In a decisive Week 18 matchup, the New England Patriots topped the Miami Dolphins 23-3, solidifying their position as a formidable contender heading into the postseason. With playoff implications hanging in the balance, the Patriots delivered a dominant performance, showcasing their strength on both sides of the ball. Drake Maye led the charge for New England, throwing for 171 yards and a touchdown while also keeping the Dolphins' defense on their heels. Hollywood Smothers proved to be a key asset in the ground game, rushing for 88 yards, while Levi Goldman was the primary target in the air, racking up 79 receiving yards. Together, they orchestrated a balanced offensive attack that kept Miami's defense guessing throughout the game. Defensively, the Patriots made their presence felt with strong contributions from Christian Barmore, who recorded 1.5 sacks, disrupting Miami's offense at critical moments. While Jordyn Brooks of the Dolphins tallied an impressive 10 tackles, it was the Patriots' ability to pressure the quarterback and stifle the run game that ultimately dictated the outcome. The turning point came in the second quarter when Barmore's sack led to a crucial turnover, allowing New England to build a lead they would not relinquish.