Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots: betting preview, free tips, TV details

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots in Week 17 of the NFL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 6pm Sunday

Best bet

Miami +17.5
1pt 20-23 Betfred

Match preview

New England are in the unusual situation of having something to play for in Week 17 of an NFL season, when they typically need only to decide whether or not to rest their starters.

Baltimore have clinched the first seeding for the AFC playoffs thanks to their head-to-head win over the Patriots, but New England could still be pipped for second - and lose the first-round bye - if they are beaten by the Dolphins and Kansas City win.

The Patriots clinched the AFC East title last week and are heavy favourites to make it a tenth successive season with a free pass to the divisional round without relying on the Chiefs failing against the Chargers.

The Super Bowl champions won the teams' first meeting 43-0 in September - the only game that controversial wide receiver Antonio Brown played for them - but this contest should be closer.

The Dolphins have gone 4-4 since losing their first seven games of the season, while the Patriots have lost three of their last seven after starting with eight wins.

Miami have picked up their game offensively at least, with veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick - who, at 37, is five years younger than Tom Brady - leading the way and they have decent wins over the Colts and Eagles on their record as well as victories over fellow strugglers the Jets and Bengals.

The Patriots have not looked the force of old for most of this campaign but they have maintained a knack for getting the job done. The mission for this match is to clinch the second seed, but it could be worth backing Miami to stay within a hefty handicap.

For more American sports analysis and tips, visit www.pickswise.com

The lowdown

Venue Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Surface Artificial
Weather Cloudy, 3C
Vegas handicap Miami +16
Vegas points line 44.5

Injury report

Miami
Cornerback Jomal Wiltz (shoulder) has been ruled out. Linebacker Vince Biegel (elbow), defensive end Taco Charlton (ankle), wide receiver Allen Hurns (ankle), and defensive tackles Zach Sieler (ankle) and Christian Wilkins (ankle) are rated questionable.

New England
Safety Terrence Brooks (groin), offensive tackle Marcus Cannon (ankle), linebacker Jamie Collins (shoulder), wide receiver Julian Edelman (knee) and cornerback Jonathan Jones (groin) are among the Patriots listed as questionable.

Key stat

New England have won 19 of their last 20 home games.

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