Another heartbreaking loss last week condemned the Patriots to their fourth loss in the last five games. They currently sit 7-8 on the season and somehow still control their own fate for a wildcard playoff spot. To get there they must win their final two games, starting on Sunday against Miami, here’s your Week 17 preview!
Injuries
Patriots To Watch
Jon Jones
While he is questionable to play, expect Jon Jones to be out there on Sunday, and boy do the Pats need him. The secondary has been struggling with injuries over the last few weeks and rookie sparks Marcus and Jack Jones were both ruled out earlier.
With Miami enjoying the duel threat of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, Jones will be one to watch as he tries to contain one of them for his assignment.
Jalen Mills
Like Jon Jones, the Pats will be relying heavily on Mills, if he plays. The secondary has missed Mills whilst he’s been dealing with a groin problem in recent weeks. He doesn’t possess the type of speed Jones does, but if he’s able to play, he’ll be expected to cover one of the two deadly Miami speedsters.
Damien Harris
We haven’t seen Damien Harris play for the team since Thanksgiving, and with his contract up at the end of the season, this could be his final home game at a Patriot. Harris was officially off the injury report and will play on Sunday, perhaps splitting a larger share of the carries with Rhamondre, who’s been dealing with an ankle injury.
Harris will want to put some solid tape up in these last couple of games for any potential landing spots in free agency, he’s one to watch in the backfield.
Matthew Judon
Although I haven’t seen his name mentioned nationally for DPOTY, I think there is certainly an argument to be made that Judon should be in the conversation after a career-high season so far. Miami will be without their starting QB, Tua Tagovailoa this week as he deals with another concussion, the real key to victory will be if Judon & co can put some good pressure on Teddy B.
Judon is currently sitting on 15.5 sacks, just 3 shy of the current Patriots season sack record of 18.5, held by HOF’er Andre Tippet. Judon will be wanting to get close or equal that number on Sunday, hopefully aiding a must-win for the team.
Dolphin Danger
Tyreek Hill
You know what Hill brings, he’s been red hot in his first season in Miami, currently sat on 1,632 receiving yards, with 7 touchdowns.
Tua being out could potentially stall Hill’s production as they have had quite the partnership this year, but, Bridgewater could easily throw him a 5-yard pass and he’ll take it 70 yards for the touchdown. Shut. Down. Hill.
Jaylen Waddle
As if Hill wasn’t enough, Miami also have Jaylen Waddle at their disposal, who at times is equally as dangerous as his pass-catching counterpart. Waddle is currently sat on 1,260 receiving yards, with 8 touchdowns.
Christian Wilkins
The Pats have struggled in the redzone all year, they’ve tried to pound it in on the ground numerous times without success. Wilkins will add a major barrier in that plan should they try that again on Sunday, he’s been very good for Miami this year, leading the team in tackles for loss.
