W2W4: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins in Week 17
By Hal Bent
Summary & Game Score Prediction:
This is a difficult game to make heads or tails of on initial glance. The Patriots have been ravaged by injuries and their 10-0 start has evaporated and they have uncharacteristically lost three of their last five games. Usually peaking in December, this Patriots team has limped to the finish line and need to win this week to lock up the number one seed and home field advantage.
The Dolphins, however, are an absolute mess. The Dolphins allowed six sacks, rushed for just 82 yards (28 on a quarterback scramble), committed nine penalties, and were held to 12 points by a weak Indianapolis defense. They struggle to run the ball, stop the run, allow big plays in the passing game (they allowed Indianapolis to convert 50% of their third downs last week), and while they put up yards through the air they struggle to convert third downs and cannot finish drives with touchdowns.
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Look for the Patriots to have an “all hands on deck” attitude in the first half and jump to a big lead and spend the second half trying to get the running game on track for the playoffs. Miami is already thinking of their tee times on Monday and wondering if they can sneak in nine holes Sunday evening. The Patriots should take care of business and coast into the desperately needed bye week as the top seed in the AFC
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