Who has the edge?

Foolish to pick against Brady, Patriots when they have chance to secure a playoff spot

When the Dolphins pass: Ryan Tannehill has been efficient in his first two games playing with an injured right shoulder, completing 33 of 49 passes (67.3 percent) for 341 yards with five touchdowns and an interception. Tannehill is 3-7 against the Patriots in his career, with all three wins coming at home. Tannehill will need to improve from his Week 4 outing in Miami’s 38-7 loss at New England, when he completed only 11 passes for 100 yards with a 47.9 rating. New England ranks ninth in the NFL allowing, 21.6 points per game.

Patriots.

When the Patriots pass: Tom Brady threw at least three touchdowns in four of his first seven games, but has not done so in his last five games. While Brady has a 7-9 record in Miami, Brady could have a big game against the Dolphins’ struggling defense. Miami is surrendering 399.4 yards per game (29th in NFL), but allows just 25 points per game (20th) thanks to their 25 turnovers forced (3rd). If Miami hopes to beat New England, it will have to force Brady and the Patriots to make mistakes, which hasn’t happened much. New England ranks in the top half of the league with just 14 turnovers. Patriots.

When the Dolphins run: The Dolphins barely rush for more than 100 yards per game with running backs Frank Gore and Kenyan Drake leading the way, and rookie Kalen Ballage contributing with some wildcat carries. Even former Patriots running back Brandon Bolden, primarily a special teams player, got a rare carry (for 10 yards) last week against the Bills. Overall, the offense ranks 29th in the NFL — largely due to the fact Miami is second-to-last in total offensive plays. Drake has scored four rushing touchdowns, and will likely continue playing a major role on offense against the Patriots, who have the 13th-best run defense in the NFL. During their Week 4 matchup, Miami ran for only 56 rushing yards. Patriots.

When the Patriots run: Rookie running back Sony Michel, a former Plantation American Heritage standout, ran for 112 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins in Week 4. James White, a former St. Thomas Aquinas standout, was also effective with a rushing and receiving touchdown in the win. They will be joined by Rex Burkhead, who will play his second game after missing much of the season with a neck injury. The Dolphins defense ranks 30th in the NFL, allowing an average of 144.7 rushing yards per game. Unless the Dolphins defense figures it out, the Patriots could be effective in the run game once again.

Patriots.

Special teams: Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders remains one of the most accurate in the league, converting on 16 of 17 field goals (94.1 percent, which ranks sixth), while Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski is 22 of 26 (84.6), with three of his missed field goals coming on the road. Dolphins punter Matt Haack continues to gain valuable field position for the defense, with 31 punts inside the 20-yard line

(2nd in NFL). Punter Ryan Allen is averaging 45.8 yards per punt (10th in NFL). The edge in the return game, however, flips to New England’s side as Cordarrelle Patterson is second in the NFL with 30.5 yards per kick return. The Dolphins sorely miss returner Jakeem Grant, but have an edge in the kicking game.

Dolphins.

Intangibles: The Dolphins hope to continue their recent success at home against the Patriots, having won four of the last five games at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins also have a 16-5 edge over the Patriots in December/ January home games, including a 6-2 mark since 2000 … Miami’s defense could be in a bind without its best player, cornerback Xavien Howard, who suffered a knee injury last week. Howard leads the NFL with seven interceptions … Dolphins receiver Danny Amendola could return from a right knee injury to face his former team. Amendola leads Miami with 49 catches for 469 yards … Dolphins left tackle Laremy Tunsil has been Miami’s best offensive lineman, having yet to allow a sack this season … The Patriots have a chance to secure a playoff spot and AFC East crown with a victory, which could be a motivating factor.

Patriots.

Prediction: Patriots 28, Dolphins 24

ELISE AMENDOLA/AP While quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots have dominated the AFC East for several years, they’ve lost four of their last five games in Miami.