Date: October 29, 2023 

Time:  1:00 PM ET

Location: Hard Rock Stadium 

Television: CBS 

New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins

This week, the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins will face off in Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season. They will kick off on Sunday, October 29 at 1:00 PM EST at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Both teams are coming off different results in Week 7. First, the Patriots are coming off a win over the Buffalo Bills. In comparison, the Dolphins coming off a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in week 7. 

Patriots Have Ups and Downs

The Patriots have had a mixed bag of results so far this season, with a record of 2-5. They are still trying to find their identity with Mac Jones under center. However, they showed some signs of improvement in their Week 7 win over the Bills.

The Patriot’s Mac Jones is the starting quarterback this year. He has thrown for 1,312 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions in seven games. Jones is a talented quarterback, but he has been somewhat inconsistent this season.

Damien Harris leads the Patriots’ running game. Overall, Harris has rushed for 389 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. Furthermore, he is a powerful running back who is capable of breaking off a big run at any time.

All in all, the Patriots’ defense has been one of the best in the NFL this season. They are ranked third in points allowed per game (17.7). They are also led by linebacker Matthew Judon, who has 6.5 sacks this season.

Dolphins Have Disappointing Start 

The Dolphins have had a disappointing start to the season, with a record of 4-3. They have been hampered by injuries, especially at the quarterback position. Tua Tagovailoa has been sidelined with a concussion,

Bridgewater is a veteran quarterback who is capable of managing the game. However, he is not a playmaker like Tagovailoa.

The Dolphins have a talented running game led by Raheem Mostert. Mostert has rushed for 460 yards and four touchdowns in seven games. He is a speedy running back capable of breaking off a big run at any time.

In the end, the Dolphins’ defense has been one of the best in the NFL this season. They are ranked second in points allowed per game (16.0). Meanwhile, they are led by linebacker Jerome Baker, who has 5.5 sacks this season.

Keys to Success

New England Patriots

In the end, the Patriots offense needs to find a way to protect Mac Jones. This way, they will be able to make big plays against Miami’s defense. In addition, the Patriots defense needs to pressure on Tua. Overall, Tua is a strong quarterback capable of managing the game, so having him make mistakes is key. 

Miami Dolphins 

Overall, the Dolphins offense needs to establish the run game. The Dolphins have a talented running game led by Raheem Mostert. If the Dolphins can run the ball effectively, it will open up the passing game for Tua. Finally, the Dolphins defense needs to stop Damien Harris. The Patriots have a powerful running game led by Damien Harris. If the Dolphins can stop the run, they will force the Patriots to rely on their passing game, which is not as effective.

Prediction for Patriots vs Dolphins 

In conclusion, the Dolphins are the favorites in this game, but the Patriots are a dangerous team. As we saw in week 7, they are more than capable of taking down strong offenses like the Bills. Although the Patriots are a strong team, we are still going to stick with the Dolphins for this one. 

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.
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