Miami Dolphins v New England Patriots: NFL Big Game Night Preview
The NFL spotlight swings onto South Florida this Sunday as the Miami Dolphins welcome the New England Patriots to Hard Rock Stadium in a week two AFC East showdown. In the UK, fans can watch for free, live on 5 with Dermot O'Leary, Sam Queck and Osi Umenyiora. In the US, tune in 1:00 pm ET on CBS. Coverage begins half an hour after kick-off, but the buildup is already buzzing with storylines that stretch far beyond the usual divisional clash.
Season So Far
Both franchises are looking to erase memories of last year’s frustrations. The Dolphins finished 8–9, good enough for second place in the AFC East, but still some way off division champions Buffalo. The Patriots endured a bruising campaign, stumbling to just four wins—their lowest tally in more than two decades, and a clear signal that the post-Brady rebuild is still searching for answers.
Miami opened their 2025 campaign with a fast, aggressive offense, while New England’s first week showed flashes of defensive resilience but plenty of work needed on the offensive side of the ball.
Head-to-Head
If history is a guide, this fixture favors the Dolphins. Mike McDaniel’s team swept New England last year, winning a low-scoring grind at Gillette Stadium (15–10) and then lighting up their home turf (34–15). Hard Rock Stadium has long been a difficult venue for the Patriots, even during the Tom Brady dynasty years, with the humidity and energy of the Miami crowd often unsettling visiting teams.
Key Players to Watch
Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Dolphins): His quick release and chemistry with receivers like Tyreek Hill could punish New England’s secondary.
Tyreek Hill (WR, Dolphins): One of the most electrifying playmakers in football, capable of turning any short pass into a game-breaking touchdown.
Raheem Mostert (RB, Dolphins): A balanced rushing attack will keep the Patriots’ defense honest.
Mac Jones (QB, Patriots): The pressure is on to prove he can command the offense and take a leap forward this season.
Matthew Judon (LB, Patriots): A defensive leader who can disrupt Tagovailoa if he wins his battles at the line of scrimmage.
Tactical Battle
Miami will look to dictate tempo early, stretching the field with speed and using motion-heavy schemes to keep the Patriots guessing. New England’s best chance lies in controlling the clock—running the ball effectively, forcing turnovers, and keeping Miami’s playmakers off the field.
The Atmosphere
Hard Rock Stadium under the lights has become one of the league’s most vibrant settings, and with the Dolphins tipped as playoff contenders this year, expect an extra charge in the air. For the Patriots, this is about resilience: proving that Bill Belichick’s team still has a say in the AFC East narrative.
Prediction
Miami’s balance, speed, and home-field advantage make them strong favorites. The Patriots’ defense may keep things close early, but unless their offense can produce sustained drives, the Dolphins are likely to pull away.
Prediction: Dolphins 27 – Patriots 16.