What was setting up to be a play-in game for the AFC playoffs turned into a rather boring matchup after the Dolphins put up a dud against the Titans last week to ruin their postseason chances.<\/p>\n
Sunday does matter for the Patriots though, as they could <\/em>still win the AFC East if they win and Buffalo loses. Seeding is on the line as well.<\/p>\n The game will be kickoff at 4:25pm from Miami Gardens’ Hard Rock Stadium. Spero Dedes and Jay Feely will be on the call for CBS.<\/p>\n Here are the odds for Sunday’s divisional matchup, courtesy of BetOnline.ag<\/a>:<\/p>\n Spread: Patriots -6.5<\/p>\n Total: 40<\/p>\n Moneyline: Patriots -275\/Dolphins +230<\/p>\n New England finishes their season with the same team they started it with as they head to Miami for week 18<\/a>. After starting their season 1-7, the Dolphins rattled off seven straight wins to get themselves to 8-7. They then got smoked 34-3 last weekend in Tennessee.<\/p>\n Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa once again had himself an up-and-down season. He’s thrown for 2,544 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions this season – and despite taking the Dolphins on a seven game win streak and getting them a week away from the postseason, he still doesn’t feel like Miami’s guy. Rumors will once again circulate this offseason about the Dolphins improving at quarterback, and I think they should take the chance if they get it.<\/p>\n Have I mentioned that I like Jaylen Waddle?<\/a> The 2021 sixth overall pick has been a outstanding addition for Miami this season, and will be an incredible weapon for anyone who plays QB there next year.<\/p>\n The Patriots struggle mightily in Miami. They are just 2-6 in their last eight games down there, and will need to turn those fortunes around on Sunday if they want a chance at winning the AFC East. They need other things to happen, but it starts with getting the win.<\/p>\n For more insight, head to our YouTube channel to watch CLNS Media Patriots beat reporter Evan Lazar<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a098.5 The Sports Hub\u2019s Alex Barth\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0 preview of Patriots vs. Dolphins.<\/p>\nOdds – Week 18<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Storylines<\/strong><\/h2>\n