Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots Prediction: Dolphins will not have it easy at home

At Hard Rock Stadium on a Sunday afternoon, the eighth week of NFL play features a matchup between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. While the Miami Dolphins are coming off a loss in their most recent game, the New England Patriots are coming off a victory over the Buffalo Bills. 

The Miami Dolphins are coming into this game with a record of 5-2 on the season, despite their most recent game being a primetime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 31-17. Tua Tagovailoa has completed 71.2% of his passes and has thrown for 2,092 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Meanwhile, Raheem Mostert has rushed for 474 yards and scored 9 touchdowns, and De'Von Achane has rushed for 460 yards and scored 5 touchdowns. Jaylen Waddle is second on the Miami Dolphins in receiving yards with 359 and is second to Tyreek Hill in touchdown receptions with 7. Jaylen Waddle is second on the Dolphins in receiving yards with 359. In addition, four additional Miami Dolphins have recorded more than 100 receiving yards thus far this season. Jevon Holland leads the defense with 52 total tackles, and Bradley Chubb, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Zach Sieler each have a team-high 4 sacks. Jevon Holland also leads the defense in total tackles.

The New England Patriots are currently 2-5 on the season after earning an unexpected victory against the Buffalo Bills by a score of 29-25 in their most recent contest. This victory allowed them to climb back into playoff contention. Mac Jones has completed 66.7% of his passes and has thrown for 1,480 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Rhamondre Stevenson has rushed for 268 yards and scored 2 touchdowns, and Ezekiel Elliott has also rushed for 224 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. While Hunter Henry has 210 receiving yards, Kendrick Bourne has a team-high 34 receptions, which he has turned into 370 receiving yards and three touchdowns. There are five additional New England Patriots who have recorded 100 or more receiving yards this season. On defense, Ja'Whaun Bentley has the most total tackles with 49, and the New England Patriots defense as a whole has combined for 13 sacks and 3 interceptions so far this season. Ja'Whaun Bentley leads the club in total tackles.

First and foremost, I'm thinking of the New England Patriots when it comes to this. There are two ways to look at the Miami Dolphins' loss: either they are fired up to bounce back after falling short against Philadelphia, or there is a letdown here, having to play the lowly New England Patriots a week after taking a big loss in primetime to the Philadelphia Eagles in what some considered to be a potential Super Bowl preview. I think you can look at the Dolphins' loss in either way and come to the same conclusion. The New England Patriots do not have the luxury of a letdown spot following their victory over the Buffalo Bills, and I believe that the New England Patriots will come out fired up anyway after it appeared as though the world was coming to an end following their 1-5 start to the year. I believe that the Patriots will be able to keep this one tight as well, much like the first matchup between these two teams that took place in week 2 and ended with a score of 24-17. I'll venture a guess regarding the New England Patriots and the point spread.