Dolphins (0-3) vs. Jets (0-3), Monday, 7:15 p.m., ESPN
Latest line: Dolphins are favored by 2 1/2 points
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 1-2): Dolphins 21, Jets 17
The 0-3 Dolphins have to beat the 0-3 Jets, don’t they? The Jets are rebuilding without a quarterback (no matter who starts) and the Dolphins are home. For all the statistical analysis and matchup issues, those overriding ideas should carry the night and give Miami its first victory.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 1-2): Dolphins 24, Jets 21
I’m predicting the Dolphins will score three touchdowns for the second consecutive week. I’m unsure whether the Dolphins’ front seven, run defense, special teams or deep passing game comes through. But I’m fairly confident the Dolphins will win. However, the Dolphins are 3-11 in prime-time games under Mike McDaniel. A loss certainly will once again stir up calls for McDaniel to be fired.
David Furones, Dolphins Writer (Season record: 1-2): Dolphins 27, Jets 20
The Dolphins can’t really start 0-4 with three losses in the division, including two at home to the weaker of the AFC East foes, right? I think the positive signs shown in last week’s hard-fought loss at the Buffalo Bills on a short week, plus the extra rest to face the also-winless Jets at Hard Rock Stadium, should lift this team to its first victory. Miami needs to focus on the run game, let that open things up for the pass and, defensively, finally force a turnover or two.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record: 1-2): Dolphins 23, Jets 20
It’s the Jets. It will still feel grossly hot in Hard Rock Stadium at game time Monday night. The Dolphins have to win sometime. New York’s QB situation is unsettled after Justin Fields’ concussion in Week 2. However, the Jets (allowing an average of 31 points) have an edge over the Dolphins (32.3 points) in the battle of disappointing defenses. Maybe the struggling NY defense will help Tua Tagovailoa solve his interception issues.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 3-0): Dolphins 24, Jets 20
Jets quarterback Justin Fields, who spent the past week in concussion protocol, could play. With him, the Jets will have a shot to upset the Dolphins in a battle of 0-3 teams. Missed tackles plagued the Jets in last week’s hard-fought loss at Tampa Bay. The Dolphins, who are coming off a close game against the Bills last Thursday night, had 11 days to prepare for the Jets. Miami has won nine straight home games against the Jets. The Dolphins will once again emphasize the run game and should pull out a win if Tua Tagovailoa can eliminate the turnovers.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 1-2): Dolphins 23, Jets 17
It seems iffy that Justin Fields will suit up for the Jets. If Tyrod Taylor starts, that gives the Dolphins a bit of an edge. From 2015-17, while with the Bills, Taylor was a certified Dolphins destroyer, with a 3-year run where he went 4-2 with a 113.8 passer rating and 228 rushing yards on 44 carries with two touchdowns. But those days seem long ago. Perhaps more concerning for Miami is the prime-time performance of Tua Tagovailoa in his four previous home starts under the lights, where he has gone 1-3 with a 75.7 passer rating and 15.0 offensive points per game. The Dolphins get a break with Jets standout linebacker Quincy Williams missing the game.
