The New England Patriots have a shot at clinching the AFC’s top seed this Sunday as they face off against the Miami Dolphins in a crucial AFC East encounter during NFL Week 18. Quarterback Drake Maye is determined to secure the MVP title, actively leading the Patriots (13-3) into the postseason with strong momentum. A win for the Patriots, combined with a loss for Denver, will grant them the No. 1 seed.
The Dolphins (7-9), on the other hand, aim to assist coach Mike McDaniel in maintaining his position after recently shaking off a two-game losing streak with a close victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (20-17). New England has been performing impressively, winning 12 of their last 13 games.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots enter the match as 13.5-point favorites, according to the latest odds from DraftKings. The total points over/under is set at 45.5.
Where to Watch the Game
- When: Sunday, January 4
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX
- Stream: Fubo
- Follow Along: CBS Sports App
Betting Preview
Odds: Patriots -13.5, Over/Under 45.5
The Patriots are dominating opponents by nearly nine points per game and hold an 11-5 record against the spread, though they have struggled at home with a 4-4 record against the spread. The Dolphins stand at 8-8 against the spread (3-4 in away games) but have traditionally performed well at Gillette Stadium, covering the spread in nine of their last ten visits. The Patriots have a strong record of 7-1 against the spread in their last eight AFC East matchups.
Prop Bets for the Game
- Over 45.5
- Dolphins +13.5
- Rhamondre Stevenson Anytime TD Scorer
Score Predictions
In their previous meeting this season, the Patriots secured a 33-27 victory. According to simulations, the Dolphins have a 53% chance of covering the spread this time. Recent data shows that the total has reached over in eight of the last ten games for New England, and they average about 28 points per game, ranking fifth in the NFL.
Predicted Score: Patriots 30, Dolphins 21
For more detailed picks and predictions for NFL assets this week, be sure to check out CBS Sports.
