New England Patriots let's summarize the 2025 regular season against an opponent Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Mike Vrabel's team won the AFC East last week, but their work isn't done yet. The Patriots can clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC and earn a priceless first-round bye with a win Sunday against Denver Broncos loss for Los Angeles Chargers.
The Patriots pulled off a dominant 42-10 victory over the team. New York Jets last week. New England scored touchdowns on six straight plays to start the game. Drake Maye became the first player to ever complete 90% of his passes and throws for 250 yards and five touchdowns. As for the Dolphins, they upset Baker Mayfield And Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 17, 20–17 weeks. Rookie Defender Quinn Evers earned my first NFL victory, and also demonstrated some of his potential.
Let's break down this divisional matchup. But first, here's how to watch the game
Where to watch Dolphins vs. Patriots live
- Date: Sunday, January 4 | Time: 4:25 pm ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Massachusetts.
- TV: Fox | Broadcast: Fubo (Try for free)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Chances: Patriots -10.5; O/U 45.5 (via DraftKings)
Dolphins vs Patriots: Need to know
- Stefon Diggs situation: The Patriots have been making headlines this week for all the wrong reasons. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs charged of strangulation or strangulation and assault and battery after an incident at his home earlier this month, according to CBS Boston review of documents filed in Dedham District Court. While the NFL deals with the matter, Diggs is expected to play on Sunday.
- Case of Drake Maya as MVP: The Patriots' sophomore has recorded just four incompletions compared to three total touchdowns last week against the Jets, and he is now a relatively strong favorite to win the NFL MVP award. He has a -295 rating on DraftKings, and Los Angeles Rams defender Matthew Stafford now +225 after three interceptions in Week 17. Maye leads the NFL in completion percentage (71.7%), yards per attempt (8.9) and passer rating (112.9).
- Containing De'Von Achane: The key to New England's victory is containing the Dolphins' explosive running back. De'Von Achane ranks fifth in the NFL in scrimmage yards (1,838) and leads the league with 40 rushes of 10 yards or more. He has topped 100 yards in 10 games this season, including a 225-yard explosion against Buffalo Bills at 10 weeks.
- Quinn Evers gets a fresh start: The Dolphins finished the tournament. Tua Tagovailoa Era in Week 16 and handed the keys to the offense to rookie Evers. In two starts, he has thrown for 432 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The former Texas star would really turn heads if he manages to upset the Patriots on Sunday.
Dolphins vs. Patriots Prediction Picks
The Patriots are 13-3 against the spread in their last 16 games when leading by double digits and an impressive 11-5 against the spread this season. Even though the Patriots beat the Jets by 32 points last week, I don't think this game is that lopsided. Miami has won five of its last seven games after starting the season 2-7 and is 9-1 against the spread in its last 10 games against the Patriots. New England wins this game, but the Dolphins cover a lot of ground. Pick: Dolphins +10.5, Under 45.5.
