Patriots-Dolphins Week 17 Predictions
BOSTON (CBS) - The 98.5 The Sports Hub, WBZ NewsRadio 1030 and WBZ-TV sports teams make their predictions for the Patriots' Week 17 matchup with the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.
Scott Zolak, 98.5 The Sports Hub
You ever live in Miami for a good couple of years and then are forced to come to New England? Next thing you know you have your hands down your pants at the sideline and you're blowing into your fist; you can't wait to get out of there. That's what it will be like for the Dolphins.
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This is an interesting spot for the Patriots. There really is no resting guys in this last week with the potential of getting that one or two-seed. You have to play out this season, and then hope for a Houston or Denver loss.
Patriots 24, Dolphins 7
Andy Gresh, 98.5 The Sports Hub
This is the proverbial get-through game for the Patriots. Get through with no injuries, no issues, and no controversy. A win would be nice, but it might not matter in terms of standings when it's all said and done.
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While a win would be nice, it's not so much the result. It's finding a way to get through with everyone intact. Unless the Texans lose early in the afternoon, it won't really matter because the Chiefs are not beating the Broncos.
Patriots 21, Dolphins 13
Walt Perkins, WBZ NewsRadio 1030
The Patriots have a chance to run the table in the AFC East for the second time in franchise history with a win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Given the mood of the team following their last two performances, it would be wise to believe they will accomplish what they set out to do - beat the 'Phins.
Patriots 36, Dolphins 17
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
The Patriots should come out flying after how unhappy they were following last Sunday's ugly win at Jacksonville. Look for Tom Brady to have his offense in an up-tempo mode as he looks to score early and often.
If the Pats get up big, then it will be up to the O-line, Stevan Ridley, Danny Woodhead, Brandon Bolden and company to kill the clock.
And by the way, it doesn't matter if Rob Gronkowski plays a little, a lot, or not at all. It's all about the best way to get him ready for the playoffs.
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On defense, expect the usually solid play from the front with Vince Wilfork leading the way. I'm curious to see if, or how much, Aqib Talib will play. If he sits, then this defense may struggle against Ryan Tannehill.
Special Teams needs to step t up on the Patriots end after some less-than-memorable showings over the last two weeks.
I expect the Patriots to blow out Miami, but the again, I expected the same thing last week in Jacksonville. We'll see if that was a wake up call or if this team isn't as good as I think they are. Maturity is a big part of that, especially on defense.
Patriots 35, Dolphins 17
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV Sports
Tom Brady doesn't believe wins can springboard a team into playoffs --he says it's consistent play.
I believe him, so, therefore the Pats will try to get that consistent play in their final regular season game. They just played Miami a couple of weeks ago, so they are familiar, but this game is more than that.
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In Jacksonville, the Patriots didn't look like a team that was ready to make a Super Bowl run. They looked sloppy and uninterested, and the Pats need that to change. Miami could be their remedy; a division foe that's going to play them hard. That's what the Pats need.
Patriots 34, Dolphins 17
Tune in to Patriots-Dolphins Sunday afternoon at 4:25pm on 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV. Pregame coverage begins on the Hub at 1pm with Patriots Preview, with three hours of post game coverage following the game. WBZ-TV's coverage kicks off at 11:30am with Patriots GameDay, with Patriots 5th Quarter after the game on myTV38.
