2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 14

New England Patriots (9-3) at Miami Dolphins (6-6)

Sunday, December 9, 1PM ET

I’ll admit I was eager to write the Patriots off as a slumping club after two less-than-impressive performances. However, after they clobbered the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, I’ve let go of those preconceptions and am doing my best to see the Patriots for what they are: contenders.

As much as many people hate to admit it, the Patriots are still for real. Tom Brady continues to do his thing, serving as arguably the greatest NFL quarterback of all-time. Bill Belichick is also doing his usual thing, putting the Patriots in the best position possible to win on a weekly basis. Others deserve credit as well, but this isn’t an awards show.

What about the Miami Dolphins? They’re coming off a win, leaving them with ever-fading hopes of making the playoffs. Ryan Tannehill’s return has helped, but I still have questions about this club’s ability to beat playoff-caliber opponents. We’ll find out in Week 14 that they’re not as good as their record would indicate.

The Patriots have won four of their last five matchups with the Dolphins. On Sunday, they’ll make it five out of the last six with a resounding win against an overrated Miami squad that needs to stop pretending it belongs in the playoffs.

Prediction: Patriots win 35-16