Who has the edge? Dolphins vs. Patriots, in early must-win game

"When the Dolphins run: Miami needs to sustain drives and refrain from turnovers offensively in order to keep the run game going throughout this matchup. It would be preferable if the Dolphins can avoid falling behind and, in fact, play with a lead to keep the ground game churning. Running back De'Von Achane had 55 rushing yards on just seven carries, but 26 of those yards came on one attempt once the Dolphins were already down 30 points in the season-opening loss to the Indianapolis Colts."

"Rookie Ollie Gordon II only rushed twice, both in the second half. Then there's the issue of the health of the offensive line. It only took three offensive plays in the 2025 season for the Dolphins' starting unit up front to take a hit. Right guard James Daniels, acquired in free agency, went down with a pectoral injury in the opener. It's Kion Smith in for him, with Cole Strange now possibly in the mix as a signing from the Cleveland Browns' practice squad."

"If Austin Jackson has to miss time with an aggravation to his toe injury, it's Larry Borom in his place there. Miami goes against a Patriots run defense that held the Las Vegas Raiders rushing attack with standout rookie Ashton Jeanty to 2.3 yards per carry in their opener in Foxborough, a 20-13 loss. Milton Williams and Christian Barmore form a strong defensive tackle duo, with Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss, who led the team with eight tackles last week, at linebacker. Edge: Patriots"

Miami's rushing attack depends on sustained drives, avoiding turnovers and staying ahead on the scoreboard to keep the ground game effective. De'Von Achane produced 55 yards on seven carries, though one long run came during a large deficit, and rookie Ollie Gordon II saw only two carries. The Dolphins' offensive line suffered an early-season injury to right guard James Daniels, with Kion Smith stepping in and Cole Strange a possible addition; Austin Jackson's toe issue could force Larry Borom into action. New England limited the Raiders to 2.3 yards per carry, led by defensive tackles Milton Williams and Christian Barmore and linebackers Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss. Patriots' backfield usage included limited carries for rookie TreVeyon Henderson and modest production from Rhamondre Stevenson.

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