Dolphins-Patriots Free Sunday Play

On December 29, 2019, in Free Picks, NFL, by Stephen

By Stephen Nover

Dolphins at Patriots Under 45

Now that winter is here the Patriots become more the Sony Michel Show rather than being about Tom Brady.

Brady has had only one passer rating above 97 during his last 10 games. A combination of age finally taking its toll on the 42-year-old, only having one reliable wide receiver in Julian Edelman and lack of pass-catching skills from his tight ends have turned Brady into a glorified game manager.

New England is averaging 18.6 points in its last six games if you discount its 34-point game against the Bengals in which Andy “Opie Taylor” Dalton threw four interceptions, including a pick-six.

The Patriots are going to run Michel, Rex Burkhead and throw in the flat to James White out of the backfield. Safe, conservative plays. That’s the Patriots’ style these days. They don’t need to take chances against an overmatched, patch-work Dolphins squad. Lots of running and short passes keep the clock moving at a brisk pace.

Now the Dolphins should give an effort. Their coach, Brian Flores, has kept the locker room from disintegrating despite Miami management making no secret about building for the future. Flores knows Bill Belichick well having been a New England defensive coach for 15 seasons until taking the Miami job.

The Patriots shut out the Dolphins, 43-0, back in mid-September. Ryan Fitzpatrick was terrible in that game. The Patriots surrender the fewest points (13.2) and yards (268.3) per game. The Dolphins lack the offensive line and skill position players to do any damage against this dominant defense. Wide receiver DeVante Parker is Miami’s lone decent threat and he’s going to draw blanket coverage from Stephon Gilmore, who is the best cornerback in football right now.

The Dolphins have averaged 12 points during their last two visits to Foxboro. They might not hit that total in this game.

I am hoping to repeat the hot finish I had last NFL season. I am 8-2-1 on my last 11 NFL plays. I have five premium NFL plays in addition to this free selection. If you are interested in my sports service please email me at scriber26@gmail.com, or message me via Twitter.

Happy holidays and best of luck in 2020!

 

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