New England has been winning with defense not offense. Only once have the Patriots scored more than 28 points during their last eight games. But defensively the Patriots rank in the top eight in fewest points, total yards and rushing yards. New England has held its last three opponents to an average of 14 points during regulation.

Miami ranks 27th offensively in yards and points. Only once in their last nine games have the Dolphins scored more than 20 points. Ryan Tannehill has not taken a step forward remaining a mediocre quarterback talent with below average weapons. The Patriots shouldn't have problems controlling the Dolphins' pop gun attack.

The key is if the Dolphins can control New England's offense. Miami is going to be tremendously aided by the Patriots' multiple offensive injuries and Bill Belichick likely to just play vanilla football to not tip his hand before the playoffs. Tom Brady is playing behind a makeshift offensive line. Every original offensive line starter is out or playing hurt. Brady hasn't been sacked this many times since his rookie season. Brady's left tackle, Sebastian Vollmer, won't play because of a knee injury.

The Patriots also are without their best wide receiver, Julian Edelman, and their two best running backs, Deion Lewis and LeGarrette Blount. The Patriots are so desperate for running back help they even brought a clearly-shot Steven Jackson back from retirement. Still, Belichick would like to run the ball a lot in this matchup to keep Brady from getting hurt.

The Dolphins know their division rival well. Miami actually has won the past two times it has hosted New England.