The stakes could not be any bigger this week when the Miami Dolphins travel to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots. Miami has a slim one-game lead in the division standings, but a loss to the Patriots would put them in a tie record-wise with their rivals. Will the Dolphins be able to deal the fatal blow to New England’s playoff hopes, or will the Pats stay alive in the playoff race for another week?

Nitrobetting is ready to equip its bettors with the latest news, NFL odds, and special features for the entire duration of the 2022 NFL season. This time, let’s take a closer look at the upcoming week 17 clash between the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots.

Dolphins vs. Patriots Game Information

We need you LOUD on Sunday! pic.twitter.com/C6Bx2XIq9h

— New York Giants (@Giants) December 27, 2022

• When: Sunday, January 1, 2023, 1:00 PM ET
• Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
• TV: CBS
• Radio: 560 WQAM (Dolphins) // 98.5 The Sports Hub (Patriots)
• Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
• NFL Odds: Dolphins (+2.5) // Patriots (-2.5)

READ MORE: Panthers vs. Buccaneers 2022 NFL Week 17 Odds, Preview & Pick

Why Bet on the Miami Dolphins?

The season is slowly slipping away from the Miami Dolphins, who are now on a four-game losing streak following their 26-20 road defeat against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16. Unfortunately, there’s one huge reason to be pessimistic about Miami’s chances of having a deep playoff run, let alone the team making the postseason altogether.

Although MVP candidate Tua Tagovailoa threw for over 300 passing yards Sunday, he also threw a season-high three interceptions against a relatively mediocre Packers defense. To make matters worse, Tagovailoa took a late, hard hit and is now under the NFL’s concussion protocol. Chances of the former Alabama standout starting Week 17’s game against New England are slim, which means Teddy Bridgewater will have to lead Miami’s offense in a crucial divisional clash.

Not helping the Dolphins’ case lately is their defense, which has allowed an average of 28.5 points to their opponents during their current four-game skid. While the Patriots aren’t known to have a potent offense themselves, the combination of a Tua-less attack and a faltering defense smells like a recipe for disaster. It would take a monstrous effort from the receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in aid of their team’s backup QB in Bridgewater.

Why Bet on the New England Patriots?

The bad news is that the New England Patriots have lost two straight after their 22-18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals this past weekend. The good news, however, is that the Patriots are still alive and well in the playoff hunt for as long as they manage to beat the Dolphins this Sunday.

Mac Jones had a relatively solid showing under center against the surging Bengals, completing 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards and a pair of passing TDs. A sound performance from Jones is just what New England needed after the team’s actual strength, its running game, mustered up just 61 rushing yards against Cincy’s front seven.

The Pats have the fifth-best scoring defense in the league and are just one of five teams holding their opponents to an average of under 20 points per game (19.4 PAPG). They’re also ranked second in total sacks (50), with star linebacker Matthew Judon (15.5 sacks; second-most in the NFL) looking to feast on Miami’s signal-caller regardless of whether it’s Tua or Teddy under center this Sunday.

Dolphins vs. Patriots Betting Trends

• The Dolphins are 3-5 on the road this season (SU/ATS).
• The Fins have won four straight meetings against New England (SU/ATS).
• The totals have gone over in five of Miami’s last six games on the road.
• The Patriots are 3-4 at home this season (SU/ATS).
• The Pats have also won four straight games as favorites to win (SU/ATS).
• The totals have gone under in each of the last four games played in Foxborough.

Dolphins vs. Patriots Expert Betting Predictions

If by any chance that Tagovailoa is clearer to play on Sunday, then the smart money would be on the Dolphins to complete their season sweep of the Pats. However, it appears more and more likely that Tua won’t be suiting up for this blockbuster matchup. This has us leaning toward a convincing Patriots win in the frigid confines of Gillette Stadium with New England going back to its bread and butter of a persistent ground attack with Rhamondre Stevenson (career-high 172 rushing yards in Week 15) bouncing back with flair.

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*All stated odds are subject to change without prior notice.