Miami (1-3) at New England (1-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Fox
BetMGM NFL Odds: Patriots by 1.
Against the spread: Dolphins 0-4; Patriots 1-2-1.
Series record: Dolphins lead 62-55.
Last meeting: Miami won 24-17 in Foxborough, Mass., to sweep the season series.
Last week: Dolphins lost to Titans 31-12 on Monday night; Patriots lost 30-13 to 49ers.
Dolphins offense: overall (26), rush (24), pass (23), scoring (32).
Dolphins defense: overall (6), rush (16), pass (5), scoring (26).
Patriots offense: overall (32), rush (12), pass (32), scoring (31).
Patriots defense: overall (24), rush (9), pass (28), scoring (17).
Turnover differential: Dolphins even, Patriots even.
Dolphins player to watch
QB Tyler Huntley. He struggled in his Dolphins debut on Monday, completing 14 of 22 passes for 96 yards with a rushing touchdown. Huntley admitted afterward that he needs more reps with his receivers — he had several miscues with Tyreek Hill, including underthrowing him on a potential touchdown. With two full weeks of practice under his belt, Huntley said Wednesday that he’s starting to feel more comfortable.
Patriots player to watch
RB Rhamondre Stevenson. Although he has been the team’s most productive rusher in each of the past two seasons, Stevenson has fumbled in every game this season. Coach Jerod Mayo said he may consider starting Antonio Gibson — if only to send a message about ball security.
Key matchup
Patriots OL vs. Dolphins D: With C David Andrews headed for shoulder surgery, New England will start its fifth offensive line in five games. The Patriots allowed 13 sacks over the previous two games, and one reason No. 3 overall draft pick Drake Maye remains on the sideline is because it isn’t safe to put him in. The Miami defense is fifth in passing defense.
Key injuries
Dolphins: Starting LB Jaelan Phillips will miss the rest of the season after he suffered a partially torn right ACL against the Titans that will require reconstructive surgery. He injured it on a collision with the helmet of teammate Jordan Poyer, who hurt his shin on the same play. … WR Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) returned to practice this week after missing the first four games on the physically unable to perform list. His status for Sunday is unknown. … CB Cam Smith (hamstring) also returned to practice after starting the season on PUP. … LT Terron Armstead and CB Kendall Fuller could return after missing last week in the concussion protocol. … Patriots: Andrews is expected to miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. He would join fellow captain and LB Ja’Whaun Bentley on injured reserve. WR Kendrick Bourne (knee), LB Sione Takitaki (knee) and LB Marte Mapu (calf) were able to take part in some practices.
Series notes
Miami swept the series for the 15th time last year and has won six of the past seven games. … The Dolphins are 6-2 against the Patriots since Tom Brady left New England. Against him, they were 12-24, but the 12 wins was the most by any team.
Stats and stuff
The Dolphins are 1-3 for the first time under Mike McDaniel with their worst scoring offense since he was hired in 2022. … McDaniel said adjustments to the scheme could be on the way as the offense continues to be plagued by penalties, dropped passes and an inability to stay in a rhythm. … The Dolphins were called for 10 penalties against the Tennessee Titans, one week after being flagged 11 times. Many of them have been illegal shifts, with multiple players in motion at the snap. … Miami is entering a stretch in which four of its next five games are on the road. … K Jason Sanders made field goals of 44 and 56 yards In Week 3. His 56-yarder is tied for the second-longest of his career behind his 57-yard field goal against Dallas in 2023. The 56-yard field goal was the longest field goal by a Dolphin against the Titans, passing Dan Carpenter’s 45-yard field goal in 2009. … Despite many struggles, the Dolphins defense has held opponents scoreless in six quarters this season, and limited the Titans to just field goals until midway through the third quarter. … WR Tyreek Hill has had his worst start to a season since being traded to the Dolphins in 2022, with 17 catches for just 217 yards and a touchdown. He has been held under 50 yards receiving in every Game since Week 1, when he caught seven passes for 130 yards and a touchdown.… Patriots K Joey Slye made a franchise-record 63-yard field goal last week. He also made a 61-yarder last year. Only four kickers in NFL history have three or more career 60-yard field goals. … DE Keion White has at least two QB hits in each of the first four games. His nine QB hits are fourth most in the NFL this season. … DL Deatrich Wise Jr. has back-to-back games with a sack. … RB Antonio Gibson averaged 8.7 yards per carry vs. Seattle on Sept. 15. … LS Joe Cardona has at least one special teams tackle in each of the first four games. … P Bryce Barringer has a punt of at least 50 yards in 21 straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL.
Fantasy tip
Either defense would be a good pick, with the two lowest-scoring offenses in the league matching up. The New England offensive line has allowed 13 sacks in the past two games.
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