Dolphins vs. Patriots -- Week 13

Where: Sun Life Stadium, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (grass, outdoors)

Forecast: High-70s, 18 mph wind

When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Spread: New England by 8.5

2012 records -- Dolphins (5-6, AFC East: 1-2); New England (8-3, AFC East: 4-0)

Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Dec. 24, 2011: Patriots 27, Dolphins 24; Sept. 12, 2011: Patriots 38, Dolphins 24. Series record: Dolphins lead 50-43.

What matters: Believe it or not, the Dolphins are only a game out of the final AFC wild card slot but must upset their divisional rival to remain in the chase for a postseason berth. The team has been better at home and with a weak AFC field, this could be a victory to springboard to an improbable playoff berth. A loss would essentially mean Miami would have to win its final four games to have a shot at reaching the postseason.  

Who matters: Rookie QB Ryan Tannehill appeared to regain his early season form as the team supported him with a strong commitment to running the ball last week. Tannehill was 18 of 26 for 253 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Overall, the rookie has completed 59 percent of his passes for 2,373 yards with seven touchdowns and 12 interceptions. DE Cameron Wake has regained his burst, getting at least one sack in six of his past eight games. The former Penn State standout has 9.5 sacks to go with 35 tackles.

Key matchups: LB Karlos Dansby is playing through multiple injuries, including a torn biceps and a dislocated finger, but has been a stable force for a struggling defense. The former Auburn star has 83 tackles this season, including four for loss, to go with a sack. He must read Patriots QB Tom Brady and take away his potent short passing options and lethal crossing routes. Brady is completing 65 percent of his passes this season for 3,299 yards with 24 touchdowns against three interceptions.

Injuries of note: The team is a little banged up after a physical game against Seattle. FB Jorvorskie Lane (knee), TE Anthony Fasano (hip) and LB Austin Spitler (ankle) were limited at practice on Thursday but everyone else was a full participant.

Inside stuff: TE Charles Clay is starting to get hot. The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder has 13 catches for 175 yards and two touchdowns but has slowly become a better blocker. With Lane questionable with a knee injury, Clay would move into the backfield as the primary blocking black. Clay had a long touchdown catch against the Seahawks last week and is a mismatch running fly routes and deep outs.

Stat you should know: 4. Career touchdown receptions for WR Davone Bess against the Patriots. Bess has 41 catches for 526 yards with four scores in eight career games against New England.

Looking ahead: The final four games look like this for Miami: at San Francisco, vs. Jacksonville, vs. Buffalo and at New England. A victory here would help take the pressure off a looming trip to the West coast. Games against the Jaguars and Bills are very winnable and the Patriots may end up starting a junior varsity lineup if their playoff fate is sealed. A win here could set the table for the postseason. However, a loss could be lethal. With so many veterans in the final year of their deals, there could be significant discontent in the locker room if young players take their snaps.

Prediction: Patriots 37, Dolphins 16

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSDolphins.