NFL Predictions: Dolphins vs. Jets Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Monday, 17 October 2011 19:05

It’s time for a preview and NFL predictions in the Monday Night Football game between the Jets and Dolphins.

The Miami Dolphins (0-4) will be looking for their first win of the season, while the New York Jets (2-3) are just looking to rebound after 3 straight losses.  Only one team will get their wish granted in this weekend’s Monday Night Football game, and our preview and final score predictions will try to let you know what to expect.  Start time is set for 8:30 PM ET and the Dolphins vs. Jets game can be seen on ESPN.

New York is the home team tonight and Legends Sportsbook has made the Jets a 7-point favorite against the Dolphins.  Miami has won outright in 3 of the last 4 against the Jets, including 3 straight wins in New York as underdogs.  The road team has covered the odds in 7 of the last 9 head-to-head meetings between these teams.

Miami’s disastrous start to the season doesn’t figure to become any easier now that starting quarterback Chad Henne is done for the year after separating his shoulder.  Matt Moore steps in and he’ll get some help from a rushing attack that is averaging 115.2 yards per game.  The Jets’ defense has been a disappointment this season and is allowing 25.0 points per game.  Miami has the offensive balance to put some points on the board tonight, but it all depends on whether Moore can handle the pressure on the road.

The Jets have center Nick Mangold (ankle) listed as probable for Monday Night Football, and that is great news for a New York squad that has been poor on the offensive line this year.  Quarterback Mark Sanchez (1171 yards, 56.4%, 8 TD, 5 INT) deserves some of the blame, but the lack of a rushing attack is a bigger problem.  New York is averaging just 76.2 rushing yards a game and will receive a big boost in production if Mangold can shore up the line.  Miami’s defense is giving up 26.0 points per game while allowing 307.0 passing yards each time out.

Bet on the Dolphins vs. Jets game at Legends Sportsbook and receive a 25% cash bonus on top of your first deposit!

The teams that have done well against the Jets have been able to pound the ball with the running game, and I don’t believe that Miami fits the mold.  They aren’t horrible in that area by any means, but New York can bring up extra pressure to stop the rush with Moore not scaring anyone in the passing attack.  The Jets should start to run the ball well and I think Sanchez can catch the Dolphins with some play action once the run is established.  New York is too strong at home, and it is going to take a monster effort from Moore to keep Miami in the game.  I don’t see that happening.

Dolphins vs. Jets Score Predictions:

Dolphins 13

Jets 23