Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (5-7) and New York Jets (3-9) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 14 game at MetLife Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):
**When the Dolphins Run**
Miami’s success heavily depends on its run game. During a stretch of four wins in five games, the Dolphins have rushed for at least 141 yards in each victory, including at least 164 yards during their current three-game winning streak. Running back De’Von Achane is having a stellar season, posting multiple 100-yard performances and surpassing 1,000 yards on the year. Rookie Ollie Gordon II and second-year back Jaylen Wright are now being used sparingly behind him.
The return of right tackle Austin Jackson to the lineup for the first time since Week 1 has added more tenacity to the run game, especially along his side. Right guard Cole Strange may have delivered his best game with the Dolphins in the recent win against the New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, center Aaron Brewer and left tackle Patrick Paul continue to perform steadily. Additionally, using Daniel Brunskill as a sixth offensive lineman adds a new element the Jets didn’t see in their first meeting.
On the defensive side, New York’s run defense is tied for 25th in the league and no longer has Quinnen Williams up front following his trade to the Dallas Cowboys. Miami rushed for 123 yards against the Jets earlier this season and is expected to do even more this time, especially with this being Miami’s first cold-weather game of the year.
**Edge: Dolphins**
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**When the Jets Run**
The Dolphins’ run defense has fluctuated in effectiveness recently. They successfully stifled the run in wins over the Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, and New Orleans Saints. However, in their last meeting with the Jets, Miami gave up 197 rushing yards but forced three fumble recoveries.
Jets running back Breece Hall remains on the roster following the trade deadline and has amassed 834 rushing yards this season with an average of 4.5 yards per carry. This time around, Tyrod Taylor will start at quarterback for New York instead of Justin Fields. While Taylor presents a running threat, it’s not quite at the level Fields offers.
New York’s rushing offense ranks seventh overall and faces off against Miami’s 29th-ranked run defense, which, as noted, has improved somewhat in recent weeks. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks leads the NFL with 137 tackles, though questions remain about whether he’s compensating for teammates being out of position or missed tackles, as well as the defensive line’s ability to keep blockers off him.
**Edge: Jets**
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**When the Dolphins Pass**
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa aims to bounce back from a rough outing against the Saints, where he completed 12 of 23 passes for 157 yards with one interception and showed inconsistency in accuracy. Tagovailoa has thrown 14 interceptions this season, tying him for the league lead.
In their last clash with the Jets— the game that saw Tyreek Hill lost for the season—tight end Darren Waller made his Miami debut, scoring two touchdowns. Now in his second game back from a pectoral injury that cost him four games, Waller will be a key target.
New York’s 10th-ranked pass defense, which is now without cornerback Sauce Gardner, is expected to shift coverages to focus on Waller and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Interestingly, the Jets have yet to intercept a pass this season, meaning someone’s coverage will have to break.
Will McDonald leads the Jets pass rush with seven sacks. Alongside edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, they pose a threat to Miami’s offensive line. Right tackle Austin Jackson has returned to protect Tagovailoa’s blind side, shaking off some rust in pass protection against New Orleans. However, Tagovailoa was still sacked four times in that game, partly due to coverage breakdowns.
**Edge: Jets**
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**When the Jets Pass**
The Dolphins faced Justin Fields last time but will contend with Tyrod Taylor at quarterback for the Jets on Sunday. Taylor is 1-2 in three starts this season, completing 60.8 percent of his passes for 773 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions. Against the Falcons last Sunday, he completed 19 of 32 passes for 172 yards and one touchdown.
Top Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is on injured reserve, but Adonai Mitchell—acquired in a trade with the Colts—had a breakout game last Sunday with eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. He is expected to be a focal point for Dolphins cornerbacks Jack Jones and Rasul Douglas, depending on which side he lines up. Both Jones and Douglas recorded their first interceptions as Dolphins in the past two games.
Breece Hall will need to be accounted for out of the backfield, along with rookie tight end Mason Taylor, son of Dolphins great Jason Taylor, who had five catches for 65 yards in their first matchup.
Miami’s pass rush is gaining momentum with Chop Robinson, who recorded 1.5 sacks against the Saints in just his first start of the season and second career start. Robinson and Bradley Chubb could exploit the Jets’ young first-round tackles, Olu Fashanu on the left side and Armand Membou at right tackle, both still developing.
**Edge: Dolphins**
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**Special Teams**
Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson continues to perform reliably, and punter Jake Bailey ranks among the league’s best this season. Returner Malik Washington is also solid. However, Miami’s last notable special teams moment was surrendering an onside kick.
The Jets have returned two kicks for touchdowns this season. Kicker Nick Folk has been reliable, missing only one kick and delivering the game-winner against the Falcons. New York also blocked a field goal earlier this season.
**Edge: Even**
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**Intangibles**
Miami enters this game on a three-game winning streak, still clinging to slim playoff hopes. However, this matchup takes place at the site where Miami’s 2024 season was dramatically altered. Players returning to MetLife Stadium should remember that.
The forecast calls for temperatures below 40 degrees — a cold-weather environment Miami has yet to face this season. The Jets, despite trading away some top players, continue to play hard.
**Edge: Dolphins**
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**Prediction:** Dolphins 20, Jets 17
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/03/who-has-the-edge-dolphins-at-jets-to-extend-win-streak-to-4-and-sweep-rival/