The Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots will face off in the first Sunday of NFL action. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Dolphins-Patriots prediction and pick based on Dolphins Patriots odds.

This game may seem like a typical week one matchup, but it's actually one of the most important games of the week for the AFC East. The division figures to be a three-team race, and this game could have tiebreaker implications at the end of the season. It's also the first opportunity for the Patriots to show off their new franchise quarterback. Mac Jones will make his first career start in this contest, marking the first time a rookie signal-caller has started a season opener for New England since 1993. The Dolphins also have quarterback questions that they'll look to answer in the form of a strong performance from Tua Tagovailoa. There's plenty of storylines to follow in what should be an exciting game.

Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for Sunday's matchup.

NFL Odds: Dolphins-Patriots Odds

Miami Dolphins +3 (+100)

New England Patriots -3 (-120)

Over 43 1/2 points (-105)

Under 43 1/2 points (-115)

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Why The Dolphins Could Cover The Spread

Miami's best chance at covering this game comes in the form of their defense. This was a hugely underrated defensive unit last season, and they've only gotten better. Rookie additions Jaelan Phillips and Jevon Holland should make this unit even better right off the bat. Cornerbacks Byron Jones and Xavien Howard form one of the best man-coverage duos in the NFL, and the consistent rotation of pass-rushers allows the Dolphins to be a decent team at pressuring opposing passers. They're also lucky enough to be facing a rookie quarterback in the aforementioned Mac Jones. Miami's defense led the league in takeaways last season, and they should get off to a hot start against a rookie quarterback.

To make matters even better for Miami's defense, the Patriots should be fairly one-dimensional in this game. New England is currently set to start the trio of Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, and Jakobi Meyers at wide receiver. That's one of the worst pass-catching groups in the NFL, even with tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry factored in. The Patriots will run the ball at an extremely high rate in this one, and Miami will be ready to counter them with extra defenders near the line of scrimmage and a variety of run blitzes.

Why The Patriots Could Cover The Spread

These division rivals have pretty similar squads, with the main difference coming the form of offenses. The Dolphins are a complete wild card on the offensive side, while New England is a far more consistent and predictable (in terms of production) unit. New England's offensive line should be a dominant force in this matchup in both the run and pass games while the coaching staff helps keep Mac Jones away from game-killing mistakes. The Patriots should be decent on offense at the very least, while the same can't be said for the Dolphins.

Miami head coach Brian Flores is all-in on Tagovailoa as his starter this year, for better or for worse. That decision is probably going to look questionable in this game against an underrated New England defense. The Patriots have amassed a number of pass-rushers that could cause trouble for the Dolphins' below-average offensive line, especially when Tagovailoa is forced to hold the ball longer than usual because of how good the coverage is downfield. Even without Stephon Gilmore, the Patriots boast a fantastic secondary. There will be more than a few turnovers in this game, so expect plenty from Miami's side.

Final Dolphins-Patriots Prediction & Pick

This is a tough pick, but New England should pull out a cover. Gillette Stadium will be a nightmare to play in for the Dolphins, and Miami has too many unresolved problems on the offensive side. Mac Jones won't but on a show, but New England will win by a touchdown or more.

FINAL PICK: New England Patriots -3 (-120)