New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins: Prediction, Odds, Depth Charts (12/17/23)

The Dolphins need a bounce-back game to stay in control of the AFC East, but the Jets look like they might present more of a challenge than they did on Black Friday. Let’s take a look at Jets vs. Dolphins odds and predictions as Miami tries to stay near the top of the AFC, with Jets +9 as our best bet.

New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins Prediction

When these two teams last faced off, the Jets’ offense had virtually no hope and the defense appeared to be exhausted from constantly being on the field while still losing. The tide has turned a bit. The defense was unbelievable against C.J. Stroud and the Texans, and a great second half by the offense helped keep the unit fresh.

With Zach Wilson starting to play with confidence and uncertainty regarding whether the Dolphins’ pass-rush can have the same impact it did three weeks ago, there’s a chance the Jets can give their defense at least somewhat of a breather this time. That should allow New York to keep this game within reach.

The Dolphins have a banged up Tyreek Hill going up against a talented Jets secondary – Sauce Gardner is coming off a terrific game – and the absence of center Connor Williams could create even more problems for Tua Tagovailoa.

It would be pretty surprising if the Dolphins let this one slip away after their collapse against the Titans, but they’re not facing the Jets under ideal circumstances. This one could absolutely be closer than the spread indicates.

New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins prediction: Jets +9 (-110)

New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins Best Odds

The Dolphins are 9-point home favorites, sitting at -430 on the moneyline. The over/under is 39 points.

Plenty has changed for these two teams since they last met, but Miami remains a decisive favorite. There’s plenty of reason to believe the Jets might be able to keep it closer this time around.

New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins Key Injuries

The Dolphins say WR Tyreek Hill (ankle) is day-to-day, and Mike McDaniel said early in the week that the team has contingency plans in the event he can’t play. C Connor Williams (ACL) is out for the remainder of the season. OT Terron Armstead (knee, ankle) missed Week 14 but could play vs. New York. LB Jerome Baker (knee) remains on IR. OG Robert Hunt (hamstring) is unlikely to play Sunday.

For the Jets, QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) will not be returning in Week 15. OT Max Mitchell (shoulder) exited vs. Houston but isn’t believed to be dealing with a serious injury.

New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins Key Matchups

Here are some of the key matchups that could decide Jets vs. Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins Pass-Rush vs. New York Jets Offensive Line

The loss of Jaelan Phillips, who tore his Achilles when these teams last met, has been brutal for the Dolphins. Miami sacked Will Levis just once last week despite facing a problematic Titans offensive line, and Levis had all of the time in the world on the throw to DeAndre Hopkins that kick-started Tennessee’s go-ahead drive. The Dolphins sacked Tim Boyle seven times on Black Friday – is there any chance of making that kind of impact against Wilson?

The Jets’ line still had its share of issues against the Texans, with Wilson going down four times, but the 24-year-old got more comfortable as the game went on. The Dolphins can’t afford to let Wilson settle in on Sunday.

If Miami can make Wilson uncomfortable early on, winning the game should be pretty straightforward. If their edge rushers struggle to make an impact again, the Jets’ offense will stand much more of a chance than it did when Boyle was under center.

Quinnen Williams vs. Miami Dolphins Interior Offensive Line

While the Dolphins receivers against the Jets secondary will be a matchup to watch, the trenches are where this game might be one. The Dolphins just lost center Connor Willams to a torn ACL, and they instantly felt the effects in the loss to Tennessee. The Jets just happen to have one of the NFL’s most dangerous interior defensive linemen in the NFL. Can Quinnen Williams wreak havoc against a Dolphins offensive line that’s been forced to shuffle some pieces around?

Williams had a sack and two quarterback hits against the Texans last week and has been considerably better in this latter portion of the season. If the Jets want to disrupt the Dolphins’ offense better than they did three weeks ago, this is exactly where they can take advantage.

New York Jets Depth Chart

QB: Zach Wilson
RB1: Breece Hall
RB2: Dalvin Cook
LWR: Allen Lazard
RWR: Garrett Wilson
SWR: Randall Cobb
TE1: Tyler Conklin

Miami Dolphins Depth Chart

QB: Tua Tagovailoa
RB1: Raheem Mostert
RB2: De’Von Achane
LWR: Jaylen Waddle
RWR: Tyreek Hill
SWR: Cedrick Wilson Wilson
TE1: Durham Smythe