The Patriots beat the Bears in Week 10 and they mounted a late comeback that fell short in Week 11 against the Rams, so there wasn't much reason to think that they'd be uncompetitive against the Dolphins in Week 12.
The Buccaneers ruled safety Jordan Whitehead out of Sunday's game with the Giants shortly after he suffered a pectoral injury and it looks like he'll be ruled out for a much longer period of time as well.