3 Biggest X-Factors for Patriots to Defeat Dolphins This Week

The New England Patriots will be coming into this Week 8 matchup against the Miami Dolphins well-rested following a loss on Thursday Night Football last week.

New England fell to the Chicago Bears, dropping the team's record to 4-3 on the season coming into the game with Miami. But this Patriots team has started to play much better, looking like the team that went to the Super Bowl a year ago.

Miami will be coming into this matchup with a record of 1-5 on the season, with the team grabbing its first win last week. The Dolphins have struggled offensively for most of the season, but last week against the New York Jets, the team did score 38.

Kickoff for this game between the Patriots and Dolphins is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. PT/1:00 p.m. ET. Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Patriots to get back on track this week against the Dolphins. 

1. Force Miami to Throw the Ball

The Dolphins have been a good running team this season, giving the offense some life. Miami running back Ollie Gordon II has played well for the team, rushing for 339 yards and four touchdowns this year.

But the passing attack has been a major work in progress, ranking 31st in passing success rate, coming in at 34.1 percent. So, if the Patriots can limit the run, forcing quarterback Malik Willis to throw the ball, it would likely help the team get the win this week.

2. Drake Maye Avoids the Turnovers

Part of what has helped the Patriots get back on track this season has been the turnaround from starting quarterback Drake Maye. But Maye has still been very turnover-prone this year, even in games where he's played stronger.

Against the Bears, Maye did throw for 321 yards with two touchdowns, but he threw another interception, giving him eight for the year so far. If Maye can take care of the ball against the Dolphins, the Patriots will have a much better chance to bounce back this week with a big AFC East win.

3. Get Hunter Henry Going

With multiple players out due to injury, including star wide receiver A.J. Brown, tight end Hunter Henry could get more targets. Henry will be a favorite of Maye in the game, and the team will need him to step up his game.

Against the Dolphins, Henry has a chance to go against a shaky defense, giving him the opportunity to break out for this team. The Patriots should look to get the veteran tight end involved early and often against Miami, hoping for him to make an impact on the team this season.