Kickoff: The Patriots hit the road for an AFC East showdown against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Sitting at 4-3 and looking to solidify their positioning in the division, the Patriots know that division games in South Florida always present unique environmental and physical challenges. To leave Miami with a win, the Patriots will need to execute, take care of the ball and control the line of scrimmage.
Here are four keys to the Game
1st Down: Spread the ball around offensively: The Patriots will be without A.J Brown and TreyVeon Henderson which means the offensive production will have to be more by committee. Drake Maye needs to distribute the ball effectively. With Brown and Doubs out, getting the ball to Demario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism will be key. Hunter Henry and Eli Rairdon will be a big part of the plan as well.
2nd Down: Get Kyle Williams going in the passing game: Findimg ways to get Kyle Williams open in the passing game can create instant mismatches in space. Whether it is through manufactured quick screens, jet sweeps, or vertical crossers, getting the ball into his hands early allows him to utilize his speed and catch-the-defense-sleeping potential.
3rd Down: Control the line of scrimmage: Games in Miami are notoriously won or lost in the trenches. The offensive line must establish a physical ground game to wear down the front seven, protect the backfield, and dictate the tempo. Defensively, winning upfront means bottling up the Dolphins’ rushing attack and collapsing the pocket to disrupt rhythm before plays can develop downfield.
4th Down: Take care of the ball and play fundamentally sound: Unforced errors, penalties, and negative turnover margins have plagued the Patriots on the road. Securing the football, winning the battle of hidden yardage on special teams, and executing assignment-sure defense will eliminate freebies. Playing smart, disciplined football is the ultimate equalizer away from home.
Extra Points: The New England Patriots earned their 11th series sweep and first since the 2016 season last year with a 33-27 win at Miami (9/14) and a 38-10 win in the rematch in the final game of the season (1/4).
The Patriots and Dolphins will meet for the second time in 2026 in the regular season finale at Gillette Stadium in a game that is not scheduled at this time. It will be the 19th time that the two teams will square off in the final game of the year and the second straight year that the Patriots will host the game. Nine of those final games have been played in New England with the Patriots holding a 5-4 edge in those games. Overall, the Patriots are 9-8 when facing Miami in the final game of the year.
New England has the advantage against Miami in home games, leading the series 39-21 – including 18-6 at Gillette Stadium – but are 18-43 when playing on the road against Miami.
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.com)
Final Drive: The Patriots need to win this game. Even with their injuries, they are still the better team and they need to take care of business. A loss to the Dolphins would be catastrophic to the Patriots playoff chances. It cannot happen. They need to get off to a good start, play well and take care of business.