{"id":649339,"date":"2026-01-03T00:08:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T00:08:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/649339\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T00:08:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T00:08:12","slug":"patriots-vs-dolphins-players-to-watch-stats-injuries-for-nfl-week-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/649339\/","title":{"rendered":"Patriots vs. Dolphins: Players to watch, stats, injuries for NFL Week 18"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">In each of the last two seasons, the New England Patriots entered their regular season finale already long eliminated from playoff contention. This year is different: at 13-3, the team of head coach Mike Vrabel has not just punched its postseason ticket but also is in contention for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">In order to keep its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.patspulpit.com\/new-england-patriots-nfl-playoffs\/117720\/playoff-picture-week-18-justin-herbert-chargers-broncos\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">slim chance<\/a> of earning home-field advantage through the playoffs alive, New England will first need to take care of business against the Miami Dolphins \u2014 something Mike Vrabel\u2019s team already did earlier in the year, celebrating a 33-27 win in Week 2. Sunday\u2019s rematch in Foxborough, however, will feature a Dolphins team that will look significantly different to the one that suffered a home loss to the Patriots in September.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Owners of a 7-9 record, the Dolphins are already eliminated from playoff contention. Considering that they are a statistically mediocre team across the board, that is no surprise.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Record: 7-9 (3rd AFC East\/10th AFC)<br \/>Scoring differential: -49 (21st)<br \/>Turnover differential: -2 (t-18th)<br \/>Offense: 21.1 points\/game (22nd), 308.3 yards\/game (25th), 22 giveaways (t-25th), -0.003 EPA\/play (23rd), -0.003 EPA\/dropback (26th), -0.003 EPA\/run (8th)<br \/>Defense: 24.1 points\/game (21st), 342.0 yards\/game (21st), 20 takeaways (t-11th), 0.073 EPA\/play (25th), 0.165 EPA\/dropback (26th), -0.062 EPA\/run (18th)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Most of the stats outlined above show a team that is at best middle of the pack. There are some exceptions, though, including Miami\u2019s ability to run the ball: the Dolphins are not just ranked eighth in expected points added per run, but also fourth in yards per carry (4.9).<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Meanwhile, their defense has been quite solid generating turnovers. The Dolphins are especially productive recovering fumbles, ranking third in the NFL (11).<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">If the Dolphins\u2019 2025 can be summed up in one word, it\u2019s probably \u201cstreaky.\u201d Miami struggled early in the season, starting 2-7 and looking destined for a top-5 selection in the draft. However, the team started rebounding halfway through the season to improve to come within one win of a .500 record.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Ultimately, though, that rebound came to late and removed all room for error. In Week 15, Miami was officially eliminated from the playoffs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Week 1: 33-8 loss at Indianapolis Colts (0-1)<br \/>Week 2: 33-27 loss vs. New England Patriots (0-2)<br \/>Week 3: 31-21 loss at Buffalo Bills (0-3)<br \/>Week 4: 27-21 win vs. New York Jets (1-3)<br \/>Week 5: 27-24 loss at Carolina Panthers (1-4)<br \/>Week 6: 29-27 loss vs. Los Angeles Chargers (1-5)<br \/>Week 7: 31-6 loss at Cleveland Browns (1-6)<br \/>Week 8: 34-10 win at Atlanta Falcons (2-6)<br \/>Week 9: 28-6 loss vs. Baltimore Ravens (2-7)<br \/>Week 10: 30-13 win vs. Buffalo Bills (3-7)<br \/>Week 11: 16-13 (OT) win vs. Washington Commanders (4-7)<br \/>Week 12: Bye<br \/>Week 13: 21-17 win vs. New Orleans Saints (5-7)<br \/>Week 14: 34-10 win at New York Jets (6-7)<br \/>Week 15: 28-15 loss at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-8)<br \/>Week 16: 45-21 loss vs. Cincinnati Bengals (6-9)<br \/>Week 17: 20-17 win vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">After losing to the Steelers, Miami was officially out of the playoff picture. Two days later, the team announced benching its starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Roster up-to-date as of Jan. 2, 6 p.m. ET | *denotes nominal starter<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Quarterback (4): Quinn Ewers* (14), Zach Wilson (0), Tua Tagovailoa* (1), Cam Miller (\u2014)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Running back (5): De\u2019Von Achane* (28), Jaylen Wright (5), Alec Ingold (30 | FB), Ollie Gordon II (31), Donovan Edwards (48)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Wide receiver (6): Jaylen Waddle* (17), Malik Washington* (6 | KR\/PR), Cedrick Wilson Jr.* (19), Theo Wease Jr. (81), Tahj Washington (84), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (18)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Tight end (2): Greg Dulcich* (85), Julian Hill (89)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Offensive tackle (4): Patrick Paul* (52 | LT), Austin Jackson* (73 | RT), Kendall Lamm (70), Larry Borom (79)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Interior offensive line (5): Jonah Savaiineaea* (72 | LG), Aaron Brewer* (55 | C), Cole Strange* (69 | RG), Daniel Brunskill (64), Andrew Meyer (60)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Interior defensive line (5): Zach Sieler* (92), Kenneth Grant* (90), Jordan Phillips (94), Zeek Biggers (93), Matthew Butler (91)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Defensive edge (5): Bradley Chubb* (2), Chop Robinson* (44), Quinton Bell (56), Cameron Goode (53)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Linebacker (5): Tyrel Dodson* (25), Jordyn Brooks* (20), Willie Gay Jr. (40), K.J. Britt (3), Jackson Woodard (42)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Cornerback (6): Jack Jones* (23), Rasul Douglas* (26), Jason Marshall Jr.* (33), Ethan Bonner (27), Ethan Robinson (38), A.J. Green III (24)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Safety (4): Minkah Fitzpatrick (29), Ashtyn Davis* (21), Ifeatu Melifonwu* (9), Dante Trader Jr. (11)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Specialists (3): Riley Patterson (47 | K), (Jake Bailey (16 | P\/H), Joe Cardona (49 | LS)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">As noted above, the Dolphins have undergone some dramatic changes since their last game against the Patriots in Week 2. The most notable among them is benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after playoff elimination.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">In Tagovailoa\u2019s place, the Dolphins have turned to rookie Quinn Ewers. In his two starts so far, the seventh-round draft pick went a combined 34-of-52 for 432 yards with a pair of touchdowns as well as two interceptions, leading his team to a 1-1 record.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">On paper, Ewers\u2019 top two weapons will be running back De\u2019Von Achane and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who are ranked first and second on the team with a respective 67 and 64 receptions. However, Achane is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.patspulpit.com\/new-england-patriots-news\/118005\/patriots-vs-dolphins-friday-injury-report-jared-wilson-khyiris-tonga-harold-landry-robert-spillane-out\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">doubtful for Sunday<\/a> because of a foot injury, while Waddle is questionable with a rib issue.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">If the two are unable to go, New England\u2019s job will be an easier one. The projected replacements atop the running back and wide receiver depth charts \u2014 Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon as well as Malik Washington \u2014 are capable players but lack the same home run ability.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">On defense, the Dolphins decided to move on from starting edge Jaelan Phillips at the trade deadline and also parted ways with ex-Patriot Matthew Judon in mid-December. They still have some disruptive potential across their front seven, though, with outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (8.5 sacks), interior lineman Zach Sieler (5.5) and linebacker Tyrel Dodson (5.0) all capable of making life hard on opposing quarterbacks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">While Miami\u2019s front has some solid individual pieces, the backend continues to be an issue. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will not play on Sunday due to a calf injury, while the cornerback group has been hit hard by injury.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Practice squad (15): RB JaMycal Hasty (37), RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (34), WR A.J. Henning (88), TE Chris Myarick (86), TE Hayden Rucci (87), OT Kadeem Telfort (75), OL Josh Priebe (68), OL Kion Smith (71), DT Alex Huntley (96), DT Simeon Barrow Jr. (89), ED Andre Carter II (50), ED Derrick McLendon (59), LB Jimmy Ciarlo (45), LB K.C. Ossai (57), S Jack Henderson (41)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Practice squad international (1): OT Roy Mbaetaka<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Practice squad\/reserve (1): CB Kendall Sheffield<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Injured reserve (20): RB Alexander Mattison, WR D\u2019Wayne Eskridge, WR Tyreek Hill, TE Jalin Conyers, TE Darren Waller, OT Yodny Cajuste, OT Obinna Eze, OT Germain Ifedi, OL James Daniels, DT Benito Jones, LB Jordan Colbert, LB Caleb Johnson, CB JuJu Brents, CB Artie Burns, CB Storm Duck, CB Isaiah Johnson, CB Kader Kohou, CB Jason Maitre, S Elijah Campbell, K Jason Sanders (IR-R)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Physically unable to perform (1): OL Liam Eichenberg<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Numbers-wise, few teams in the NFL have been hit quite as hard by injury as the Dolphins: between IR and PUP, the Dolphins are down 22 players. Among them are the aforementioned Tyreek Hill as well as an entire depth chart full of cornerbacks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Head coach: Mike McDaniel<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Coordinators: Frank Smith (OC), Anthony Weaver (DC), Craig Aukerman (ST)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Halfway through the 2025 season, Mike McDaniel\u2019s future as Dolphins head coach appeared to be in serious doubt. Now, with one game to go, it looks like he might be coming back for 2026. Whether the same will be true for his assistants remains to be seen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In each of the last two seasons, the New England Patriots entered their regular season finale already long&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":649340,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2050],"tags":[7,1167,249,52640,57371,2326,2094,6,208],"class_list":{"0":"post-649339","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-new-england-patriots","8":"tag-football","9":"tag-new-england","10":"tag-new-england-patriots","11":"tag-new-england-patriots-analysis","12":"tag-new-england-patriots-game-previews","13":"tag-newengland","14":"tag-newenglandpatriots","15":"tag-nfl","16":"tag-patriots"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/115828261088601322","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/649339","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=649339"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/649339\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/649340"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=649339"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=649339"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=649339"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}