Kickoff: The Patriots host the Miami Dolphins to conclude the 2025 regular season this afternoon at Gillette Stadium. With a win and a Broncos loss, the Patriots would be the one seed in the AFC. If both teams win, the Patriots are the two seed and they would host a playoff game next weekend. The Patriots beat the Dolphins, 33-27 in Week 2 in Miami. Miami is expected to sit several key starters today so they will not be at full strength which bodes well for the Patriots.
Here are four keys to the game.
1st Down: Manage the game: Between playing time, incentives and winning the game, Mike Vrabel and his staff have a lot on their plate. It won’t be easy, but Vrabel has to make the best decisions for the team. Pulling starters early if the game is in hand is a good call. Not playing certain guys as much to keep them fresh for the playoffs, is a good call. Vrabel has to put egos aside and do right by the Patriots.
2nd Down: Start fast: Generic key but if the Patriots can start fast and build a big lead, they can rest guys in the second half and secure a much needed win.
3rd Down: Get Campbell and Williams in game: Both Will Campbell and Milton Williams are back. The goal today should be to start them and get them into game shape. The plan should not be for both of them to play a full game, especially Campbell. Get them some much needed reps and get them out!
4th Down: Finish strong! It has been a great season and you want to finish it off the right way. You also want to have some momentum heading into the playoffs. A win today is a must, not only for seeding purposes but for mojo heading into the playoffs.
Extra Points: The New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins will meet for the second time this season. The Patriots won the first meeting of the season, 33-27, at Miami on Sept. 14. The Patriots will be looking for the 11th series sweep in the annual series and their first since the 2016 season. The Patriots and Dolphins will meet in the regular season-finale for the 18th time in team history and for the first since the 2021 season. Eight of those final games have been played in New England with the series tied at 4-4 in those games. Overall, the Patriots are 8-8 when facing Miami in the final game of the year.
New England has the advantage against Miami in home games, leading the series 38-21 – including 17-6 at Gillette Stadium – but have lost the last two games at home against Miami in 2023 and 2024.
The Dolphins and Patriots met for the first time in 1966 and began playing twice a year during the 1967 regular season, except in 1982 during a players’ strike.
The two teams have played three times in the postseason with New England holding a 2-1 advantage. (Courtesy of Patriots Communications and patriots.com)
Final Drive: Today is all about securing a top seed and getting out of this game healthy. Miami is already sitting several key starters, including De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle. They are putting this one on a silver platter for you. Go take it and finish the regular season off strong. Building momentum going into the playoffs is also key. You don’t want to enter the tournament coming off a loss.