The New England Patriots (3-8) are set to face the Miami Dolphins (4-6) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday.
A victory would not only match the Patriots’ win total from last season, but it would also position them just half a game behind the Dolphins in the AFC East standings. With the Buffalo Bills leading the division at 9-2, the Patriots are vying for a higher spot, especially if the New York Jets (3-8) falter this week.
However, the path to the playoffs remains challenging.
The Kansas City Chiefs (9-1), Los Angeles Chargers (7-3), Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) and Baltimore Ravens (7-4) are all strong contenders in the AFC. The Houston Texans (7-4) currently lead the AFC South. For the Patriots to keep their postseason hopes alive, they would need to secure victories in their remaining games and hope for a decline from teams like the Chargers or Ravens.
This week’s matchup against the Dolphins is crucial. Despite Miami’s subpar season, they possess a roster with significant talent. The Patriots will need to execute a well-crafted game plan to pull off a win.
Here are the keys to the game: