New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins – How to Watch & Listen | NFL Week 18

Foxborough, Massachusetts – Just days remain until the final game of the 2025 NFL regular season: the New England Patriots host the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with kickoff set for 4:25 PM EST. This matchup carries major implications for AFC playoff seeding, with the Patriots holding a significant edge, while the Dolphins are playing strictly for pride.

The New England Patriots (13–3) officially clinched the AFC East title after a convincing Week 17 win over the Jets, ending the Buffalo Bills’ long run atop the division. They are currently tied for first place in the AFC with the Denver Broncos (13–3), though Denver holds the tiebreaker. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye continues to shine, leading the NFL in multiple passing metrics (QBR, completion percentage, yards per attempt), powering a Patriots offense that ranks among the league’s top-scoring units. The defense remains solid despite a few minor injuries. A win would push New England to 14–3, representing a 10-win improvement over last season (4–13) and tying a historic NFL turnaround mark.

The Miami Dolphins (7–9) were eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the season, though a few late wins helped restore some momentum. Now in the spoiler role, Miami’s offense still relies heavily on Tua Tagovailoa and speed on the perimeter, but a shaky defense and limited motivation remain concerns.

📺 TELEVISION BROADCAST

Nationwide/Local: Live on FOX / WFXT

💻 LIVE STREAMING

Nationwide: NFL+, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV (FOX available – free trials available)
In-Market: Free on the Patriots App or Dolphins App within local markets
Out-of-Market: NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube / YouTube TV

🎧 RADIO BROADCAST

New England: 98.5 FM The Sports Hub – Bob Socci (play-by-play), Scott Zolak (analyst)
Miami: Dolphins Radio Network
Nationwide/International: SiriusXM, TuneIn Premium, NFL App

📅 GAME DETAILS

Kickoff: Sunday, January 4, 2026 – 4:25 PM EST
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Weather Forecast (latest update): Temperatures around -1°C to -7°C (19–30°F), partly to mostly cloudy, strong wind gusts up to 50 km/h, 0% chance of rain or snow – dry but cold and windy, typical New England winter conditions that could impact the passing game.

Gates Open: Approximately 2–3 hours before kickoff
Tickets: Still available on Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and StubHub (starting around $100+, depending on section)

🔑 KEY STORYLINES

New England Patriots (13–3): Battling for the No. 1 seed in the AFC (and a first-round playoff bye). They need a win over Miami and a Broncos loss to the Chargers to secure the top spot. A victory would cap a historic turnaround season and provide strong momentum heading into the playoffs.

Miami Dolphins (7–9): Out of playoff contention but always dangerous against a division rival. The Dolphins aim to finish the season on a positive note and disrupt New England’s plans.

Head-to-Head: The Patriots won the first meeting 33–27 in Miami and are seeking a season sweep.

⚠️ GAME SIGNIFICANCE

This game will determine whether the Patriots earn a bye week and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs (Denver currently holds the tiebreaker). With Drake Maye leading an explosive offense and a steady defense, New England enters as a strong contender. Miami will look to play spoiler in the cold conditions at Gillette.

📱 FOLLOW THE GAME

Live Updates: Patriots.com, Dolphins.com, NFL App
Social Media: @Patriots · @Dolphins
Highlights & Stats: NFL+ and team apps

Will the Patriots or the Dolphins finish the season strong? A compelling matchup awaits at Gillette Stadium. 🏈❄️