. Save for the handful of teams that are fighting for their playoff lives, much of the NFL is either playing the spoiler role or letting up on the gas pedal a bit before the playoffs. Not the Patriots.

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Home field advantage is absolutely crucial for the Patriots. It would be extremely difficult to beat the Broncos in Denver, a city where Brady actually has a losing record. The Patriots must make this trip down to Miami their last plane ride until (knock on wood) Super Bowl 50.

The Patriots truly have a motivating factor in Week 17. Hopefully, this game will be more or less a dress rehearsal with a well-executed game plan and few mistakes.

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Stay tuned on Musket Fire all week for thoughts and analysis on the looming AFC East encounter.