In this article we will formulate a Dolphins vs Patriots prediction for this NFL game on Sunday, September 14th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 2 matchup.
Miami Dolphins Betting Preview
The Miami Dolphins are 0-1 this year after they lost to Indianapolis by a score of 33-8 in their first game. Miami trailed just 3-0 after the first quarter, but they were down 20-0 at the half. The Dolphins finally got into the end zone in the fourth quarter, but they played awful in the blowout loss. Miami was out gained by a total of 418-211, went 5-10 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 3-0 in the loss. Tua Tagovailoa went 14-23 for 114 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Zach Wilson went 5-8 for 32 yards. De’Von Achane carried the ball seven times for 55 yards, while Tyreek Hill caught four passes for 40 yards in the loss. The Miami defense was led by Jordyn Brooks, who had 14 total tackles, while the team recorded one sack and four tackles for loss.
Miami was horrendous last week against Indianapolis and that was a bad loss to start the season. The Dolphins are always questioned for their toughness and last week’s game didn’t help at all. Miami needs Tua to protect the football at all costs, but he may not have a long leash this season before being replaced. At the end of the day, it was just one game, but Miami better start fast, or doubt is going to settle in.
New England Patriots Betting Preview
The New England Patriots are 0-1 this season after they lost to the Raiders by a score of 20-13 in their first game. New England was tied at seven after the first quarter and they led 10-7 at the half, but allowed the next 13 points to let the game slip away. The Patriots were out gained by a total of 389-336, went 4-14 on third down conversions, and tied the turnover battle at one in the game. Drake Maye went 30-46 for 287 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Kayshon Boutte caught six passes for 103 yards in the loss. TreVeyon Henderson led the ground game for NE with five carries for 27 yards. The New England defense was led by Christian Elliss, who recorded eight total tackles, while the team had four sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
New England played decently well in the first half against the Raiders, but their offense really struggled in the second half. The Patriots only ran the ball for 60 yards and Maye threw 46 times, so their balance was all messed up. I am worried about the NE pass defense, as they allowed 333 passing yards and will face a Miami team that can *usually* sling it around.
Why the Dolphins will beat the Patriots
- The Patriots have lost 15 of their last 16 games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Dolphins have won eight of their last nine games against the Patriots.
- The Dolphins have covered the spread in each of their last nine games against the Patriots.
- The Patriots have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games in Florida.
- The Patriots have lost the first quarter in each of their last two games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Dolphins have won the first half in 13 of their last 14 Sunday home games.
- The Dolphins have scored the first touchdown in each of their last five games as favorites.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Patriots’ last eight September games against AFC East opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Dolphins’ last seven games played on the East Coast have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eight of the last nine games between AFC East teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Miami Dolphins Player Prop Facts
- Jaylen Waddle has recorded 99+ rushing and receiving yards in four of his last five home appearances against AFC East opponents.
- Tyreek Hill has recorded 72+ receiving yards in nine of his last 11 Sunday appearances with the Dolphins as home favorites.
- De’Von Achane has scored at least one touchdown in each of the Dolphins’ last seven Sunday home games.
- Tua Tagovailoa has recorded 261+ passing yards in 15 of his last 17 Sunday appearances with the Dolphins as home favorites.
- Tua Tagovailoa has recorded 28+ completions in each of his last four appearances with the Dolphins as favorites.
- Heading into Week 2, Tua Tagovailoa has thrown the equal-most interceptions in a single game this season (2 vs Colts, Week 1).
New England Patriots Player Prop Facts
- Stefon Diggs has scored at least one touchdown in each of his last four Week 2 road appearances.
- Stefon Diggs has recorded 74+ rushing and receiving yards in eight of his last nine road appearances against AFC East opponents.
- Hunter Henry has recorded 32+ receiving yards in each of his last 10 appearances in Sunday games played on the East Coast.
- Antonio Gibson has recorded 41+ rushing yards in each of the Patriots’ last four games as slight underdogs (<+3.5 points).
- Heading into Week 2, Harold Landry ranks 1st in the NFL in sacks (2.5) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Heading into Week 2, the Dolphins rank 32nd in the NFL in turnover differential (-3) this season.
- Heading into Week 2, the Dolphins rank 32nd in the NFL in time of possession per game (21:17) this season.
- Patriots – one different players have recorded 100+ receiving yards in a game this season – equal-most in the NFL, heading into Week 2.
- Patriots – one different players have recorded 2.0 sacks or more in a game this season – equal-most in the NFL, heading into Week 2.
Dolphins vs Patriots Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup looking for their first win of the season, but Miami is looking to bounce back from that terrible loss last week. The Dolphins usually play better at home and they should find success against this NE pass defense. The Patriots really struggled to move the ball in the second half against the Raiders, but will face a Miami defense that allowed over 400 yards to the Colts. I think we could see a higher scoring game in this matchup, but I refuse to believe the Dolphins are as bad as they showed last week. Take Miami to bounce back at home.