Can the Miami Dolphins sweep the New England Patriots this year? The oddsmakers seem to think so.
The Miami Dolphins are coming off a win over the Las Vegas Raiders with a solid, ball-control type of performance. Miami scored a season-high 34 points despite relying on the running game and short passes compared to their normal deep attack led by wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Miami’s first four full drives (not including the 45 seconds before the end of the first half) featured time of possession of 8:13, 8:22, 7:47, and 5:45. The Dolphins still won 34-19, despite the systematic attack they seemed to employ on Sunday.
Will they have the same kind of success in Week 12 when they host the New England Patriots in the second half of the AFC East rivalry’s annual home-and-home series. With both teams now complete in Week 11, the opening odds for Week 12 have been released. How do the oddsmakers at FanDuel Sportsbook see this game playing out?
What are the records for both teams?
After their Week 11 win over the Raiders, the Dolphins are 4-6 on the season. Despite a 2-6 start, Miami, on a two-game winning streak, is back in the AFC playoff picture and will be looking to reinforce their standings with a win over the Patriots.
New England is 3-8 on the year following a loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. They have fallen into last place in the AFC East, though they are tied with the New York Jets for that spot.
What happened in Week 5?
Miami visited the Patriots in New England in Week 5. Both teams entered the game on a three-game losing streak after having won their respective Week 1 games. The Dolphins ended a weird statistic in the first quarter when they kicked a field goal to open the game’s scoring – Miami had not led during a game at any point in the season up to that point, having won their Week 1 game on a last-second field goal with no time remaining on the clock.
They did not hold the lead long, however, as the Patriots came back later in the first quarter to score a touchdown. The Patriots extended the lead with a field goal early in the third quarter, while Miami settled for two field goals during the period, pulling to within a point at 10-9.
In the fourth quarter, Miami finally put the ball in the endzone, scoring the game-winning touchdown with 4:24 remaining in the game, giving them the 15-10 victory.
Miami started quarterback Tyler Huntley in the game, replacing the injured Tua Tagovailoa, and he was 18-for-31 for 194 yards with an interception. The Patriots’ Jacoby Brissett was 18-for-34 for 160 yards. Miami rookie running back led the team with 86 rushing yards, with Raheem Mostert, on a team-high 19 carries, added 80 yards. New England’s Rhamondre Stevenson carried the ball 12 times for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught six passes for 69 yards, with tight end Jonnu Smith adding 62 yards on five receptions and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle finished with four receptions for 46 yards. The Patriots tallied 59 receiving yards on six receptions from wide receiver DeMario Douglas, 34 yards on two catches from wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, and 32 receiving yards on 2 receptions from tight end Hunter Henry.
Safety Marcus Maye led Miami with nine tackles while linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah and defensive tackle Zach Sieler each recorded a sack. New England safety Dell Pettus and defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale each had nine tackles in the game, with Ekaule and linebacker Anfernee Jennings combining for a sack. Defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy also recorded a sack.
Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez intercepted a pass from Miami’s Huntley.
The Dolphins were 1.5-point favorites heading into the game, covering the spread with their five-point victory. The point total was 36.5, with the under paying on the combined 25 point total.
What is the all-time history between the teams?
Including the Week 5 win, the Dolphins lead the regular season matchup 62-53. The Patriots have the edge in the postseason 1-2.
Miami has won the last three meetings and eight of the last 10 meetings. New England last beat the Dolphins in Miami in Week 2 of 2019, with Tom Brady leading the Patriots to a 43-0 drubbing of the Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick led Dolphins.
What are the opening FanDuel Sportsbook odds?
The oddsmakers are clearly giving the Dolphins the advantage in the game. With Tagovailoa back as the starting quarterback for Miami, the Dolphins offense has been much more effective and now Miami will be looking to sweep New England. According to the opening line, the Dolphins are seven-point favorites for the game and are -375 to win straight up according to the moneyline. New England is +300 for the win. The point total is 45.5.
Spread: Dolphins -7
Moneyline: Patriots +300 | Dolphins -375
Point total: 45.5
