Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots Matchup Preview (9/12/21): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

And with the snap of a finger, the evil empire is back. The only thing that could have caused the Patriots to have their first losing season in 20 years was a multitude of injuries as well as opt-outs due to the COVID-19 virus to key players. The Patriots only went 7-9, which some teams would die for, but these teams aren’t Bill Belichick and the Patriots. The Patriots have a super high standard and they should reach it this season. New England spent a ton of money in free agency this offseason to get the top players at positions the Patriots needed.

DE Matthew Judon should be a huge boost for this defense as he is one of the most versatile players in the NFL. Judon can rush the passer just as efficiently as he can stop the run just as efficiently as he can drop back in coverage. He joins the leader of the defense LB Dont’a Hightower, who is returning from opting-out due to COVID-19, as well as other awesome defensive players like CB J.C. Jackson, new free agent CB Jalen Mills, S Devin McCourty, DE Deatrich Wise Jr., DE Chase Winovich, familiar face LB Kyle Van Noy, LB Ja’Whaun Bentley, and former DPOY winner CB Stefon Gilmore. There are ballers on every level of this defense and this defense will be the main factor to a Patriot’s playoff push.

On offense, the skills positions are brand new. The Patriots had one of the worst wide receiving and tight end groups in the NFL last season and their offensive numbers showed that. This year is different as Belichick ponied up the money and paid for quality starters like WR Nelson Agholor, TE Jonnu Smith, TE Hunter Henry, and WR Kendrick Bourne. This now puts guys like WR N’Keal Harry, WR Gunner Olszewski, and WR Jakobi Meyers are on the hot seat. Their running back core is solid as they might not have the most recognizable names in the backfield, but Damien Harris and James White should be very productive behind a great offensive line.

This New England offensive line is a top 5 unit in the NFL because of their agility, cohesion, and power. C Mark Andrews is the captain with other great players like Isiah Wynn, Mike Owenu, Shaq Mason, and free agent Trent Brown following the orders to a tee. New England is going to play bully ball all season and this O-line is going to push people around all season long.

The key to New England’s success is their offensive line and defense. Both are top 10 units in the NFL so choosing a quarterback who won’t turn the ball over will be critical to this team’s playoff chances. Whether that be Cam Newton or Mac Jones, Belichick will choose the right man for the job in a crowded AFC playoff picture.

New England Patriots Depth Chart

QB: Cam Newton
RB1: Damien Harris
RB2: James White
WR1: Nelson Agholor
WR2: Jakobi Meyers
WR3: Kendrick Bourne
TE1: Jonnu Smith
TE2: Hunter Henry

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots Betting Corner

This is an interesting line that Vegas has set because these teams are as even as they get. No one team has a major advantage over the other and both teams match up nicely with each other. New England has a great secondary unit in Stefon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, and Jalen Mills that could stop the dangerous Miami receiving corp of Jaylen Waddle, Davante Parker, and Preston Williams. Staying on the outside, the Miami secondary might have the slight advantage as Xavien Howard, Byron Jones, and Jason McCourty should be able to lock down Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor, and Kendrick Bourne. The two lines are also evenly matched as while New England has a top 10 O-line, Miami allowed the 15th fewest rushing yards in the league last season. On the flip side, the Miami O-line is not as good as the Patriots’ front seven, who should be able to stuff the run and put pressure on Tua.

Looking at last year’s betting splits, New England finished 7-9 against the spread and 5-11 on the over with an average game score of 45. Miami was 11-5 against the spread and 7-9 on the over last season. While both of these teams are more explosive and experienced on offense, I follow the rule that offenses are rusty in Week 1 while the defense is well-rested. I also subscribe to the idea that fans will be rowdy after taking a year off from going to games due to Covid. With both teams familiar with each other and as evenly matched as they are, I have to give the nod to the Patriots and the under.

Prediction: Patriots -2.5 & under 45 pts