Overview
- The Patriots (4-3) travel to Hard Rock Stadium to face the Dolphins (1-5) Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET, with DraftKings placing New England roughly a seven-point favorite and a heavy moneyline bias toward the visitors.
- NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Patriots receiver A.J. Brown did not practice because of a knee issue that flared up, making his availability for Sunday uncertain.
- New England expects to have its full starting secondary — Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson — together for the first time since Week 1, a boost after a Chicago loss that featured missed tackles and big plays allowed.
- Miami arrives with momentum after its first win, driven by Malik Willis’s 208-yard, two-touchdown passing performance and a strong ground game led by Ollie Gordon II that has produced multiple 100-yard outings.
- Game plans and markets are responding: the Patriots are emphasizing establishing the run with Rhamondre Stevenson, analysts favor New England overall, and betting models have moved the total down with experts recommending under plays.