The Patriots clinched the AFC East title after Buffalo's last-second loss to Philadelphia last week, but there's still plenty at stake in the regular-season finale. At 13-3, New England can secure the No. 1 seed with a win and a Denver loss, but a loss could drop them to the third seed.
The Dolphins, eliminated from playoff contention, will look to play spoiler, something they've done before, most notably in 2019 when they knocked the Patriots out of a second-seed bye week. With a playoff game likely on the horizon for next weekend, the Patriots must balance health with urgency as they aim to finish the 2025 regular season on a high note.
Here's what to watch!
1. All the Way Maye
Drake Maye was sensational against the Jets, posting the highest single-game QBR since the metric began in 2006 and continuing his MVP-caliber campaign. He leads the NFL in completion percentage (71.7%), yards-per-attempt, air yards-per-attempt and QB rating, and has thrown 30 touchdowns to eight interceptions.
How much he plays this week is uncertain, but even a brief appearance could be an opportunity to cap off a historic season and keep the offense sharp heading into the playoffs.
2. Keying On Achane
Miami will be starting rookie Quinn Ewers, but based on their injury report, it's anyone's guess who he'll have around him. Pro Bowler De'Von Achane is dealing with a shoulder injury, while Jaylen Waddle has a rib injury. Neither practiced on Wednesday this week, but if the dangerous duo can go, they'll require major attention from the Patriots defense.
Achane's speed and versatility make him a threat to break big plays; he's exactly the type of back that has hurt New England during recent defensive lapses. In Week 2's matchup, the Patriots held Achane to just 30 yards rushing on 11 attempts but also allowed him eight receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown.
The Patriots run defense, once considered elite in the first half of the season, has allowed 100+ rushing yards in each of their last seven games, so discipline and gap integrity will be critical to putting the game on the rookie Ewers.
3. Building Momentum Toward Playoffs
The Patriots have secured the division, but this game is about momentum and confidence. A strong finish at home sets the tone for January football because, in just one week, the Patriots are likely to take the field at Gillette Stadium with the season on the line, where one mistake can end it for everyone.
Their confidence should be sky-high after dismantling the Jets last week, but a win over the Dolphins, one that would complete a dominant 5-1 AFC East divisional record, would even further boost it.
It could also be a chance to reintegrate key players like Milton Williams, Will Campbell, Khyiris Tonga, or Robert Spillane if they're cleared. Williams will have two weeks of practice under his belt and could benefit from some game action, while Campbell returned to practice this week and was listed as a full participant. Things are murkier for players like Tonga, Spillane and Harold Landry III, who did not take the practice field.
Whether it's a full-strength lineup or a mix of depth pieces that work their way in as the game progresses, New England needs to play clean, physical football and send a message: they're ready for the postseason.
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
