New England Patriots: Studs and duds vs. Dolphins in Week 17

Stud: James White

James White didn’t necessarily thrive in the running game, which was due to the fact that Sony Michel was able to handle a bulk of those duties on the ground for New England throughout the contest. White finished with just two carries for a total of four net yards in the game, breaking out for a game-long run of seven yards.

But in the passing game, White was able to pick up the slack once again in a passing attack that has struggled somewhat throughout the regular season this year, even finding his way into the endzone in the loss.

White was once again a key piece for Tom Brady and the Patriots on offense, finishing with three catches for 33 yards and one receiving touchdown. He recorded a game-long reception of 13 yards on three overall targets in the contest at home.

Dud: Falling to No. 3 in the AFC

With the loss, New England not only will ride into the postseason on a loss while holding a record of 12-4 overall, but the Patriots also dropped behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the conference standings.

New England will move down to the third overall seed in the AFC playoff picture, which means the Patriots will miss out on getting a bye in the first round of the playoffs and will host a Wild Card squad next weekend in the first round of the postseason.

It’s not very common that we see New England playing in the opening round of the playoffs, but that will change here in 2019.