The New England Patriots improved to 9-3 after a Week 13 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. They have a comfortable lead atop the AFC East, but the Miami Dolphins can still catch them there. The Dolphins are 6-6 and will look to cut the Pats’ lead and go over .500 this weekend. The Patriots are +225 to win the AFC, while the Dolphins are +25,000 to do just that.
After getting upset by the Tennessee Titans in Week 10, the Patriots have won their next two games both in impressive fashion. That includes their 24-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings at home in which the Pats showed once again that it can win through their defense. It seemed impossible before, but the Patriots managed to hold Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen down to only 28 receiving yards on five catches. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins also had only 201 passing yards with just a touchdown and two interceptions while getting sacked twice for a loss of 18 yards. The Patriots are likely going to apply the same treatment to the Dolphins, whom New England limited to a pathetic output of 172 total yards in a 38-7 home win back in Week 4. Tom Brady went 23 of 35 for 274 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions in that game, while running back Sony Michel blew up for 112 rushing yards and a score on 25 carries.
The Patriots are 3-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last four road games.
Betting on the Miami Dolphins (6-6)
The Dolphins kept their playoffs hopes alive by defeating the Miami Dolphins at home, 21-17. In his second game back from a long absence due to injury, Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill had 137 passing yards and three touchdowns with an interception on 16-of-24 completions. Wide receiver DeVante Parker resurfaced with 43 receiving yards and a touchdown on four catches and seven targets. The key to the Dolphins in their rematch with New England will mostly depend on their defense. To that, the team is hoping for cornerback Xavien Howard will be able to come up big again on the defensive side of the field. Howard was terrific in the Bills game, as he recorded two touchdowns to go along with four total tackles and a pair of passes defended. Ageless running back will continue to be a key for the Dolphins’ offense. The veteran tailback rushed for 41 yards on 11 carries in the first meeting with New England this season.
The Dolphins are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games against New England.
