NFL picks, predictions Week 5: New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins

Mike Masala

NFL picks, predictions Week 5: New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins image

Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots haven't looked their best through the first four weeks of the 2024 season, starting with a 1-3 record and losing their last three games.

Now, they'll have a chance to take down the Miami Dolphins to get just their second win of the year and second under Jerod Mayo.

New England has struggled on both sides of the ball with poor performances and injuries stacking up each week. 

The Dolphins haven't been much better, as they're tied with the Patriots at the bottom of the AFC East, and they're missing quarterback Tua Tagaovailoa, who's obviously a big piece of what they do offensively.

Before we get to game day, let's take a look at who some experts predict will win this division battle.

NFL picks, predictions Week 5: Patriots vs. Dolphins

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Patriots 13, Dolphins 24

Iyer: "The Dolphins should be using Tyler Huntley again to lead a run-heavy attack from quarterback. He can also revive the success of throwing downfield to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle against a Patriots' defense that can give up plenty of big pass plays. De'Von Achane also gets into the fun with a few long runs."

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Patriots 15, Dolphins 20

Bender: "The Patriots are sticking with Jacoby Brissett, who hasn't been able to generate much offense for a team that averages a league-low 13 points per game. Miami turned to Tyler Huntley to kick-start an offense that has struggled without Tua Tagovailoa (head). This will be a defensive struggle, and we will take the team with a little more offensive firepower, even coming off a short week. The Dolphins have won two of the past three meetings at New England."

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Patriots 13, Dolphins 20

Cluff: "Both teams have been struggling and we really have no idea what to expect besides the fact that this will be an ugly game."

Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: Patriots 13, Dolphins 10

Johnson: "If there is one game to skip in NFL Week 5, it’s this one. The New England Patriots are last in the NFL in total yardage per game (238.8) with the second-worst scoring offense (13 PPG). The Miami Dolphins offense without Tua Tagovailoa is just as bad. Explosive plays, let alone points, will be hard to come by. Ultimately, we give the slight edge to a better defense and a more experienced quarterback but this matchup feels like a coin flip where the outcome doesn’t matter."

MORE PATRIOTS NEWS

Patriots defenders call teammates “selfish”

Bill Belichick comes to Tom Brady’s defense vs. Buccaneers

Winners, losers from New England’s Week 4 performance

Takeaways from Patriots loss vs. 49ers

Mike Masala

Mike Masala Photo

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY's Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. A lifelong New England resident, he is the self-proclaimed captain and lone member of the Laurence Maroney Fan Club. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala