Overview
- New England has the AFC East secured and needs a victory over Miami paired with a Denver loss or tie to secure the conference’s No. 1 seed, with Broncos–Chargers kicking off at the same time.
- Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers is expected to start for the Dolphins after Tua Tagovailoa was benched, as Miami plays out a non-playoff finish.
- Head coach Mike Vrabel said he has heard nothing that would prevent Stefon Diggs or Christian Barmore from playing as legal cases progress, with reports saying Diggs faces felony and misdemeanor charges and an arraignment set for Jan. 23 and Barmore facing a misdemeanor charge.
- Midweek injury reports listed several Patriots as not practicing, including Christian Barmore (illness) and tight end Hunter Henry (knee), while the Dolphins listed key RB De’Von Achane (shoulder) among their DNPs.
- The Patriots have won 12 of 13 behind Drake Maye, who threw five touchdowns in a 42-10 win over the Jets, and they beat Miami 33-27 in Week 2.