Jets at Dolphins: Preview, Predictions, and More

New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins

The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins renew one of the best rivalries in all of football this Sunday. Both teams come into the game riding two-game winning streaks and, with a win on Sunday, both could be in a position to make a run down the stretch.

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It wasn’t long ago that the New York Jets looked like one of the worst teams in the NFL. Struggling to find any semblance of an offense and bringing up the rear of the division at 1-5, they seemed relatively hopeless. After two straight victories, however, the Jets roll into Miami with a chance to make it three wins in a row and move to only one game below .500. The Jets have been a thorn in the Dolphins side for years, no matter what the records show.

As bad as the Jets looked a few short weeks ago, the Dolphins looked just as bad. But after two straight victories of their own, they come into their matchup with the hated Jets as one of the hottest teams in the league. Sparked by a (finally) healthy offensive line and the emergence of running back Jay Ajayi, the Dolphins look poised to make a second-half run and make some noise in the AFC playoff picture.

Jets Keys to Victory

Stop the Dolphins Rushing Attack: It’s the proverbial “unstoppable force meets immovable object”. The Miami Dolphins rushing attack has been on fire the last two weeks. They have rushed for over 200 yards in two-straight games. The blocking up front has been exceptional with the return of Mike Pouncey.

Meanwhile, the New York Jets defense boasts the league’s top rushing defense. If the last two weeks are any indication, Miami has a renewed focus on the running game. This matchup is going to be pivotal to success for both squads.

Lean on Matt Forte: It’s no coincidence that the more involved Matt Forte has become in the Jets offense, the more successful they have become. Though he’s on the wrong side of 30, which normally spells doom for running backs, Forte is still going strong. The Jets have a two-game winning streak heading into Miami, due in large part to Forte’s rejuvenation. If they can get him going, in both the running and passing game, it’s going to be a long day for the Dolphins defense.

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Slow the Dolphins Defensive Line: It’s taken most of the season to this point, but the Dolphins defensive line finally woke up in the second half of last week’s game. The tandem of Ndamukong Suh and Mario Williams were all over the place in the second half, wreaking havoc on the Bills offense. That renewed passion could spell disaster for a Jets offense that has had a penchant for turnovers at times in 2016.

Dolphins Keys to Victory

Attack Darrelle Revis: The thought of voluntarily attacking the Jets top corner was a notion simply unfathomable just a few short years ago. Revis Island has been one of the most-feared corners in the league essentially since coming to the Jets out of Pitt.

But oh, how the mighty have fallen. Revis has looked a shadow of his former self so far this season. He has been burned repeatedly by lesser wide receivers than he’ll face on Sunday. It seems crazy even as I type this, but going at Revis early and often may just give Miami the big-play potential they’ve been searching for all season.

Ride the Jay Train: Jay Ajayi started the season in Adam Gase’s doghouse. However, over the last two weeks, he’s announced his presence in the Dolphins backfield in a big way. Ajayi has rushed his way into the record books, becoming only the fourth running back in league history to rush for 200+ yards in back-to-back games.

It’s not going to be easy for Ajayi to turn in a repeat performance on Sunday. The Jets come in to Miami with the top-ranked rushing defense in the NFL.

It would be crazy to expect Ajayi to turn in yet another 200-yard performance. But, if the young running back can eclipse 100 yards for the third game in a row, the Dolphins should find themselves in a good position to get back to .500 on the season.

Capitalize on Mistakes: The Jets are going to give the Dolphins opportunities. Perhaps it comes in the way of a timely Ryan Fitzpatrick interception. It might come in the way of Darrelle Revis getting burned deep by Kenny Stills or DeVante Parker. It may even come with Fitzpatrick playing so poorly he’s pulled for Bryce Petty.

No matter what form the mistake comes in, the Dolphins have to be ready to make the Jets pay. Division matchups are never easy. If the opportunity presents itself, the Dolphins must make the most of it. A win on Sunday will put the Dolphins in a position to make a run in the second half of the season. Potentially one all the way to the playoffs.

Odds

Point Spread: Miami -3.5
Moneyline: New York +165, Miami -185
Over/Under: 44

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Prediction

Both teams come into this game hot. The Jets and Dolphins each have two-game winning streaks and are looking to turn their seasons around. The winner of this game puts themselves back into the hunt going forward. It’s a big game for both, but I like the way Miami is playing right now. The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. I think they come in focused, healthy, and ready to make a second-half push.

Pick: Miami Dolphins 27 New York Jets: 14

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