NFL Week 12: Patriots Eye Upset Against Dolphins’ Dominance

The 2024 NFL season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling in history, with a record number of close games. Week 12 appears to be no exception as CBS Sports Research notes the league has seen 95 games decided by eight or fewer points through Week 11, second only to 2016’s record of 96. Among the highly anticipated matchups is the New England Patriots‘ clash with the Miami Dolphins, as the Patriots aim to disrupt Miami’s winning streak against them.

The New England Patriots are hopeful that their rookie quarterback, Drake Maye, will register his first victory against a Dolphins team led by Pro Bowl quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. To date, Tagovailoa has maintained an unbeaten record across six starts against the Patriots. CBS Sports Research highlights that this ties him with other quarterbacks holding 6-0 records against specific teams. Despite Tagovailoa’s prowess, Maye brings renewed energy to the Patriots after being a third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Maye has demonstrated promise with 10 total touchdowns this season, a feat paralleled only by a select few rookies in recent NFL history. His agility could be a crucial asset against the Dolphins’ defense, which struggles to complete pass rushes effectively, ranking 17th in quarterback pressure but only converting them into 17 sacks, placing them among the lowest in the league. This vulnerability suggests that Maye might be able to capitalize on the gaps and lead New England to a potential upset.

Elsewhere, the Kansas City Chiefs’ outstanding defensive record will be put to the test against Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard. The Chiefs have held opposing running backs to under 60 rushing yards per game, an impressive feat given their position as the top scoring and total defense team. However, Hubbard, who has shown strong performance metrics this season, could challenge this trend.

Meanwhile, Green Bay Packers‘ quarterback Jordan Love aims to overcome a tough season plagued by injuries and interceptions. Love’s challenges are noteworthy as his interception streak spans eight consecutive games, though his potential recovery was evident in a Week 11 performance that highlighted his mobility and improved play.

On the other side of the ball in Houston, C.J. Stroud, despite being under constant pressure with 35 sacks this season, is expected to face a lessened threat from a weakened Tennessee Titans defense in Week 12. The absence of top Titans cornerback has resulted in significant defensive lapses, potentially providing Stroud with a much-needed reprieve.

Adding to the tension, Baltimore Ravens‘ quarterback Lamar Jackson will face the Los Angeles Chargers on a Monday night. Jackson has an exemplary record on Mondays with 20 touchdowns and no interceptions, yet the Chargers’ formidable defense might pose a challenge, potentially ending Jackson’s interception-free streak.