It’s our first rematch of the season as the New York Jets (3-3) try to prove their early success was no fluke as they travel to South Beach and Hard Rock Stadium to take on the Miami Dolphins (3-2).
The game will be hitting your living room courtesy of your local FOX affiliate, again, for reasons that make no sense to me. Kick off is set for 1 p.m. EST.
The Game: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (-3)
O/U: 38.0
The History
The Jets and Dolphins have faced off 104 times dating back to the old AFL where Miami was an expansion team in 1966. New York leads the all time series 54-49-1.
Last season the Dolphins swept New York, beating them 27-23 at Hard Rock Stadium in November and 34-13 at MetLife Stadium in December.
NEW YORK JETS (3-3)
I’m not sure how sick the Jets are after dropping a 24-17 game to the New England Patriots. Sure, the referees screwed them out of a touchdown, but it wouldn’t have tied the game. In fact, they would have just lost 24-20 instead of 24-17. What really counted against New York were two killer turnovers by your man Josh McCown in the second half that killed promising drives and kept the pressure on the Jets’ defense.
McCown finished 31 of 47 for 354 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Frankly, when you’re asking McCown to throw that much, even against the pathetic Patriots defense, you’re asking for trouble. The fact that McCown had the Jets up 14-0 to begin with is nuts. That the Jets surrendered that lead before halftime? Significantly less nuts.
What New York really needed was something worth a shit from the running game. They got a total of 74 yards and 21 of that was from McCown scambles. Matt Forte had nine carries for 22 yards in what is likely his NFL farewell tour.
Defensively, the Jets forced two turnovers, but never sacked Tom Brady and got just one stop in the backfield. With a solid lead, all the New York defense did was continually give up plays and bend over for the Patriots.
Only rookie tight end Jordan Leggett is slated as out for this game. Muhammad Wilkerson never practiced all week, but is officially listed as questionable.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-2)
The Dolphins are dealing with a few key injuries of their own. DeVante Parker, Andre Branch, Xavien Howard and Byron Maxwell are all listed as questionable. Parker is the only guy that didn’t fully participate in Friday’s practice. The rest should play Sunday without a doubt.
The Dolphins are a team I just haven’t been able to get a handle on. I picked them to go 10-6 in the preseason, then they looked like complete shit for the first month of the regular season. Last week, Miami rallied from 17 points down against the defending NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons on the road to win 20-17. Jay Cutler was 19 of 33 for two touchdowns and a pick. Jay Ajayi finally seems healthy and carried the ball 26 times for 130 yards.
Defensively, the Dolphins sacked Matt Ryan twice and picked him off once. They got five stops in the backfield and didn’t allow Atlanta a 100 yard rusher or receiver in the game.
Cutler spread the ball around to five different receivers, with Jarvis Landry hauling in eight passes for 62 yards and a touchdown. Kenny Stills had four catches for 49 yards and a score.
The Pick
When I pick the Dolphins to win, they lose. When I pick them to lose, they win. I’m pretty sure I’m in complete control of their season at this point. I think New York is falling back to reality soon and, honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them lose the rest of their games. This Dolphins squad could still do anything. Win 10 games? Sure. Lose 10 straight? Absolutely. I say they probably split the difference, beginning Sunday. Dolphins 24, Jets 19
This week
Straight up: 0-1
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 5-9
Against the spread: 5-9
Season
Straight up: 48-43
Against the spread: 43-48
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