NFL Sunday Preview: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets [Trap for the Favourites?]
At first glance this seems like a no-brainer. Just look at these two teams’ records and you’ll find your answer to this match-up.
But beware: this is a divisional game and probably the Jets’ best chance to win a game this season.
Miami is coming off an embarrassing loss to the Denver Broncos during which they benched rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa was also on the injury report this week, limited with a thumb injury so there is a possibility we’ll see Ryan Fitzpatrick take the field again.
But one thing about this 2020 Dolphins team that is very different from Miami teams of the past; this is a team that wins. Head coach Brian Flores has united the locker room and will be looking to bounce back and prove that the Denver game was just a fluke after winning five straight.
Meanwhile, the Jets are a dumpster fire under former Dolphins’ head coach Adam Gase, whose biggest offensive asset is a 37-year-old running back. The key to winning this game for New York will be putting pressure on the Dolphins offensive line, which looked to be on the up and up until their last game when they regressed badly.
The Jets should be taking notes from Denver’s defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, on how to do that and how to stop Miami’s run game. Starting running back Myles Gaskin should be back from IR, which improves things significantly for the Fins… if their offensive line can create opportunities for him.
Miami will need to hold strong on their line and allow Tua Tagovailoa (if he does start) off-leash a little. Screens to Devante Parker and Jakeem Grant are all well and good but it’s time for Miami to see what they have in their rookie QB. Look for offensive coordinator Chan Gailey to call some more roll-outs and push the run game, which has been fairly average all season despite three or four backs in rotation.
Bet on the Fins for a safe pick; it seems likely that they’ll get it done. This isn’t a team that implodes after a loss like they have in the past. If you’re feeling a little risky a bet on the Jets isn’t out of pocket either but remember you’re also betting on Gase and the newly returned QB Sam Darnold, who just practiced for the first time in nearly three weeks.
-- by Kyle King
