NFL Predictions – Jets And Dolphins Battle For AFC East Leverage

The Miami Dolphins lead the AFC East. The New York Jets want to tie for the division lead. They’ll get their chance to do just that this Sunday night. Here’s a preview and some NFL predictions.

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins
Sunday, September 26th – 8:20 PM ET
Sun Life Stadium, Miami
Broadcast: NBC
Odds: Jets +2, Dolphins -2
Total: 35

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There isn’t a dull moment to be had with the New York Jets this season. The most talked-about team in the NFL managed to rebound in week two against its bitter AFC East rival, the New England Patriots. The Jets looked very strong in a 28-14 victory over the Pats, just six days after a terrible showing in a 10-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. In that debacle against the Ravens, New York quarterback Mark Sanchez threw for just 74 yards, and when one accounts for the 14 yards the Jets lost due to sacks in that game, New York produced just 60 net passing yards in that contest. Panic filled the New York tabloids and the talk-radio circuit. A number of people were jumping off the Jets’ ship after one week.

The week-two outing for Sanchez and the rest of the Jets’ offense was decidedly better, to say the least, and it immediately calmed the raging fears that were beginning to surround a team playing in America’s top media market. Sanchez simply outclassed the great Tom Brady on Sept. 19. The final stat line – 21-of-30, 220 yards, three touchdowns, no picks – restored confidence throughout the Jets’ locker room. Now, Sanchez needs to bring that level of quality to a road game against another division rival.

NFL Predictions: What The Jets Have To Do To Win

For New York, the calculus isn’t complicated. Miami’s offense has scored just two touchdowns in its first two games. The Dolphins have won entirely with their defense in 2010: Miami’s “D” scored a safety at Buffalo in week one and scooped up a fumble for a touchdown in week two at Minnesota. Quarterback Chad Henne and the rest of the Dolphins’ offense have produced a total of just 20 points in two games. Given this reality, the Jets – who have an elite defense – need to make sure that they don’t give away turnovers to the Phins. Sanchez – who is an up-and-down quarterback, remember; he went 9-7 during the regular season last year and looked horrible on many occasions – has to grow into his position and display the consistency that was missing last year. A steady, workmanlike effort from Sanchez will put New York in good shape on Sunday night.

NFL Predictions: What The Dolphins Have To Do To Win

New York is banged up on defense. Darrelle Revis pulled a hamstring against New England and will probably have a tough time playing in this contest. Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins is out for the year, and defensive end Jason Taylor was also injured against New England. Chad Henne – who has an NFL arm – needs to exploit the absence of “Revis Island” and hit big plays in the passing game. The Jets’ pass-rushing ability is diminished with Taylor’s poor health, so this must be the game when Miami takes advantage of New York’s depleted defense.

Outlook & NFL Predictions

There’s a reason the spread is just one point: No one knows what’s going to happen in this game. At this point in Chad Henne’s career, though, one wonders if he’s ready to take on Rex Ryan’s blitz packages and other delights. The feeling here is that Sanchez will protect the ball better than Henne will. In what essentially amounts to a “pick ‘em” game, take the Jets.

NFL Predictions: Jets +2