Miami Dolphins (8-8) are set to clash with the New York Jets (4-12) this Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EST, airing on Fox. According to BetMGM, the Dolphins are favored by a margin of 1.5 points. The Dolphins have a record of 7-9 against the spread while the Jets sit at 5-11. Historically, the Dolphins hold a narrow lead in their series against the Jets, with an all-time record of 61-56-1. Their last encounter was a thrilling overtime victory for Miami, which triumphed 32-26 on December 8, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Last week, Miami secured a win against the Browns with a score of 20-3, whereas the Jets faced a heavy defeat, losing 40-14 to the Bills.
Examining the offensive statistics, the Dolphins rank 18th overall, with a 24th position in rushing, 15th in passing, and a 22nd ranking in scoring. Their defense has performed better, securing the 3rd overall spot, with 9th for rushing, 9th for passing, and 8th in scoring. On the other hand, the Jets find themselves lower in offensive rankings, standing at 24th overall, with a 31st position in rushing, 17th in passing, and also 24th in scoring. Defensively, they rank 5th overall, 15th against the run, 5th against the pass, and 21st in scoring.
A key player to watch for the Dolphins is QB Tyler “Snoop” Huntley. He may make his fifth start in place of Tua Tagovailoa, who is dealing with a hip injury keeping him out for the second game in a row. Huntley showed strong performance against the Browns last week, completing over 80% of his passes for 225 yards with one passing touchdown and another rushing touchdown, leading the Dolphins in rushing as well.
For the Jets, QB Aaron Rodgers is a crucial figure as he might be playing his final game with the team and potentially the last of his career. The four-time NFL MVP has not publicly decided his future but has one more year left on his contract with New York. He is also inching closer to a significant milestone of 500 career touchdown passes, needing just one more to join an elite group of players that have reached that number.
The match-up to look out for involves Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith and the Jets’ pass defense. Smith had an impressive performance during their previous encounter, catching three passes in overtime, including the decisive touchdown that secured the win. This season, Smith has achieved a career-high with 79 receptions, sharing the team lead with Tyreek Hill.
In terms of injuries, Tagovailoa is doubtful following limited practice sessions throughout the week. WR Jaylen Waddle is likely to return after missing the last two games, while OT Kendall Lamm has been placed on injured reserve. Additionally, starting tackle Terron Armstead is questionable due to an ongoing knee issue, as is WR Tyreek Hill who is contending with wrist and illness issues. For the Jets, a notable absence is CB Sauce Gardner (hamstring), who has been ruled out. Key defensive players including DL Quinnen Williams and TE Tyler Conklin are also facing uncertainty ahead of the game, as they are listed as questionable alongside several other teammates.
This upcoming match marks the 118th meeting between these two teams, with the Dolphins having the upper hand in recent history, winning eight of the past nine encounters. Miami swept the Jets during the last season, including a notable 30-0 victory in December 2023. Notably, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel holds a strong record against the Jets, being 4-1 in matchups since taking over.
Statistically, the Dolphins need to secure a win this Sunday and hope for a loss by the Denver Broncos against the Kansas City Chiefs to clinch a wild-card playoff spot. Under McDaniel’s guidance, the last time Miami made the playoffs for three consecutive seasons was between 1999 and 2001. A victory would also mark McDaniel’s achievement of being the first Dolphins head coach to sweep both the Jets and Patriots in consecutive seasons since Don Shula in the 1970s. Players to watch for individual records include RB De’Von Achane and DT Zach Sieler, who are both closing in on impressive statistical milestones.
The Jets, meanwhile, are focusing on their future as this serves as their last game before what is expected to be a busy offseason, where decisions about coaching and player personnel will be paramount. The transition on their coaching front has not fared well for interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, who comes into this game with a concerning record since taking over. Last but not least, WR Garrett Wilson continues to break records, and the Jets will look to make the most of their season finale.
As for fantasy implications, if leagues are still in play for the season, Adams is positioned as a smart choice for fantasy lineups, given his proximity to personal milestones in the receiving game.
