New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins, Week 12 preview: What you need to know

Sam Darnold and the New York Jets welcome in Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Miami Dolphins for a Week 12 contest at MetLife Stadium.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—The New York Jets‘ greatest rivalry is back for the second time this season, and yet again, Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the man quarterbacking the Miami Dolphins. (And yes, the Dolphins are still the Jets’ greatest rivals despite the past two decades involving the New England Patriots.)

Where, When, All-Time

• New York Jets (0-10)
• Miami Dolphins (6-4)
• NFL, Week 12, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
• MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

New York has shown life over the last two weeks. First, the team nearly beat Bill Belichick’s Patriots on Monday Night Football. Then, a second-half explosion allowed them to scare the Chargers in Los Angeles—the Jets’ first game in L.A. since 1993.

Suddenly, however, Sam Darnold is back. The oft-injured quarterback who’s missed four games this season will return after reinjuring his shoulder against the Kansas City Chiefs. How that impacts the Jets’ recent offensive run will go a long way in determining this one.

The Jets hold a slim 55-54-1 lead over the Dolphins in the all-time series and need a victory to split the season series in 2020.

Miami round two coming up.#MIAvsNYJ | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/XgoSGpCzr2

— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 28, 2020

The Jets will wear their home green tops with white pants.

Staple combo for Week 12.@QuinnenWilliams | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/RvvY8pyQhb

— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 28, 2020

Odds (Sportsbook)

• Money line: Dolphins -320 | Jets +260
• Spread: Dolphins -7 (-110) | Jets +7 (-110)
• Over/Under: 44.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

Interestingly, the point spread is at seven in favor of Miami. Under normal circumstances, the home team is given around three points for scenery. Perhaps it’s the Jets’ recent offensive play that’s cut the spread to seven instead of the usual double digits we’ve seen all season.

Injury Report

The previously-mentioned Darnold is back, which means Joe Flacco takes a seat. The Jets’ greatest concern comes on the right side of the offensive line where Conor McDermott is expected to make the start.

George Fant and Chuma Edoga are both expected to miss the game. Fant is dealing with an ankle/knee issue sustained last week in Los Angeles, while Edoga is dealing with an ankle. Unless Edoga can make a miraculous last-moment recovery, expect McDermott to man down the right side.

Elsewhere, inside linebacker Patrick Onwuasor will be out with a hamstring and Blake Cashman is questionable with a hamstring as well.

Miami enters the contest a bit banged up. Rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa—who played poorly in his team’s loss to the Denver Broncos last week—was downgraded to doubtful on Saturday. That means it’s FitzMagic time in the swamps of Northern New Jersey at least one more time.

Running back Salvon Ahmed (shoulder) and defensive end Solomon Kindley (foot) will miss the game.

Keys to the Game

Take chunks early

Darnold’s presence means Brian Flores is likely to play extremely aggressive early. This means press across the board with a single-high look, plenty of heavy rushes and even zero-blitzes thrown in the mix. (It’s doubtful Flores will be scared off until the Jets beat him first.)

Darnold must take chunks from Miami’s defense early. Force them to adjust and go from there. Thanks to the quarterback change, the Jets offense will face the same sort of disrespectful pressure looks they faced all year long until they got Denzel Mims in the mix.

Trust Bryce Hall

Bryce Hall put forth a tremendous NFL starting debut last week in L.A. More important than athleticism, Hall showcased situational awareness and smarts against a loaded Chargers receiver group.

If Gregg Williams trusts the rookie in big spots, he has extra flexibility that would allow him to play with Ashtyn Davis and Marcus Maye. Considering Fitzpatrick’s arm isn’t exactly Jeff George-like, it might be wise to see if Fitz can beat Hall on a routine basis in one-on-one situations.

Prediction

• New York Jets 23, Miami Dolphins 24

The Jets cover but the Dolphins ultimately win in the end. We’ll roll with the Jets’ final offensive possession ending in an unfortunate interception to cap the game.