The New England Patriots are a machine, well-oiled and well-protected from anybody wanting to throw a wrench in the system. New England is once again on its way to an AFC East title at 10-3, getting ready to face the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Miami was the last team to unseat the Patriots in the division, winning it with Chad Pennington and Tony Sparano in 2009.
Dolphins vs. Patriots 2014 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Miami needs a win to stay alive in the playoff picture, while New England aims to keep a hold on home field advantage.
After starting the season 2-2, New England is 8-1 and poised to take home field advantage in the AFC if it can beat the Dolphins, Bills and Jets over the final three weeks. The Patriots are a balanced team this year, led by Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Darrelle Revis. The Patriots rank a respectable 13th in total defense and third in turnover differential at plus-10.
Revis has been the shutdown corner Bill Belichick was hoping for when he signed the three-time All Pro this offseason, allowing Brady and the offense to breathe easy on occasion. Brady has been masterful, throwing for 3,560 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Miami was in solid position to make the postseason for the first time this decade before losing a heartbreaker to the Baltimore Ravens at home. The Dolphins now sit 7-6 and need to run the table for a playoff berth. Miami could do it should it beat New England, with winnable home games against the Vikings and Jets remaining.
The defense has been the Dolphins' calling card all year. They rank sixth in yards allowed and seventh in points. Offensively, Ryan Tannehill has turned a corner in his third season, hitting on 66.7 percent of throws with 21 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Mike Wallace has been Tannehill's go-to target, hauling in 57 passes for 700 yards and seven scores.
How to Watch
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
When: 1 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Announcers: Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Jenny Dell
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile | NFL Sunday Ticket
Odds
New England is a 9-point favorite at home over Miami, with an over/under of 48, per OddsShark.
Further Reading
For more on the Dolphins, check out The Phinsider.
To keep up with the Patriots, head over to Pats Pulpit.
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