What is the power that Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has over the New England Patriots?

Please, can somebody tell us?

Is the fact he’s a lefty?

“It’s a little more awareness in the pass rush, certain plays that he would favor the quarterbacks’ throwing hand, pocket movement plays,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said this week concerning prepping for a lefty passer. “But, he’s athletic enough. He can go both ways. So, it’s certainly an awareness thing with knowing what it is, but I don’t think it fundamentally changes the offense too much.”

Perhaps not, but the Tagovailoa gets even better in Dolphin coach Mike McDaniel’s offense, and if he stays healthy — a big if — Miami has a potent offense that leaves Patriot fans constantly jealous.

We’ll see tonight at Gillette Stadium if Tua Time dominates the landscape again.

Meanwhile, after a so-so opening week, we look to get in Tua type rhythm with this weeks top seven picks:

PATRIOTS 27, DOLPHINS 24

Look, we know the Dolphins are explosive and can score points on offense. Tagovailova will use those short motion/crossing routs to keep the Patriots defense on their toes. One thing the Dolphins had trouble with last week was the run, and that’s where Pats backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliot could thrive. The good news is offensive linemen Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu may be able to play after all.

The rookie makes the game-winning kick down the stretch and the Patriots finally win a close one.

BENGALS 17, RAVENS 16

It seemed pretty clear last week that Cincy QB Joe Burrow was hampered by that bad calf, helping to produce a stunning opening week result. Bengals are home, spotlight will be on them, and the Ravens will realize they’re not playing the Texans any more.

BILLS 30, RAIDERS 17

Josh Allen has become a turnover machine, and needs to be reined in. The Raiders have Jimmy Garappolo, who has seen his share of highs and lows, not to mention injuries. But Las Vegas is not a very good team, it seems, and the Bills need a bounce-back.

NINERS 27, RAMS 21

Wow, did the Rams surprise people last week or what? Wow did the 49ers simply obliterate the Steelers or what? Seems to shape things up for a pretty good late day game, and right now you’d have to think San Francisco has the mojo. We didn’t pick them as a Super Bowl team for nuthin’.

LIONS 33, SEAHAWKS 14

Seattle laid an egg against the Rams last week and got suckered in by Geno Smith’s one good year in his career. But there’s nothing fake about Detroit. The Lions are a good football team and should reap the benefits of being at home. Should win the NFC North.

COWBOYS 24, JETS 7

Both defenses are superb. But of course, we all know what happened last week with Aaron Rodgers and we were looking forward to seeing what he could do with these Jets, who are kidding themselves if they think Wilson can deliver. Cowboys won’t look quite as good as their Sunday Night blowout of New York’s other downtrodden team, but they’ll certainly control things.

BRONCOS 23, COMMANDERS 20

Only other interconference game, believe it or not. OK, the Sean Payton-Russell Wilson tandem didn’t work wonders in the opening loss to the Raiders, but they’ll handle the Commanders and they’re new QB Sam Howell. Watch out for that Commanders defensive front, but Payton should have a handle on it.

LAST WEEK: 4-3

SEASON RECORD: 4-3

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

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