It may have been just over two months ago, but it’s fairly certain that the low point of the Dolphins season was the 38-7 thumping the Miami Dolphins took from the New England Patriots in Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium on September 30th.

Quarterback Tom Brady and company dominated in every facet of the game without seeming to even break a sweat. As the Patriots fly into South Florida for the rematch at Hard Rock Stadium, the importance of this contest is accented by playoff implications and other storylines.

Xavien Howard listed as out

Few would dispute that Xavien Howard is the most talented cover man in the Miami defense. However, due to a knee injury, the esteemed corner will be on the sidelines for this week’s game. For all the players that are returning to health on defense, it’s unfortunate to see Howard miss a contest – especially when facing arch nemesis Brady.

How Miami can play spoiler for the Pats

Looking in the AFC East standings, it’s pretty much a lock the Patriots will win the division yet again. Not only would Miami have to win on Sunday and run the table after that, but New England would also have to lose the remaining games in 2018.

The chances of that are low. But should the Dolphins win this weekend, it could still leave a piece of coal in their rival’s stocking. The Patriots are locked in a battle for a first-round bye with the Los Angeles Chargers as both teams sit 9-3.

Can Minkah Fitzpatrick be Defensive Rookie of the Year?

For those who pick their postseason superlatives based on stats, 44 tackles with one interception and four passes defended do not look like an impressive resume’ to secure the Dolphins first-round draft pick for Rookie of the Year honors.

However, it’s his versatility that compels me to consider Minkah Fitzpatrick for the award. He’s played solid coverage in the slot and outside corner spots allowing only 24 receptions on 46 targets for less than five yards per attempt. On top of that, as a safety, he has found success attacking the line to stop running efforts and screen passes.

Fitzpatrick’s versatility has been a critical element in Miami’s ability to stay playoff-relevant in a year with so many injuries on defense.

Patriots Sony Michel making a difference as a rookie

It’s pretty certain that the New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley will get the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year nod. But it’s fair to note that Patriots Sony Michel was picked 29 spots behind Barkley as the next to last pick in the first round and is still a considerable part of his team’s production.

Also, Michel isn’t the primary offensive weapon as Tom Brady currently appears to be aging better than Eli Manning is. All that aside, if Michel weren’t injured against the Bears causing him to miss three games, his stats would be significantly improved.

With Michel trailing in rushing yards 649 to 954, there’s a chance his yardage would have been just as good as Barkley’s. Considering that he turned 112 yards against the Dolphins back at the end of September, they’ll need to come up with a way to slow him down.

Win or lose Dolphins are still in the fight

Should the Dolphins fail to prevail over the Patriots this weekend, all is not lost. If they close strong in the remaining three weeks featuring the Vikings, Jaguars and Bills, they can still close the season with nine wins. They will need some help from Baltimore and Tennessee who are still be able to claim 10 wins at that point, but the Dolphins have a tie-breaker advantage on the Titans whom they beat all the way back at the season opener.