The 3-9 New York Jets can’t seem to screw anything up for anyone but themselves. But this week, the “Gang Green” will have a chance to extinguish the playoff hopes of one of its fiercest and longest-standing rivals in the AFC East.
The Miami Dolphins still have a chance to clinch an AFC Wild Card berth, even with a 5-7 record. Miami would probably need to win out starting this week to have a legitimate shot at getting into the postseason field.
The Jets are dealing with two major injuries that reduce their chances of winning. We offer the best bets to keep in mind for this matchup between two teams and fan bases that haven’t had real success in decades, but always turn up the heat when they meet.
Jets vs Dolphins predictions and best bets for NFL Week 14
Note: The odds are based on the best value found by our experts as of publication; check the lines closer to game time to make sure you get the best odds.
Breece Hall (knee) and Sauce Gardner (hamstring) are questionable for Sunday’s game, but the spread is still too big for this divisional matchup. I don’t expect the Jets to win, but they can cover.
New York’s pass defense may be without Gardner, but it has underperformed this season. The Jets have yet to allow an NFL-low nine TDs, and Miami’s top pass catchers aren’t living up to expectations.
In fact, this may turn out to be a lower-scoring game as the Jets continue to perform respectably on defense without generating much on offense. Aaron Rodgers is clearly a much less effective replica of the player he was. New York scored two offensive TDs last week based mostly on Seattle mistakes.
Miami was held to 17 points in a loss at Green Bay last week. The Dolphins still have the playmakers to score well enough above that margin, but I don’t project the Jets to be able to muster enough offense to push the points beyond the projected total.
Allen should be a key to the Jets staying in the game. In a primary RB role, he can get into a rhythm and help New York control the clock while showing off his cap-breaking skills. His potential for extra yards gave Jets fans some brief glimpses of excitement early in the preseason and early in the regular season.
Dolphins vs. Money Line Odds Analysis jets
Why Miami could win as a favorite
Best Odds: -267 at Caesars Sportsbook
New York ranks 20th in rushing yards allowed to RBs, so De’Von Achane could be the key to a Dolphins win. He has 602 scrimmage yards (100.3 per game) and six TDs in six home games this season.
Without Gardner in the game, there may be more upside for Tyreek Hill this week. He finished with 102 receiving yards and a TD in his last matchup with the Jets. Jaylen Waddle also enjoys seeing the green and white, as he had over 110 receiving yards in his last two games against New York.
Jonnu Smith is coming off a run game and could be a big factor if the Jets limit Miami’s WRs. He’s coming off a career-high in Week 13, as he finished with 10 receptions for 113 yards. However, the biggest statistic to consider when betting on Miami? Tua Tagovailoa has won all four of his career with the Jets.
Why the New York Jets could win as underdogs
Best Odds: +210 to Fanatics Sportsbook
Miami has allowed 11 rushing TDs to RBs in 12 games this season. Allen will be a good candidate to finish off a scoring campaign for New York, as well as being able to post quality yardage totals. His anytime TD odds are at -125.
A good running game can ease the pressure on Rodgers. He has passed for 2+ TDs in four of his last five games. New York needs to start Garrett Wilson, and he finished with more than 100 yards in his last two games against division opponents. Davante Adams (five receptions, 66 yards and a TD in Week 13) remains a reliable target in key trades.
The Jets simply need to limit mistakes and show good offensive balance to cover the spread and have a chance to surprise on the money line. Quinnen Williams will lead the charge on defense and can be a pivotal player. He has a streak of one loss in his last five games.