New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins predictions

NFL week one betting tips, predictions and analysis for New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 6pm Sunday

Best bet

Miami Dolphins -3.5
1pt 10-11 general

Match preview

There are plenty of reasons to be high on the Dolphins this season after they traded for top receiver Tyreek Hill, and they can get off to a hot start against the Patriots.

Miami installed Mike McDaniel as their head coach over the summer, who himself is an offensive mastermind and should be able to get the best out of not only Hill, but also quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and second-year receiver Jaylen Waddle. That trio are expected to cause problems for plenty of defences and they could begin by terrorising New England.

As for the Patriots’ offence, long gone are the days of Tom Brady, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. Now they are relying on second-year QB Mac Jones along with a host of unproven receivers. Although you can never count out Bill Belichick, it is difficult to see how he’ll get a tune out of his squad this year, especially in such a competitive AFC East division.

The Dolphins should be explosive in attack and are unlikely to be shy in putting points on the board. As long as Tagovailoa has time for plays to develop, he should be able to let loose and launch the ball downfield.

Although there is some concern over Miami’s defence, New England’s attack looks too lacklustre these days to capitalise. The expectation in this one is that the Dolphins will find it easier to put points on the board than the Patriots. Therein lies the difference between these teams in these games. Take Miami to cover the spread.

The lowdown

Venue Hard Rock Stadium
Surface Grass
Weather Mostly cloudy, 32C

Key stat The Dolphins covered the spread in five of their last six home games last season.

Sign up to emails from Racing Post Sport and get all the latest news and tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport