By Brian Hradsky
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 — 4:25 p.m. EST — CBS
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
The New England Patriots visit Miami on Sunday trying to improve to 3-0 against AFC East opponents this season. New England enters at 4-3, while the Dolphins stand 1-5 after a 28-25 win over the New York Jets. The matchup begins at 4:25 p.m. EST at Hard Rock Stadium on CBS. 12
This is the first of the teams' two meetings this season, so the opportunity is a third division victory rather than a season-series sweep. Miami has a chance to build on its first win and make the division race more difficult for a visiting rival. New England needs to show that its broader statistical advantages translate into a disciplined road performance. 1
Maye's movement requires a complete plan
Drake Maye gives New England a passing threat that can remain dangerous after the first coverage read disappears. Miami's official preparation coverage highlighted the need to contain him and prevent a broken pocket from becoming a productive scramble. That creates a coordinated assignment for the pass rush and secondary rather than a job for one defender. 2
The Dolphins should pursue with enough control to keep Maye from escaping into a vacant lane. Coverage defenders also need to recognize when they can close toward the quarterback without abandoning a receiver behind them. New England can test those decisions by changing formations and making Miami handle both the planned play and a possible extension.
The Patriots should still seek efficient answers before a play becomes improvised. Clean protection, useful early-down gains and a reliable outlet would reduce the need for Maye to create something after the original call breaks down. His movement is more valuable as an additional option than as the offense's only response to repeated pressure.
Miami wants its ground game involved
The Dolphins' official coverage described a physical rushing identity and highlighted running back Ollie Gordon II. Quarterback Malik Willis emphasized continued improvement after Miami's first victory. Those themes give the offense a practical approach: establish workable downs and avoid asking the passing game to erase a difficult situation on every possession. 2
New England's official preview listed its defense allowing 95.3 rushing yards per game, while Miami's passing offense averaged 162 yards. That makes the battle to create efficient early rushing gains especially relevant. If the Patriots can make Miami pass from unfavorable distances, the Dolphins will have a more demanding path to sustained drives. 1
For Miami, a successful run does not have to produce a long gain to help the next call. Keeping the full playbook available can make protection easier and give Willis a clearer picture of the defense. The Dolphins also need to capitalize on scoring opportunities because a physical approach loses value if its best possessions repeatedly end without points.
Participation updates need the proper context
Thursday's Patriots report listed A.J. Brown as a nonparticipant with ankle and knee issues, and TreVeyon Henderson did not practice because of illness. Maye practiced fully despite a right-shoulder listing, while Willis was a full participant on Miami's report with a groin issue. Those are dated participation details rather than final declarations of who will play. 3
The Patriots also entered with a minus-seven turnover differential despite their winning record. That supplies a clear area for improvement and a possible route for Miami to make the matchup uncomfortable. New England should not assume that moving the ball effectively will compensate for repeatedly surrendering possession. 1
FSB Take
New England has the stronger overall position, but Miami now has a recent example of how its preferred approach can produce a division win. The Patriots need to protect possessions and keep their offense functioning even if the available receiving options change. I will watch whether Miami creates useful rushing gains and whether its pass rush can contain Maye without losing coverage discipline. A third division victory would be meaningful for New England, while a second consecutive win would give the Dolphins more evidence that their progress can last.
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