Here we are, the final game of the regular-season heads to Miami as the Patriots look to finish strong and avenge their week 1 defeat to a Dolphins side who will be once again without playoff football this season.

Hard Rock Stadium presents the season finale for the Patriots, who take on the Miami Dolphins, here’s your preview for Week 18!

One’s To Watch

Rhamondre Stevenson

Given that Damien Harris is still dealing with a slight hamstring issue, I can imagine them keeping his carry load low tomorrow, allowing him to be fresh for the wildcard game. If so, it could be a big day for Stevenson, who fumbled in week 1 against the Dolphins but has come on a long way since then, proving himself able to carry the backfield in Harris’ absence.

Nelson Agholor

Agholor returns to the team after clearing the concussion protocol, which kept him out for the last couple of weeks. The FA addition hasn’t had the first season in New England like we’d have hoped, but, he’ll be out there tomorrow with a chance to find some late season form before the playoffs.

Chase Winovich

Chase has been left out in the cold for most of this season, which is a shame as I feel he is a useful player. Tomorrow he might be back in the fray, though. With the news that Dont’a Hightower will now miss the game, Winovich could be more involved, along with Josh Uche, some wolverine aggression in Miami perhaps?

Myles Bryant

After standing out with an interception last week in the blowout win over the Jags, Bryant should be heavily involved again in the passing defense. He’s been up and down this season, but he’s certainly cutting his teeth in the league the hard way, and I do think he is improving gradually.

Dolphin Danger

Who for the Dolphins could cause problems for the Patriots?

Jaylen Waddle

I highlighted the rookie first-rounder before these two last met in the season opener, he had a pretty steady beginning to his time in the league, but he really stepped up into the second half of the season. Mac’s former college teammate is now only 22 yards short of a 1,000 receiving yard campaign. He’ll be Tua’s top target tomorrow.

Xavien Howard

Howard has had a much quieter season than his previous, only amassing 4 interceptions, to his 10 from the 2020 campaign. Still, stats aside he’s been a key part of Miami’s defense and will be looking to ruin Mac’s day tomorrow in coverage.

Emmanuel Ogbah

Ogbah leads the team in sacks on the season with 9.0. He will be the leader of an impressive Dolphins front who can get after the opposing quarterback.

Patriots Playoff Seeding Scenarios

Whilst playoff football is secured, the Pats still have a chance to secure the divisional title, amongst other things, starting tonight when Kansas City plays Denver. So, what could happen?

Patriots clinch no 1 AFC seed with:
NE win + BUF loss or tie + KC loss + TEN loss

Patriots clinch AFC East title with:
NE win + BUF loss or tie OR
NE tie + BUF loss

As things stand, the Patriots would travel to Buffalo to face the Bills for the third time this season in the wildcard game, we’ll know for sure what matchup it’ll be once week 18 finishes.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 24 – Dolphins 21

The Patriots continue with some momentum into the post-season with a close win down in Miami. Patriots 24 Fins 21

@clazzyclare – Patriots 33 – Dolphins 21

The Fins took a beating last week and could be out for some vengeance. The Patriots aren’t the team they were when these two last met and that is hopefully a good thing. The Patriots know what needs to be done and a couple of players (like my favourite, Hunter!) are used to warmer climates (kinda) and I see this one as a Pats win. Patriots 33 Fins 21