Dolphins vs. Jets: Preview, score prediction for Week 3

Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets

The Miami Dolphins come in to the Meadowlands in Week 3 fresh off of a victory in their long-overdue season opener. Thanks to the events of Hurricane Irma, the Dolphins got the season off to a late start. Understandably, they looked sluggish to start the season. Ultimately, they came away with a win against the Los Angeles Chargers and look to start the season with a 2-0 record.

Perhaps just as important as the strong start, the Dolphins have the opportunity to send the New York Jets to a 0-3 start. A loss to Miami would all but guarantee another season without the playoffs.

On paper, this game is a mismatch, as the Dolphins have the superior roster talent across the board. But the games aren’t played on paper. Divisional games are always a knock-down, drag-out fight. I expect Sunday’s game to be no different. The Dolphins are going to need to get out to a quick start and set the tone early, something they weren’t able to do against the Chargers. Letting a divisional foe hang around like they did last week is a recipe for disaster.

Keys to Victory

The easiest way for Miami to ensure they get off to the quick start they need is to establish the run. Jay Ajayi came out of the gates strong in Week 2 and established that last season’s success wasn’t just a flash in the pan. The Jets sport one of the worst run defenses in the entire NFL. It’s of paramount importance that the team comes out early and runs the ball down the Jets’ throats.

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Ajayi has the agility to make people miss in the open field. He’s also a strong, powerful back who will run you over and keep right on running. Getting the ball to him early and often is going to be demoralizing to the Jets defense. Softening them up early is going to make things easier in the late-game for Jay Cutler, DeVante Parker, and the Dolphins passing attack. The passing game struggled through most of the game against the Chargers, and they’re going to be hungry to prove they’re worth all the praise heaped on them in the offseason.

Defensively, the Dolphins have to come out stronger than they did in last week’s tilt with the Chargers. The Dolphins run defense was surprisingly strong after finishing last season as one of the worst in the league. Unfortunately for Miami, the pass defense was in shambles. It would be easy to blame the unexpected absence of projected starter Lawrence Timmons for the poor performance, but one guy does not a strong defense make. Philip Rivers was able to pick apart this defense and throw the ball all over the field. Miami got their act together in the red zone, not allowing the Chargers easy scores, but that won’t cut it on Sunday.

For the Jets, the biggest keys to victory are going to be protecting quarterback Josh McCown and preventing the big mistakes. The Dolphins pass defense showed last Sunday that it’s vulnerable against the pass. The Jets have some decent talent in their wide receiver group with Jermaine Kearse and deep threat Robby Anderson. If those two can get open consistently over the middle and deep down the field, it’ll be a long day. Provided that McCown can stay upright against the Dolphins talented group of pass rushers.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Miami -6
Moneyline: Miami -270, New York +222
Over/Under: 42.5

Odds via Sportsbook Review

Next: NFL 2017: Picks against the spread for Week 3

Prediction

Knowing that the Dolphins have a chance to come in and take control of the AFC East for the first time in several years, expect them to come out strong from the beginning and not let up all game. With a win on Sunday, the Dolphins can open up a three-game lead in the loss column on the Jets and at the very least maintain a lead over the Bills and Patriots.

I don’t think this game is going to be close. The Dolphins have the talent edge on both sides of the ball. Look for Miami to put this one away early.

Final Score: Miami Dolphins: 24, New York Jets: 3

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