The Miami Dolphins will finish their season in New England as they hope to avoid double-digit losses for the first time since 2019. The two teams previously played in Week 2, when the Patriots emerged victorious 33-27.
Both teams arrive under a different set of circumstances from their previous encounter. In Week 2, the Patriots had not yet won a game under Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye had not become an MVP favorite. Meanwhile, the Dolphins were starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who had never lost against New England, and they still had superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill available for the team.
Miami Dolphins Reveal Achane Injury
Miami’s top contributor this year has been running back De’Von Achane. He set a career-high with 1,838 total scrimmage yards as he earned his first Pro Bowl berth. The only player in Dolphins history with more scrimmage yards in a season is Ricky Williams in 2022. Williams finished the 2002 season with 2,216 scrimmage yards as he earned first-team All-Pro honors. Against the Patriots, Achane has a chance to have the second-best rushing season by a Dolphin, as he’s 22 yards away from tying Ricky Williams’ 2003 season.
However, his availability for Sunday’s game has now come into question. Achane was unable to practice on Wednesday as he’s dealing with a shoulder injury. He had previously left the Dolphins’ Week 14 matchup against the Jets as he suffered a rib injury. On that occasion, Achane was able to suit up for the Dolphins the following game.
Despite his slim frame, Achane has avoided major injuries since his rookie year. He played all 17 games in 2024 and he’s yet to miss a game this season. He missed five games in his rookie year as he dealt with a pair of injuries.
If he’s able to suit up on Sunday, he’ll aim for a better outing against the Patriots than his Week 2 effort. In that matchup he finished with 30 rushing yards on 11 carries. However, despite the minimal rushing production, it also marked his most effective game as a pass-catcher as he totaled 92 receiving yards and a touchdown. He nearly gave Miami the lead with under a minute left in the fourth quarter, but replay reviewed he stepped out of bounds. The Dolphins were shortly stopped after.
Dolphins vs Patriots
The 7-9 Miami Dolphins will hope to avoid being swept by the Patriots for the first time since 2016. Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers will make his first start against their AFC East rivals. On the other side, MVP favorite Drake Maye will make his third start against the Dolphins. He is 1-1 in two previous matchups.
The Patriots have won the AFC East for the first time since 2018. On the other hand, the Dolphins have not won the division since 2008, despite making it to the postseason on three occasions since then, including twice with Mike McDaniel.
When McDaniel was asked about closing the gap with the Patriots, he said, “The organization can do so by compounding good decision after good decision.” He said he feels confident in the resiliency in the building.
Dolphins Reveal De’Von Achane Injury Update Before Patriots Game