2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 18

New England Patriots (10-6) at Miami Dolphins (8-8)

Sunday, January 9, 4:25PM ET

A week or so ago, I would have told you the Miami Dolphins were destined for the postseason. They were riding a seven-game winning streak and looked ready to topple the Tennessee Titans in Week 17. And then they got trampled. And now they’re officially out of playoff contention.

So ultimately, this one only matters in terms of determining which seed the New England Patriots will own. The Patriots have already clinched a playoff spot, but are currently sitting at No. 5. However, depending on how things play out in Week 18, they could technically jump all the way up to the top seed in the AFC.

While the odds of that happening are long, I’m sure the Patriots would mind doing everything they can to move up the standings. If that means handing the Dolphins their second straight loss, then so be it. They’ve got the advantage on defense, especially if Tua Tagovailoa plays the way he did against Tennessee.

Mac Jones has a solid game, but the Patriots opt to ride the run game and control the clock. It’s a low-scoring affair, but New England comes away with the win and do their part to put themselves in the best position possible heading into the playoffs.

Prediction: Patriots win 20-12 | Spread: Patriots (-6.5)