The Patriots have won 21 regular season games in a row which is an NFL record, while the Dolphins have lost 17 of their last 18 games.  The Dolphins would love to run the football in this game and control the clock.  But, Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown have only combined for 100 yards rushing this season on 38 carries (2.6 ypc).  If the Dolphins can get the running game going somehow against the Patriots then Chad Pennington can work his play action passing game.  Still, with Chad Pennington’s lack of arm strength the Patriots will likely sneak the defense up towards the line of scrimmage and dare the Fins to throw the football.

The Dolphins have a stingy run defense allowing only 96.5 yards rushing per game and 3.1 yards per carry.  That, coupled with injuries to Laurence Maroney and LaMont Jordan could lead the Fins to finally unleash Matt Cassel in this game.  After all, opposing QBs have a Rating of 147.0 against the Dolphins this season and they are averaging 285.0 yards thru the air per contest.  This could be the game that Randy Moss has his first breakout game of the 2008 season.  Also look for Wes Welker to want to stick it to his old team.

PREDICTION:  NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 24, MIAMI DOLPHINS 13