Think Brian Flores is glad he left New England for the Miami Dolphins?

You bet your palm trees and oranges he is.

“I’m probably never going to feel established,” said Flores, who took the Dolphins job before the the Patriots topped the Rams for what could be their last Super Bowl win in quite a while. “Just got to keep working, keep improving, keep trying to develop. That’s me personally and hopefully our team is that same way. Just continue to improve and get better …”

Familiar words, right? Flores has learned well. He’s got a rookie at QB, the Dolphins have other draft picks performing well but also did well in free agency. Flores won’t look back, and got his signature win in the regular season finale vs. New England, a game which really started the beginning of the end for the Patriot dynasty because it pushed the Pats back into the Wild Card round.

And now the roles are reversed. Miami is 8-5, and probably needs to win two of its last three to make the playoffs. The Patriots are 6-7 with just a two percent chance at making the playoffs. Not happening.

“I don’t think we’ve really flipped roles,” Flores said. “I think they’re trying to win one game and we’re trying to win one game. That’s where we’re at… and … actually I know that’s what they’re saying in their building.”

He knows because he was here and coached the same way. That’s why he’s winning in Miami now.

We’re winning, too – a second unbeaten week in the last three.

Can we make it two in row?

DOLPHINS 20, PATRIOTS 13

OK, we all know Bill Belichick’s record against rookie QBs, and sure, if Tua Tagovailoa decides to throw to the other team the Patriots have a shot. But a couple of problems: Patriots don’t traditionally play well in Miami, and they can’t throw the football. Also, they’ll be without running back Damien Harris (ankle).

COLTS 30, TEXANS 27

Indy is the flavor of the week in the AFC, so many liking its defense and the way that Philip Rivers is playing and Frank Reich is coaching. But the Texans are so unpredictable, and not a good team, but the guess here is they make it closer than most think a touchdown underdog would.

STEELERS 30, BENGALS 7

Sorry, there aren’t any other decent all-AFC matchups today. Cincy will make the Steelers look the the 11-0 team they used to be, as the Pittsburgh offense finally gets in gear. Hey, Big Ben may finally throw a pass over 25 yards.

VIKINGS 27, BEARS 17

Look, Minnesota isn’t very good, but why do people think Mitch Trubisky can lead Da Bears to a win in this game? They should have beaten Detroit two weeks ago and took out that frustration on the Texans. But Minny should have beaten Tompa Bay last Sunday, really. They’ll handle the Bears.

SEAHAWKS 17, WASHINGTON 13

We’d pick the home team, Washington, if Alex Smith was the guy taking snaps from center. But he’s hurt and Washington will be guided by Dwayne Haskins, whom Washington coach Ron Rivera really wants no part of. The home team’s defense will give Russell Wilson fits, but we think the Seahawks will squeeze out enough to win.

SAINTS 34, CHIEFS 33

Drew Brees is back for the WhoDats, and that means they can win a shootout with the Chiefs. Tough to pick against Pat Mahomes, but New Orleans gets new life with its leader back.

BROWNS 34, GIANTS 3

Won’t be close, folks. Two weeks ago everyone was talking up the Giants and suddenly making New York defensive coordinator Patrick Graham the hot head coaching candidate. Puh-leeze. If his defense doesn’t stop the run, that 34 points could be doubled. Colt McCoy or Daniel Jones? They both stink.

LAST WEEK: 7-0

SEASON RECORD: 65-32

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on Twitter (@Telegraph_TomK).

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