Next week, the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets will rekindle their storied AFC East rivalry when they meet for the first of two regular-season meetings in Gotham.
Mike McDaniel and the surprising Dolphins will visit New York at MetLife Stadium in Week 5 (1:00 p.m. EST). This will also mark the second start of 2022 for Jets sophomore quarterback Zach Wilson, who is slated to debut on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday (1:00 p.m. EST).
The No. 2 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft missed New York’s first three games of the 2021 season with a knee injury that required surgery. The Jets went 1-2 with backup Joe Flacco starting, though it would have been a disastrous 0-3 start to the year if not for a miraculous comeback against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.
The FanDuel Sportsbook is available in New York, having launched in the state back in January. The app is offering new customers in The Empire State a risk-free wager of up to $1,000 upon registration. You can place a variety of different bets through FanDuel New York, including moneylines, futures, parlays, props over/under totals and more.
At FanDuel, the Jets have the lowest odds of winning the AFC East at +5500. Rookie cornerback Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner has the sixth-best odds of winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award at +1600; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is the early favorite at +300.
Dolphins & Jets: Two AFC East Clubs Heading Into Different Directions
Both the Dolphins and the Jets were among the busiest teams this offseason, as Miami GM Chris Grier and New York GM Joe Douglas went great lengths to improve the rosters around their young quarterbacks.
Miami focused on the offensive side of the ball, hiring former 49ers offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel as their head coach. Grier made a giant splash by acquiring Pro Bowl wide receiver Tyreek Hill in a trade for the Miami Dolphins, before signing the speedster to a four-year, $120 million extension.
Grier also signed former Dallas Cowboys wideout Cedrick Wilson Jr., standout offensive linemen Terron Armstead and Connor Williams as well as running backs Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert.
The moves have paid major dividends so far. Tua Tagovailoa is enjoying an MVP-like year with Hill and Jaylen Waddle forming the league’s best-receiving duo, and Miami’s defense is still making the necessary big plays on a weekly basis.
Miami’s Week 3 win over the Buffalo Bills was a sign that the ‘Phins need to be taken seriously as a contender. The AFC is wide open this year, so why can’t McDaniel’s squad go on a deep run come January?
The Jets are still building for the long-term future, but it’s understandable if fans are frustrated by the lack of progress. Rookies in Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson have been excellent in the early going, but the ground game has played below expectations, and the rebuilt defense is yet again among football’s worst through three weeks.
No, the Jets weren’t expected to be a playoff contender this year. But with Zach Wilson back in action, the Jets are now out of excuses. It’s time for the Jets to get going on both sides of the ball, and to show the fans that this will be a year of progress.
Another season of five wins or less just won’t cut it.
Week 5 Prediction: Dolphins Beat Jets 34-17
The term “trap game” is often applied for division showdowns for a reason. This Week 5 meeting at MetLife Stadium is by no means a cakewalk for the Dolphins, but they’ll still be the considerable favorites for this showdown.
Miami swept the season series against New York in both 2020 and 2021. And Miami’s offense wasn’t exactly a juggernaut in either of those years. They’re now among the best with Tagovailoa, Hill and Waddle leading the way.
Gardner should be able to limit the production of whichever receiver he goes up against, but the Jets don’t have enough playmakers to contain all of Miami’s weapons. Also, Pro Bowl corner Xavien Howard is more than capable of shutting down Garrett Wilson.
Miami is simply better on both sides of the ball, and the Jets just won’t be able to keep up throughout the course of 60 minutes. Look for Miami to win by double-digit points.
