Experts share their picks for the Patriots Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Mike Reiss, ESPN:
Pick: Patriots 20, Dolphins 17
A more balanced attack on offense and limiting big plays on defense are among the targets the Patriots will have to hit – ideally including a faster start.
Stephania Bell, ESPN: Patriots
Matt Bowen, ESPN: Patriots
Mike Clay, ESPN: Dolphins
Chris Fowler, ESPN: Dolphins
Dan Graziano, ESPN: Dolphins
Kalyn Kahler, ESPN: Patriots
Pamela Maldonado, ESPN: Dolphins
Eric Moody, ESPN: Patriots
Jason Reid, ESPN: Dolphins
Lindsey Thiry, ESPN: Patriots
Seth Wickersham, ESPN: Patriots
NFL.com
Ali Bhanpuri, NFL.com: Patriots 23, Dolphins 20
Brooke Cersosimo, NFL.com: Patriots 20, Dolphins 18
Dan Parr, NFL.com: Patriots 22, Dolphins 19
Gennaro Filice, NFL.com: Patriots 27, Dolphins 19
Tom Blair, NFL.com: Patriots 24, Dolphins 21
Why Gennaro picked the Patriots: It's worth noting the Patriots have been horrible during their visits to South Beach this decade. New England has dropped its last five in Miami, losing by an average of 13 points in those games. Yet, I can't overlook what former Giants castoff Daniel Jones and the Colts did to the Dolphins last week, making Mike McDaniel's crew look like it didn't belong on the same field. Obviously, the Pats have their own issues to address, particularly on offense, but if Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels can't put together a plan that allows them to be the aggressors against a team that's clearly on the ropes, the problems in New England are larger than I imagined. Perhaps Tua Tagovailoa bounces back from a dreadful 2025 debut and a talented pass rush shows some life against a vulnerable Pats offensive line. It's a plausible scenario, albeit one that feels unlikely right now. Until I see the Dolphins wake up, I can't pick them to win.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports:
Pick: Dolphins 27, Patriots 19
Both of these teams are coming off bad losses in Week One. The Dolphins looked hapless. But I think that changes here. Tua Tagovailoa will play well at home as the Dolphins get back on track. Mike McDaniel better hope they do.
Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports: Miami
Jared Dubin, CBS Sports: Patriots
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Patriots
John Breech, CBS Sports: Patriots
Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports: Patriots
Dave Richard, CBS Sports: Patriots
Jamey Eisenburg, CBS Sports: Patriots
Pro Football Talk
Mike Florio: Dolphins 24, Patriots 21
Chris Simms: Patriots 20, Dolphins 17
Paul Perillo, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 24, Dolphins 16
Patriots get the first win of the Vrabel era in an unlikely place.
Mike Dussault, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 22, Dolphins 21
This is a tough one to pick. On one hand you have a Miami team that has been historically tough for the Patriots to knock off in Miami, plus Tua has never lost to New England. But on the other hand, the Dolphins struggled more than the Patriots did in Week 1 and have been hit hard with injuries on both sides of the ball. Feels like a coin toss matchup, so I've got to go with the Pats, pulling out a one-point win late in the fourth quarter to get their season on track.
Evan Lazar, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 23, Dolphins 20
The Patriots finally overcome their Tua problem and win for the first time in Miami since 2019. I've been leaning toward picking Miami all week, but something tells me the Pats will be focused on getting the first win of the Vrabel era.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
