Dolphins (

20.25) at
Jets (

19.25)

GAME Overview ::

By MIKE JOHNSON >>

• Miami needs to win this game and hope for a Denver loss in order to make the playoffs.
• The Dolphins are preparing as though QB Tua Tagovailoa will miss his second consecutive game, leaving Tyler Huntley under center.
• Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle has had limited practices this week after missing the last two games with a knee injury.
• This is almost certainly the last game in New York for QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Davante Adams, and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.

HOW MIAMI WILL TRY TO WIN ::

The Dolphins are preparing for another game with Tyler Huntley under center, as QB Tua Tagovailoa is expected to miss the second consecutive week with a hip injury. Miami needs a victory along with a Broncos loss against the Chiefs backups in order to make the playoffs, while a win would also secure head coach Mike McDaniel’s third straight winning season. Last week against the Browns in ugly weather, the Dolphins had a conservative and run-heavy game plan that played to Huntley’s strengths and utilized his legs. Miami had 26 pass attempts while running the ball 27 times last week and mixed up its backfield more than in recent weeks, rotating four different players while dynamic RB De’Von Achane played on only 53% of the snaps and had a season-low 12 opportunities. Achane’s skill set is utilized primarily in space and fits Tua’s game perfectly, while last week called for a more traditional “power” running game which, along with the lack of threat from the Browns, left Achane as more of a luxury than a necessity.

This week against the Jets, there is likely to be a bigger offensive threat from the other side, which will force Miami to be a bit more aggressive. The team may also be getting Waddle back, and that would help some with their explosiveness and ability to stretch the field both horizontally and vertically. Huntley’s ability to run the ball and the fact that he does not process or get rid of the ball as quickly as Tua changes things a bit for the passing game. Expect the Dolphins to once again use a run-heavy approach against a Jets defense that has struggled against the run all season and their passing game to be relatively straightforward concepts with a couple of straightforward reads for Huntley and then the option for him to make plays outside of structure. Tyreek Hill had a big game despite the poor game environment last week, with over 100 receiving yards for only the third time this season. Hill benefited from the Dolphins’ approach last week as his first-read target rate was high and the team kept more players in to block against a tough Browns front. If Huntley is under center again and Waddle is unable to return, Hill could have another big day on the horizon as the Jets’ defense is shutting key players down and didn’t show a ton of effort in last week’s loss to the Bills.

How NEW YORK Will Try To Win ::