The Miami Dolphins enter Week 17 with one last looming challenge — to knock off the New England Patriots and spoil the team’s hope for a 1st-round bye in the AFC playoffs. This Dolphins team is likely to hold nothing back and empty the chamber with trick plays and surprise personnel groupings, as Brian Flores will want to establish more momentum for his young Dolphins team moving into the offseason.
A win would be big, but it is also highly unlikely. So what else is in store? Here are three bold predictions for Miami’s final game of the 2019 season.
The Dolphins will double their yardage from the 1st game vs. New England
Miami logged 184 yards of offense in the first showing, meaning the Dolphins are in store for at least 368 yards of offense in Week 17. Expect a big day from Albert Wilson and Mike Gesicki, as the Patriots will likely use Stephon Gilmore to shadow DeVante Parker.
Miami will hold a second half lead
Miami trailed in the first meeting at the half 13-0. It wasn’t until the 2nd half that Miami’s turnovers got off the rails and fed New England two touchdowns via Ryan Fitzpatrick interceptions. This is a better Miami team and this Patriots offense isn’t playing as well. Look for those factors to combine to see Miami at least put out a lead at one point in this game, even if it is the early 3rd quarter.
Tom Brady breaks Miami’s heart in the 4th quarter
So much for bold predictions, eh? The Patriots have so much to play for and the Dolphins’ roster is running on fumes — it is hard to see Miami winning this football game. But they’ll give the Pats everything they’ve got. It just isn’t likely to be enough. Look for Brady to buckle down in crunch time and put the Dolphins away for 2019.
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