Patriots have ‘a lot to play for’ against Miami

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots are right where they want to be as the NFL playoffs are nearing.

“It’s good to be at this point, everyone has worked really hard," Tom Brady said.

On Sunday, a win against Miami would give the Pats a bye week going into the playoffs. But the Pats said they’re treating today’s game exactly like a playoff game, just like last week’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

New England is going into the game with the No. 1-ranked defense in the league. But the Miami Dolphins are coached by first-year head coach Brian Flores, who was the Pats’ defensive play-caller last year.

Miami has gone 4-4 in their past eight games after starting the season at 0-7.

But Brady said the Pats are ready.

“The point for all of us is to go out there and win and do the best we can possibly do. So I’m excited for this team to take the field on Sunday,” he said.

"We’ve got a lot to play for, it’s a huge game for us. And really to get to 13-3 would be a great accomplishment. It’s very hard to do.”

Not only would a win against the Dolphins secure the Patriots a first-round bye, it would also give Brady his 250th overall NFL win.

Kickoff at Gillette is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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