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Players to Watch: Patriots vs. Dolphins
Patriots.com's Mike Dussault shares his players to watch during the Patriots Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, December 29, 2019.


Tom Brady, QB: It's the last regular season home game of the 2019 season which means it's time to take a moment to appreciate getting to watch the GOAT without everything on the line. Who knows what the future holds for Brady, but there's one last game and another playoff run on the horizon this season and we shouldn't take it for granted.

Elandon Roberts, FB/LB/ST: Roberts' emergence at fullback has given the team another attack option and he had his best game against the Bills. Against Miami's 27nd-ranked run defense, Roberts should once again be a factor in the run game, along with a role on defense and special teams.

Sony Michel, RB: Michel seems to be coming on at the end of the year just like he did last year and that's a good sign for a Patriots offense that badly needs him. Another game of hard running should give them the confidence that Michel can be a playoff factor.

Stephon Gilmore, CB: Gilmore should see plenty of DeVante Parker in the final game of the season, as he tries to put a nice cap on a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season. Currently in a three-way tie for the league lead in interceptions, Gilmore could separate from the pack if he can bait Ryan Fitzpatrick into giving him a late Christmas gift or two.

Kyle Van Noy, LB: After a torrid start, Van Noy has been a bit under the radar in recent weeks but there's no denying he's been the most consistent and well-rounded linebacker on the team this season. He's been equally effective against the run and pass and has developed into one of the best defensive players in the league. He'll be eyeing a big contract this offseason.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB: Fitz threw three interceptions and took four sacks in the Week 2 matchup against the Patriots and will need a much better performance if the Dolphins are to have any hope of upsetting New England this time. He's coming off his best game of the season, throwing for 419 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

DeVante Parker, WR: The Dolphins have jettisoned most of their key veteran pieces but Parker is one who remains, turning in the best season of his career with 64 catches for 1065 yards and nine touchdowns. His first matchup against New England was the only game this season he was held without a catch despite seven targets.

Mike Gesicki, TE: Gesicki is another offensive player who has emerged for the Dolphins this year with 47 catches for 536 yards and four touchdowns. The Patriots defense has had some problems with tight ends this season and Gesicki could be the primary passing target in this game.

Christian Wilkins, DT: The 2019 13th-overall pick has played every game this season and figures to be the primary defensive building block for the Dolphins going forward. A disruptive interior force with great power, Wilkins was the recipient of a goal-line touchdown pass last week against the Bengals.

Eric Rowe, CB: Former Patriot Rowe has been Miami's best cornerback this season, playing in every game and almost every meaningful snap. This will be Rowe's second 16-game season, the first was his rookie year with the Eagles. He should be a key outside matchup on rookie N'Keal Harry.