STAFF PREDICTIONS

Dave Hyde, Sports columnist (Season record: 1-0, against

the spread 1-0): For all the talk of the Patriots’ high-powered offense, their defense looked like a beast in the opening win against Pittsburgh. I feel generous giving the Dolphins 13 points, but New England has struggled in the South Florida heat. Patriots 33, Dolphins 13

Omar Kelly, Dolphins columnist (1-0, 1-0):

The Dolphins continue their journey of learning a new offense and executing a new defense, and despite being at home — where Miami’s had plenty of success against New England — this won’t be a competitive game. Patriots 32, Dolphins 10

Safid Deen, Dolphins writer (1-0,

1-0): Maybe Bill Belichick and Tom Brady take it easy on their old friend Brian Flores, especially after how Week 1 unfolded for the Dolphins. Flores can only hope. If Lamar Jackson looked surgical, Brady is going to shred the

Dolphins defense.

Patriots 48, Dolphins 13 Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (1-0, 1-0): Week 2 doesn’t get easier for the rebuilding Dolphins after their opening embarrassment. Their best hope is that the mess surrounding Antonio Brown takes a toll on the Patriots. And record-high temperatures at Hard Rock Stadium would help.

Patriots 41, Dolphins 12

Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (1-0, against the spread

1-0): While the Patriots have lost five of their last six games at Miami, they should have no problem covering the 19-point spread against the overmatched Dolphins — who look like they’re headed for a winless season. Patriots 43, Dolphins 13

Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor

(1-0, 0-1): For the second straight week, the Dolphins will see an opposing team that has valued South Florida-bred players more than they have. And, like with the Ravens with Lamar Jackson and Marquise Brown, the Patriots, with Aquinas grads James White and Phillip Dorsett and Heritage alum Sony Michel, will use those locals to light up the scoreboard again.

Patriots 31, Dolphins 20