The Patriots clinched the AFC East title after Buffalo’s last-second loss to Philadelphia last week, but there’s still plenty at stake in the regular-season finale. At 13-3, New England can secure the No. 1 seed with a win and a Denver loss, but a loss could drop them to the third seed.
The Dolphins, eliminated from playoff contention, will look to play spoiler, something they’ve done before, most notably in 2019 when they knocked the Patriots out of a second-seed bye week. With a playoff game likely on the horizon for next weekend, the Patriots must balance health with urgency as they aim to finish the 2025 regular season on a high note.
Drake Maye was sensational against the Jets, posting the highest single-game QBR since the metric began in 2006 and continuing his MVP-caliber campaign. He leads the NFL in completion percentage (71.7%), yards-per-attempt, air yards-per-attempt and QB rating, and has thrown 30 touchdowns to eight interceptions.
How much he plays this week is uncertain, but even a brief appearance could be an opportunity to cap off a historic season and keep the offense sharp heading into the playoffs.
Miami will be starting rookie Quinn Ewers, but based on their injury report, it’s anyone’s guess who he’ll have around him. Pro Bowler De’Von Achane is dealing with a shoulder injury, while Jaylen Waddle has a rib injury. Neither practiced on Wednesday this week, but if the dangerous duo can go, they’ll require major attention from the Patriots defense.
Achane’s speed and versatility make him a threat to break big plays; he’s exactly the type of back that has hurt New England during recent defensive lapses. In Week 2’s matchup, the Patriots held Achane to just 30 yards rushing on 11 attempts but also allowed him eight receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown.
The Patriots run defense, once considered elite in the first half of the season, has allowed 100+ rushing yards in each of their last seven games, so discipline and gap integrity will be critical to putting the game on the rookie Ewers.
