New England Patriots: Ranking 5 Toughest Games on 2017 Schedule

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Jan 1, 2017; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks off of the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The Patriots won 35-14. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

4.) @ Miami Dolphins Week 14

One of the teams that are going to be trying to challenge the Patriots in the division and AFC is the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins were able to make the playoffs last season but lost in the first round to the Pittsburgh Steelers without their starting quarterback. Ryan Tannehill will be ready for the start of the 2017 season, and the Dolphins will surely be playoff contenders.

Last season, the Dolphins were not able to handle the Patriots at all. Without Brady in Week 2, the Patriots dominated with Jimmy Garoppolo under center. Unfortunately for New England, Garoppolo was injured in that game, and Brissett came in to replace him. As the third string quarterback, Brissett wasn’t ready to be on the field, but the Patriots were able to hold on to the win.

In the final week of the season, the Patriots and Brady were able to handle the Dolphins relatively easily. New England still had something to play for at the time, and they defeated the Dolphins 35-14. The Dolphins have made it clear this offseason that their goal is to take the division away from the Patriots. If they are going to accomplish that, they must win this game at home late in the season.

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