Patriots aim for solid win as they travel to face Dolphins in Miami
New England seeks a decisive victory against a 1-5 Dolphins team led by rookie quarterback Malik Willis, while both sides contend with hot, humid weather.
The New England Patriots will try to secure a convincing win when they visit the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, a matchup that pits quarterback Drake Maye against the Dolphins' first-year starter Malik Willis. Maye, who has started two games for New England, posted a 74.4 passer rating in a 15-34 loss in November 2024 and a 137.3 rating in a 33-27 victory in September 2025. Willis, who was recently nominated for the FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week award after a 28-25 win over the Jets, will be making his first start against his former coach Mike Vrabel.
Miami, now 1-5 under new head coach Jeff Hafley, is expected to rely on its offensive strengths despite recent struggles, while New England hopes its tight-end duo of Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon can provide a reliable target for Maye. The game is slated for a 4:25 p.m. kickoff, with forecast temperatures of 80-85 °F, high humidity and a chance of showers or thunderstorms.
"The defense limits the Dolphins’ offense, and Drake Maye will play well. New England wins it," wrote CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco.
"The Patriots need a good, solid win this week and as always, the team will be battling the weather as well as their opponent," noted a Patriots preview column.
Analysts also highlighted New England's recent roster activity, noting that the team has completed four trades this season and is managing a growing injury list, with only five elevation spots remaining after recent returns from injured reserve.
The contest will be streamed on national television, and fans can follow live updates through the SB Nation app.