Here Are The Patriots' Odds To Beat The Dolphins In Week 8

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The Patriots are looking to rebound after a three-game winning streak came to an end against the Chicago Bears in a Thursday night thriller.

The 4-3 Patriots are heading to South Beach to take on the 1-5 Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium this Sunday.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, New England is a 7 -point favorite against Miami. Traditionally, home teams are usually handicapped three points in matchups that are not considered one-sided toward one team. The Pats opened as 8.5 point favorites initially after their defeat last Thursday, however two factors are the largest likely contributors to the change. Last Sunday, the Dolphins earned their first win of the season defeating the New York Jets on the road by a score of 28-25. Prior to that, the Fins had not scored more than 13 points in a game once and never held a lead at any point in time. Quarterback Malik Willis had his best game as a member of Miami with three total touchdowns and no turnovers. Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel has some familiarity with Willis, as the former Liberty University Flame was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans when Vrabel was the coach.

The other factor Vegas oddsmakers may be considering is the ongoing injury issues with some of New England’s key players. Wide receiver A.J. Brown is still recovering from his high-ankle sprain suffered in Week one, however a knee issue the all-pro has reportedly been dealing with for years flared up in practice this week causing him to miss both the Thursday and Friday sessions. However, he has not been ruled out for Sunday’s contest and is officially ruled as questionable.

On the positive side of news, starting cornerback Carlton Davis III is slated to make his return after missing the last three games with a neck injury.

“I'm happy to be back out here and be a full go,” Davis said in a press conference this week. “Last year, I played in every game. This year I was looking to do the same, and it's a bit disappointing to not be able to do that. But I'm back here and ready to go.”

With the NFL trade deadline looming in less than two weeks, some fans are asking Vrabel and the front office to try and fill some holes in the roster left by injuries. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer suggested Friday that veteran defensive tackle Christian Barmore is being shopped by the team. The sixth-year player has seen a reduced role so far in 2026, playing only 41.9 percent of snaps. However, Barmore has been one of New England’s better defensive players since he was drafted by the organization and formed a great interior tandem with Milton Williams in 2025 and at times so far this year.

The Patriots have historically struggled in the Miami heat, however quarterback Drake Maye is looking to combat that with a heater of his own. After struggling in September, Maye’s October saw him score 14 total touchdowns. Last year’s MVP runner-up has regained his all-pro form and is hoping to maintain that performance in Week eight.

“I grew up in the south so I’m a little more used to it,” Maye said about the Florida weather. “But I’m a New England guy now.”

How To Watch The Game

Kickoff: 4:25 p.m.

Network: CBS

Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub