Dolphins (0-1) vs. Patriots (0-1), Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
Latest line: Dolphins are favored by 1 1/2 points
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 0-1): Dolphins 20, Patriots 17
They’re not as bad as the Indianapolis opener, are they? The Patriots are another middle-of-the-road team the Dolphins should beat when you factor in the 1 p.m September heat. Both teams want to atone for an opening loss. But the Dolphins should be more desperate after last weeks performance.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 0-1): Dolphins 24, Patriots 20
I might be too optimistic thinking the Dolphins can score three touchdowns considering the Tua Tagovailoa-to-Tyreek Hill connection hasn’t been productive in more than a year. Still, I’m counting on the front seven to do the work they weren’t able to do last week, which means putting pressure on the quarterback and making life easier for the secondary and the offense.
David Furones, Dolphins Writer (Season record: 0-1): Dolphins 23, Patriots 20
The opener was awful, but game results week to week in the NFL are independent of each other and I’m not going to venture too far away from my expectations for this team. Would the Dolphins really start 0-3? Because I don’t see them winning on a short week to follow in Buffalo. The Patriots struggled in their opener, too, so I’m anticipating Miami handles business.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record: 0-1): Dolphins 13, Patriots 10
After the Dolphins’ all-around disappointing season opener, Miami’s defense looks poised to rebound quicker than the offense. New England quarterback Drake Maye had one touchdown and one interception against the Raiders last week, so he’s an excellent opportunity for a defense to gain some confidence. With the Dolphins at home in the heat, that should be enough for a win.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 1-0): Dolphins 23, Patriots 20
This game is so hard to predict it’s a coin-toss matchup. Both teams are coming off Week 1 lackluster performances, but the Dolphins have the edge playing in the South Florida heat. The Dolphins also have won five straight home games against the Patriots, and Tua Tagovailoa has never lost to New England (7-0). Injuries along Miami’s offensive line is a concern. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looked timid in the opener and could struggle against the Dolphins’ pass rush.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 0-1): Dolphins 23, Patriots 20
As bad as the Dolphins looked in Indianapolis, the Patriots, minus arguably their best defensive player in defensive back Christian Gonzalez, also were a brutal watch at home against the Raiders. If the Dolphins can’t beat this New England team in the Hard Rock 1 p.m. furnace, then a momentously bad season may be at hand, with them probably not having to trade up to get their new quarterback in next year’s draft.
