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The red-hot New England Patriots will look to clinch the AFC East for the ninth time in 10 years when they visit the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The Patriots (8-3) have won five games in a row and sit three games ahead of the Dolphins (5-6) in the division.
New England's offense has been dominant all season, and especially so during the five-game winning streak. The Patriots are averaging 43.8 points over the five games, although six of those touchdowns have come via defense or special teams. For the season, New England's offense is tops in the NFL with averages of 37.0 points and 435.8 yards.
Tom Brady continues to put up staggering numbers at age 35. Brady is completing 65.2 percent of his passes and has thrown 24 touchdowns to just three interceptions. The quarterback completed 18-of-27 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns in New England's 49-19 demolition of the New York Jets on Thanksgiving.
Miami is coming off a thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Seattle Seahawks last weekend. The Dolphins trailed 21-14 midway through the fourth quarter before scoring 10 straight points to secure the victory, including a last second 43-yard field goal by Dan Carpenter.
The Dolphins are currently a game behind Pittsburgh and Cincinnati for the final playoff berth in the AFC.
Game Date/Time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, 1 p.m. ET
Location: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, FL
TV: CBS
Injury Updates: Tight end Rob Gronkowski (forearm/hip), guard Logan Mankins (ankle/calf) and defensive end Chandler Jones (ankle) are all out for the Patriots. Starting offensive linemen Dan Connolly (back) and Sebastian Vollmer (back/knee) are both questionable, as are wide receivers Brandon Lloyd (knee) and Julian Edelman (concussion) among a host of others.
The Dolphins are relatively injury free. Running back Jorvorskie Lane (knee) is questionable, while everybody else with injuries are probable.
For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team blog, Pats Pulpit.