New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins Preview (1/8/23): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

After winning their first rivalry matchup earlier in the season by a score of 40-17, the New York Jets must be looking forward to, once again, facing third string Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson. Making the 7th round quarterback look like a 7th rounder in that game, the New York Jets can play spoiler to the Dolphins playoff chances with a win over the team. With a potential playoff berth on the line (the Dolphins need to win against the Jets and hope on a Patriots’ loss to the Bills to secure the final 7th seed wildcard) will this AFC East rivalry showcase some fireworks? With both teams on five-game losing streaks after stellar starts to the season (8-3 for Miami, 7-3 for New York), it’s hard to imagine what the state of this late season game has come to. See below for the odds, preview, prediction, injuries, key matchup, and depth charts for this second leg of this rivalry.

New York Jets v Miami Dolphins Odds

Opening as -3 point favorites, the Miami Dolphins are now only favored by -1 point to the Jets +1. Given the one point differential, the money-line is nearly a pickup with the Dolphins slight favorites at -115 and the Jets at even money (+100). The over/under is set at 38.5. 

New York Jets v Miami Dolphins Preview & Prediction

Miami Dolphins fans will say their team is cursed. New York Jets fans will say their team is cursed. Both may be correct, yes, but that dismal outlook doesn’t change the fact that there are big ramifications attached to this Sunday’s matchup. 

Last week, Skylar Thompson came into the game for the Dolphins in the second half after quarterback Teddy Bridgewater injured his pinky on a pick six pass. A rhythm quarterback, Thompson didn’t find his groove until the Dolphins final drive, when they were down 9 points with less than two minutes left. Turns out: going 12/21 for 104 yards with an interception really won’t do it in the NFL. Head coach Mike McDaniel didn’t do his third-stringer any favors though, as the Miami run game was putrid and uncreative, especially for a Shanahan disciple. Miami’s defense didn’t even play badly either, the offense was truly so bad that they lost the game by giving up 7 points to the Patriots defense. 

Playing well for most of the season, the Jets’ defense had an off-game on their trip up to Seattle last week, surrendering 23 points in a 23-6 rout. To be fair, the Jets’ offense was putrid, largely due to Mike White’s two interceptions. Although the Miami defense may pose some challenges on the Jets’ quick trip to South Florida, the Jets’ defense has the pleasure of facing off against Skylar Thompson again. In the Jets’ October game against the Thompson and the Dolphins this year, the defense racked up a safety, an interception, a fumble recovery, two sacks, and 16 hits in an absolute defensive showcase over the aqua and orange. Can Thomspon show signs of growth here or will he be the personification of the Dolphins’ epic collapse this season against this defense?

This one is too tough to call on the pick-em. I feel much more confident on the under in this game at 38.5. With how low the under is, this is good tease territory to buy up a few points and take the points with whatever side you feel more confident in. I don’t expect any time to get out to more than a 7-10 point lead at most, and can reasonably assume this game will finish within a field-goal. 

Pick: Under 38.5

Betting Trends

Jets are 9-21 ATS in their last 30 vs. AFC East

Dolphins are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. AFC East

Key Injuries

Dolphins:

-CB E. Rowe (Q)

-CB B. Jones (O)

-LT T. Armstead (D)

-RB J .Wilson (Q)

-QB T. Tagovailoa (O)

Jets:

-QB M. White (O)

Key Matchup

Joe Flacco versus Dolphins Secondary 

While the Dolphins’ secondary was once revered with corner Xavien Howard at the top of his game, this is no longer the case. Howard is nowhere near the same caliber player he is relied on to be and to make matters worse, S Brandon Jones is out, Byron Jones hasn’t seen the field once, and star FS Jevon Holland is banged up. But despite this unit’s ineptitudes this season, they have one last shot to prove their worth, and facing Joe Flacco, they will have their best chance yet.

Jets Depth Chart

QB: Joe Flacco
RB1: Zonovan Knight
RB2: Michael Carter
LWR: Corey Davis
RWR: Braxton Berrios
SWR: Elijah Moore
TE1: CJ Uzomah

Dolphins Depth Chart

QB: Skylar Thompson
RB1: Raheem Mostert
RB2: Jeff Wilson
LWR: Jaylen Waddle
RWR: Tyreek Hill
SWR: Cedrick Wilson
TE1: Mike Gesicki