Dolphins (5-7) at Jets (3-9), Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
Latest line: Dolphins are favored by 2 1/2 points
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 4-8): Dolphins 24, Jets 17
No reason the Dolphins can’t make it five out of six in the Meadowlands. Since the Dolphins’ win early this season, the Jets have traded away their best defenders and elevated Tyrod Taylor to starting quarterback out of necessity. While the playoffs remain a real longshot, there’s no reason the streaking Dolphins don’t win this one for their fourth straight win.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 7-5): Dolphins 21, Jets 17
The Dolphins will rely on their new formula — running the ball with De’Von Achane and forcing late-game turnovers on defense — to win this one. Most likely it won’t be pretty. This is a December road game against a division opponent, meaning it’s a team that knows your tendencies very well. Still, it’d be a huge disappointment if the Dolphins don’t ultimately prevail.
David Furones, Dolphins Writer (Season record: 5-7): Dolphins 20, Jets 17
Again, not a lot of points, as the Dolphins have been winning of late behind their defense and run game. Jaylen Waddle is due to get back in the end zone. Maybe Darren Waller too, after he scored twice in the first meeting between these teams. Miami comes away with a season sweep, and keeps hoping for help around the league before going into “Monday Night Football” against the Steelers at 6-7.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record: 5-7): Jets 24, Dolphins 20
The Dolphins in December in New York? OK, it’s New Jersey and, obviously, the 3-9 Jets are not too scary, but this Dolphins team winning a fourth consecutive game seems like asking lightning to strike twice (or four times?) in the same place. Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa did not look up to the task last week in win over Saints, and Jets are feeling confident after home win against Falcons.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 9-3): Dolphins 23, Jets 20
Tua Tagovailoa is having his worst season under coach Mike McDaniel, including last week’s dismal perfromance against the Saints. He leads the league in interceptions and takes way too many sacks. But Miami’s string of weak opponents continues against the Jets, and the surging Dolphins will lean on De’Von Achane once again to carry the load. The Jets certainly will play hard, but may be hard-pressed to pull out a win in what likely will be a low-scoring game.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 5-7): Jets 23, Dolphins 19
The Jets have won their past two home games, and have former Dolphins killer Tyrod Taylor taking the snaps at quarterback. Meanwhile, for the first time in his career, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who leads the NFL with 15 turnovers, has thrown for fewer than 175 yards in three consecutive games. Worse, over the past seven games, Tagovailoa has a woeful passer rating of 74.4, and it isn’t like he can use his legs to make a play when his passing game is suffering, with only one rushing first down in his past 19 starts.
