STAFF PREDICTIONS

Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist: Dolphins 24, Patriots 22

This is a coin flip with all the individual progression the Dolphins expected to make this offseason and all the changes the Patriots had. But the coin landed heads. The revamped Dolphins go into Gillette Stadium and have just enough to come out with the win, although it is certain to be a struggle.

Omar Kelly, Dolphins Columnist: Patriots, 24, Dolphins 21

Even though New England’s putting a rookie starter, Mac Jones, in at quarterback, the teacher (Bill Belichick) still has a few tricks he kept out of the lesson plans for the student (Brian Flores). If this game was played in South Florida, I’d give the Dolphins the edge — but I’ve seen too many Dolphins losses in Foxborough to dismiss how difficult it is to beat the Patriots on the road.

David Furones, Dolphins Writer: Dolphins 17, Patriots 13

Obviously, Patriots coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will put rookie QB Mac Jones in position to succeed, and New England did add tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry and wide receiver Nelson Agholor in the offseason. I trust Dolphins coach Brian Flores and defensive coordinator Josh Boyer, though, to confuse the first-time NFL starter, dialing up exotic blitzes and disguising coverages.

Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor: Dolphins 20, Patriots 16

Of course, this game hinges on so much more than New England rookie quarterback Mac Jones making his NFL debut and Miami’s second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looking to prove something after an encouraging offseason. Evil genius Bill Belichick will make sure the Pats’ game plan minimizes the pressure on Jones. Still, it’s a rookie quarterback in his first NFL game.

Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Patriots 24, Dolphins 17

Patriots rookie Mac Jones wasthelastofthefirstround quarterbacks taken in 2021 at No. 15, but he might be the most polished. Jones has shown steady improvement throughout the preseason and has earned the respect of the veterans on the team. But New England’s revamped defense, which added former Dolphins Davon Godchaux and Kyle Van Noy, will be the difference. The Patriots also return standout linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who is back after opting out in 2020 because of COVID-19 concerns.

Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor: Patriots 20, Dolphins 13

The Patriots quarterback is making his NFL debut, but Mac Jones will have plenty of help up in Foxborough following an offseason in which Bill Belichick got aggressive in free agency (bringing in LB Matt Judon, TE Hunter Henry, WR Nelson Agholor and DE Henry Anderson, among many others). The Dolphins have seen issues pop up with their offensive line throughout the preseason; now the availability of starting left tackle Austin Jackson is in question after going onto the COVID list. Tua Tagovailoa will be further challenged by free-agent import Will Fuller V, a speedy wide receiver, sitting out the game to complete an NFL suspension that was imposed at the end of last year.