Our New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins prediction takes a look at the Week 18 matchup that features a strong AFC East rivalry. Let’s dive into the current NFL betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Monday, Jan. 2.
Jets vs. Dolphins Odds
- Spread
Dolphins -2.5 - Moneyline
Dolphins -140, Jets +120 - Over/Under
40.5 points
Jets vs. Dolphins Prediction
The Jets controlled their own destiny for making the NFL postseason just a few short weeks ago, but they’ve now lost five straight games and have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Injuries and QB struggles have plagued this team in 2022, and they simply were not able to overcome them in time to end the NFL’s longest ongoing playoff drought. It’s been 12 years since the Jets have played in a postseason game, and they’ll have plenty of issues to sort through and fix this offseason if they hope to end that in 2023.
While New York will need to find a way to stay healthy and replenish some key position groups with new and young talent this offseason, addressing QB is the biggest task Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh have over the next several months.
Zach Wilson has been a massive bust considering the expectations when New York selected him with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. Wilson’s struggled to execute the finer aspects of the position, and he’s found himself benched and/or inactive multiple times this season.
This roster is ready to compete down the line — provided they can stay healthy — but the Jets need to solve the QB conundrum. All eyes will be on this front office as the NFL offseason moves forward.
As for the Dolphins, they’ve encountered a string of bad luck in recent weeks and now find themselves with a chance to secure a playoff spot but potentially not enough manpower to get the job done.
Injuries have hit Miami hard recently, especially at the QB position. Tua Tagovailoa has found himself in the concussion protocol for the third time already this season, and Teddy Bridgewater suffered a dislocated pinky on his throwing hand in Week 17.
This likely means that Skylar Thompson is set to be the Dolphins’ starting QB in Week 18 against a vaunted Jets defense in a scenario where Miami can make the postseason.
All the Dolphins need to secure the No. 7 seed in the AFC is a victory over the Jets and a New England loss to Buffalo. But will they be able to do enough on offense to secure the victory?
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Thompson’s struggled when he’s been called upon this season, and it’s highly unlikely that either Tua or Teddy make it back in time for this crucial matchup. The key to winning this matchup for Miami rests on Thompson getting the ball out of his hands quickly and letting the Miami playmakers create.
If Tua or Teddy can return to the lineup in the Wild Card round, Miami could potentially make some noise this postseason.
Jets vs. Dolphins Score Prediction
Dolphins 23, Jets 18