Miami Dolphins: 3 Bold predictions vs. Patriots in Week 12

1. Matt Moore leads the team to victory

As of right now, Jay Cutler is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol after taking a hit early in the second half of last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That means Matt Moore will once again get the starting nod.

When Moore has come on in relief of Cutler, it’s proven to be the shot in the arm the Dolphins offense needed. Moore led the charge that resulted in a Week 7 comeback win against the Jets. Moore came on in relief of Cutler again last week, and nearly led another comeback victory. In both games, the offense looked like a completely different unit with Moore at the helm. The passing game was firing, and there was a renewed sense of life with the new signal caller.

On the other hand, in Moore’s only start of the season, the Dolphins suffered their second shutout of the season. The offense looked no better with Moore at the helm than it had all year with Cutler. Arguably worse. Moore’s performance on the big stage likely had a lot to do with Gase’s decision to return to Cutler. For better or worse.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: All-Defense edition

With all that said, the overall influence of Moore on this team’s offense has been a net positive. It was clear in Week 7, and it was clear again last week. If Moore sees the field Sunday, and I believe he will, he’ll have a good chance to have success. The Patriots defense has been shredded repeatedly this season. Though they’ve under-performed on the season, the Dolphins boast one of the more talented wide receiver groups in the NFL. That’s a recipe for some big numbers, if the Dolphins can put it all together. They’ve struggled with that all season. What better time to get it figured out than against the New England Patriots?