Dolphins look to keep the Jets in the AFCE cellar
The Miami Dolphins enter Week 14 facing a familiar opponent in an unfamiliar situation: a must-win game against the New York Jets. In a season where every remaining outcome feels like a referendum on the franchise itself, Miami’s ‘playoff hopes’ hang by the smallest thread imaginable…against the Jest.
What makes the situation worse: the Patriots are locked to either win the division or finish 2nd…
…And the Phins, who haven’t won a playoff game in a quarter of a century, are scrapping it out for 3rd place with the Jets, who haven’t been to the postseason since 2010.
Ouch!
2025 Miami Dolphins Season, the gift that keeps giving!
Jets won’t be an easy out
The Jets don’t have one of the league’s most disruptive defenses like they used to have. But for a Dolphins offense that has struggled with rhythm and consistency, especially through the air, the challenge is obvious: win at the line of scrimmage, protect the football, and lean on the players who are actually producing. That means McDaniel needs to dial up a heavy dose of De’Von Achane, who continues to be Miami’s spark plug, big-play machine, and stabilizer when the passing game falters.
Over the last three weeks, the Dolphins are #1 in the league in rushing with 170 yards per game and the Jets are only 21st with 109 yards per game. Clearly, this should be the focus point for the victory. The Jets have ranked 14th in run defense over that time, an improved from early in the season. Still, you can bet with the best pay per head that Mike McDaniel has all the tools needed to ride the run game enough to keep our defense fresh, theirs tired, and leave New York with the win.
New York doesn’t have a good offense
The Jets’ offensive shortcomings are no secret. Their quarterback situation is shaky with Tyrod Taylor starting, and this gives Miami’s defense an opportunity — and a responsibility. If the Dolphins’ front can win early downs and force New York into long passing situations, they can tilt the field, shorten drives, and keep the burden off a Miami offense that doesn’t need extra pressure.
Over the last three weeks, the Phins defense is 3rd best in the league allowing only 14 points per game and the Jets 24th, letting up almost 25 points per game. That is a huge 11-point swing. So, if the Phins 1st ranked run attack and 3rd ranked defense in points allowed hold to form, then they’ll move to 6-7 and on the season.
I don’t think a win will launch Miami to the post season, but it sure will keep the Jets at the bottom of the AFC East….
...And we Dolphins’ fans have to find our wins where we can get them.
Go Phins!!!