5 Bold Predictions For Patriots vs. Dolphins In NFL Week 8
![Dan Campbell Miami Dolphins Head Coach](/nfl/files/2015/10/Dan-Campbell-Miami-Dolphins-Head-Coach.jpg)
The Miami Dolphins are going to be squaring off against the New England Patriots in this week’s Thursday night game. The game is important for the resurgent Dolphins to see if their new-look team will be able to handle better competition. For the Patriots, they’re looking to move to 7-0 on the year. With that in mind, here’s a look at some bold predictions for the game.
5. Rishard Matthews Will Have 100+ Yards, TD
![Rishard Matthews Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver](/nfl/files/2015/10/Rishard-Matthews-Miami-Dolphins-Wide-Receiver1.jpg)
5. Rishard Matthews Will Have 100+ Yards, TD
![Rishard Matthews Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver](/nfl/files/2015/10/Rishard-Matthews-Miami-Dolphins-Wide-Receiver.jpg)
The Dolphins’ offense is starting to improve under the direction of new head coach Dan Campbell, and Ryan Tannehill has been particularly good over the last two games. He should continue to play well, and the main beneficiary against the Patriots could be Rishard Matthews. Matthews has an easier matchup than Jarvis Landry this week, and Tannehill could target him a lot. Expect Matthews to have a big day with a score.
4. Rob Gronkowski Will Have 10 Receptions
![Rob Gronkowski New England Patriots Tight End](/nfl/files/2015/10/Rob-Gronkowski-New-England-Patriots-Tight-End1.jpg)
4. Rob Gronkowski Will Have 10 Receptions
![Rob Gronkowski New England Patriots Tight End](/nfl/files/2015/10/Rob-Gronkowski-New-England-Patriots-Tight-End.jpg)
Julian Edelman has an injured finger and Brandon LaFell dropped six passes in his return from injury. Because of that, Tom Brady is going to look Rob Gronkowski’s way a little extra this game. The Dolphins aren’t great against tight ends, so Gronk will be heavily targeted. Overall, I expect him to catch 10 or more passes on the day and lead the team in receiving.
3. Ndamukong Suh Will Record 2 Sacks
![Ndamukong Suh Miami Dolphins Defensive Tackle](/nfl/files/2015/10/Ndamukong-Suh-Miami-Dolphins-Defensive-Tackle1.jpg)
3. Ndamukong Suh Will Record 2 Sacks
![Ndamukong Suh Miami Dolphins Defensive Tackle](/nfl/files/2015/10/Ndamukong-Suh-Miami-Dolphins-Defensive-Tackle.jpg)
The Patriots’ offensive line is pretty banged up right now, and the unit could struggle if Marcus Cannon misses another game. The Dolphins will get a good deal of pressure on Brady as a result of this, and Ndamukong Suh could have a big game. If Suh comes to play, then the stellar tackle should be able to manhandle the team’s young offensive line. Suh could have a two sack day, which is huge for an interior rusher.
2. Lamar Miller Will Run For 100+ Yards Again
![Lamar Miller Miami Dolphins Running Back](/nfl/files/2015/10/Lamar-Miller-Miami-Dolphins-Running-Back1.jpg)
2. Lamar Miller Will Run For 100+ Yards Again
![Lamar Miller Miami Dolphins Running Back](/nfl/files/2015/10/Lamar-Miller-Miami-Dolphins-Running-Back.jpg)
Lamar Miller’s role in the Dolphins’ offense has drastically changed for the better since Joe Philbin was fired. Miller has gone for well over 100 yards in back-to-back games, and I wouldn’t expect any less against the Patriots. The team isn’t that great against the run, and Miller should be able to rip off a couple of big gains on the day. He’ll ultimately be the force that keeps the Dolphins in the game.
1. LeGarrette Blount Will Rush For 3 TDs
![LeGarrette Blount New England Patriots Running Back](/nfl/files/2015/10/LeGarrette-Blount-New-England-Patriots-Running-Back2.jpg)
1. LeGarrette Blount Will Rush For 3 TDs
![LeGarrette Blount New England Patriots Running Back](/nfl/files/2015/10/LeGarrette-Blount-New-England-Patriots-Running-Back1.jpg)
The Patriots are going to need to run the ball in this game. It’s absolutely crucial for them to utilize LeGarrette Blount to take on the Dolphins’ weak run defense. That said, I think Blount is going to have a huge game. He should be able to tear through the team’s defense on a couple of occasions, and I expect the Patriots to run the ball more in the red zone. Blount could end up with three TDs when it’s all said and done.
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