New England Patriots secure bye week

The New England Patriots ensured that they will have a bye week in the playoffs with a shutout win over the Miami Dolphins.

Rob Gronkowski caught a touchdown pass on his first game in six weeks after recovering from a fractured forearm, while Wes Welker and Stevan Ridley were also on the scoresheet.

The Patriots defense made it difficult for Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, sacking the rookie seven times throughout the game and making an interception.

The Dolphins finish the regular season with seven wins and nine losses, their fourth consecutive losing season.

The Patriots have next week off before facing a home game against the highest remaining seed in the AFC following the first playoff round.