Patriots are favored by 10 1/2 points. Predicted scores include Patriots 30-20, 24-17, 27-17, and 31-20; one prediction favors Dolphins 21-20. Patriots have clinched the AFC East and can secure the AFC's No. 1 seed with a win and a Chargers victory. Miami is 2-5 on the road and went 1-1 away in December. Miami's youth offers optimism despite current road weaknesses. Considerations include Patriots motivation to clinch top seeding and the possibility of resting starters to avoid injury, leaving a narrow upset chance for Miami.
"Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 8-8): Patriots 24, Dolphins 17 It'll be tough to win on the road in January against a Super Bowl contender. After all, the Dolphins are only 2-5 on the road this season. Miami was 1-1 on the road in December, defeating the New York Jets, a non-playoff team, and losing to Pittsburgh, a potential playoff team. This would be a quality victory for coach Mike McDaniel and this organization."
"Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 12-4): Patriots 31, Dolphins 20 The Patriots have a shot at the AFC's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. If New England beats Miami and the Chargers beat the Broncos, the Patriots will clinch the conference's top seed and earn a bye in the first round of the playoffs. With so much on the line, the Patriots will be extra motivated to beat their longtime rival"
Read at Sun Sentinel
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