A week after ending a long wait for a win, the Miami Dolphins return home with a new challenge racing toward Hard Rock Stadium. Miami beat the Jets 28-25 in Week 7, showing the fight coach Jeff Hafley wants from his rebuilt team. Now the 1-5 Dolphins welcome the 4-3 New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon, and this game will show whether Miami can build on that spark.

The biggest question is how Miami creates offense without running back De’Von Achane, who is out with a knee injury. Achane was meant to be a major part of the Dolphins’ new attack. His absence puts more pressure on quarterback Malik Willis, whose quick feet have already produced 223 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Willis can turn a broken play into a run, which makes defenders stay alert. But he also needs to protect the ball after throwing four interceptions and losing three fumbles this season.

That job gets harder against a Patriots team that allows only 20.4 points per game. New England’s defense has given up fewer yards than Miami’s, too, so the Dolphins may need long, patient drives instead of hoping for one huge play. Wide receiver Malik Washington has led Miami with 26 catches, using short routes and runs after the catch to move the chains. His knee injury makes his status important. Tight end Greg Dulcich, also listed as questionable, has been another steady target over the middle.

Across the field, Drake Maye brings a bigger passing attack. Maye has thrown for 1,784 yards and 13 touchdowns in seven games, giving New England an edge through the air. He can also escape trouble and run, much like Willis, but Maye has more help around him. Rhamondre Stevenson is a strong runner who can push through tacklers and catch passes, giving the Patriots a useful answer when defenses focus on Maye.

New England is coming off a loss to Chicago, yet its earlier 45-17 win over Las Vegas showed how fast this offense can pile up points. The Patriots average 22.9 points, while Miami averages 16.3. That gap matters because Miami’s defense has allowed 26.2 points per game. If Maye finds open receivers early, the Dolphins could spend the afternoon trying to catch up.

Still, New England has injury questions of its own. Wide receiver A.J. Brown is questionable with knee and ankle injuries, and several offensive linemen are unavailable or uncertain. Miami can make this game tighter by pressuring Maye and forcing rushed throws. The Dolphins also need Willis to use his legs wisely, then connect with Washington or Dulcich when the Patriots crowd the line.

Miami is writing the first chapters of a new era, while New England is chasing another deep playoff run after last season’s Super Bowl trip. The Dolphins have home-field energy and fresh confidence, but the Patriots have been steadier on both sides of the ball. Prediction: New England will win behind Maye’s passing and a balanced offense.

Malik Willis and Miami’s New Plan Meet Drake Maye’s Patriots