The Patriots face an early season must win with division rival Miami in town. New England can ill-afford to lose this game and fall three games behind the Dolphins in the AFC East.

Here are five keys for today’s game.

1. Get Off To A Better Start Offensively: The Patriots need to get off to a better start offensively than they have the past two weeks. It is imperative that they a productive first drive that results in points.

2. Get The Running Game Going: The Patriots need to find away to run the football and be more balanced. Rookie Sony Michel has a chance to become the man now that Rex Burkhead is on I.R. He needs to capitalize.

3. Pass Protection Must Be Better: Tom Brady has gotten hit a lot the past two games. The Patriots offensive line must pass protect better today and give him time. Accounting for Robert Quinn and where he lines up is key.

4. Look at Josh Gordon Early: The Patriots need to see what Gordon can do and how he fits into the offense. Getting him an early touch is key today. If Gordon gets into the flow of things, he could be a factor in this game.

5. Keep Tannehill in the Pocket: The Patriots cannot allow Ryan Tannehill to get out of the pocket and extend plays. Keep in the pocket, pressure him inside, out and disrupt his timing. Make him uncomfortable!

Final Prediction: The Patriots face a must win and whenever that has been the case in the Belichick, Brady era, they rise to the occasion. I think today is no different. They’ll rise to the occasion and win this game. Patriots 27 Dolphins 24