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Game Preview: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
The New York Jets (3-9) are set to face off against the Miami Dolphins (5-7) on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST, airing on CBS. The betting odds from BetMGM currently favor the Dolphins by 6.5 points. In terms of performance against the spread this season, the Jets stand at 3-9 while the Dolphins hold a record of 5-7. Historically, this rivalry is closely contested, with Miami leading the series 59-56-1. Their last meeting ended with a dominant Dolphins victory, a 30-0 shutout in Miami on December 17, 2023.
In their preceding games, the Jets fell to Seattle with a score of 26-21, while the Dolphins were defeated by Green Bay 30-17. Analyzing both teams’ statistics reveals contrasting performances this season. The Jets’ offense ranks poorly, positioned 31st overall, 29th in rushing, 23rd in passing, and 26th in scoring. Conversely, the Jets’ defense is strong, ranking 3rd overall, with 2nd in the passing game and 15th in scoring. The Dolphins’ offense sits in the middle with overall ranks of 19th, 22nd in rushing, and 18th in passing, but their scoring is low at 24th. Their defensive efforts place them 7th overall, validated by ranks of 9th in both rush and pass defense and 14th in scoring.
Focusing on key players, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been under scrutiny amid a subpar performance this season. Now 41, he wants to compete as long as his health permits. This season, he boasts 19 touchdown passes against eight interceptions; however, his average yardage per pass attempt is the lowest of his career. For the Dolphins, tight end Jonnu Smith has been impressive, particularly in November, where he caught 33 out of 40 targets for 392 yards and three touchdowns. His performance peaked recently with 10 receptions for 113 yards against the Packers.
A crucial matchup to watch will be the Dolphins’ receiving corps against the Jets’ secondary. Although Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have faced challenges in generating big plays, their recent involvement has improved, with notable performances in their last two games. Waddle recorded 12 receptions for 197 yards and a touchdown, while Hill totaled 11 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. The Jets’ formidable secondary, featuring top cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, poses a challenge, especially if Gardner is limited by his hamstring injury.
In terms of injuries, Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich has mentioned that Gardner’s availability will depend on his health as they gear up for the Dolphins. Running back Breece Hall and offensive linemen Morgan Moses and Alijah Vera-Tucker may also face game-time decisions due to undisclosed ailments. The Dolphins have their own injury concerns, with cornerback Kendall Fuller potentially returning from a concussion, while tackle Kendall Lamm, left tackle Terron Armstead, and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. did not participate in recent practices. Additionally, cornerback Kader Kohou and running back Raheem Mostert were limited, and Cam Smith has been placed on injured reserve after sustaining a shoulder injury.
This game marks the 117th encounter between these two AFC East rivals, a series that has tilted heavily in favor of the Dolphins recently, winning seven of the last eight meetings. Miami managed a clean sweep over the Jets in 2023 and has not lost to them in their home stadium in eight consecutive matchups. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel holds a favorable 3-1 record against the Jets, and his defensive counterpart, Anthony Weaver, previously served as an assistant for the Jets.
Statistically, the Jets have slumped with eight losses in their last nine games, culminating in a ninth consecutive losing season after last week’s defeat by Seattle. Since stepping in for former coach Robert Saleh, Ulbrich has a record of 1-6. Although the Jets started strong against Seattle, scoring on three of their first four drives, they failed to score afterward. Rodgers’ struggles continue, having not surpassed 300 passing yards since December 12, 2021, a stretch encompassing 34 regular-season games. Meanwhile, wide receiver Davante Adams has achieved 31 catches for 344 yards in just six games since joining from Las Vegas.
Additionally, newly promoted running back Kene Nwangwu made headlines by receiving the AFC special teams player of the week title for his outstanding performance, including a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. On the defensive front, rookie left tackle Olu Fashanu has also made a name for himself by not allowing any pressures on 42 pass-blocking opportunities.
Turning to Miami, they have been inconsistent in late-season games under McDaniel, holding a 4-10 record in those situations. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is nearing a milestone, as he requires just 236 passing yards to reach 15,000 career yards. He leads the NFL with a completion rate of 74.5 percent this season, having delivered an impressive performance against Green Bay last week. Meanwhile, Waddle stands on the cusp of breaking the Dolphins’ franchise record for receiving yards in the first four seasons of a career, needing just 53 more yards to reach 4,039 in total.
Entering Week 13, the Dolphins were performing well on third downs, though they struggled against the Packers, converting only four of 14 attempts. Their defense, which has allowed an average of 203.9 passing yards and 22.2 points per game, will face a significant challenge against the Jets this Sunday.
In fantasy football, running back De’Von Achane is a player to consider, especially if Miami utilizes a quick-passing strategy against the Jets, who rank fifth in the NFL for sacks, focusing on limiting large downfield gains. Achane averages around 16 touches per game, positioning him as a strong option for fantasy managers.
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