New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins spread, odds
- New York Jets: +2.5
- Miami Dolphins: -2.5
All odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
The New York Jets open as slight road underdogs to the struggling Miami Dolphins. After starting the season 8-3 and at the top of the AFC East, the Dolphins have lost 5 straight and are on the brink of missing the playoffs.
The Jets are not in any better shape. After losing to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17, New York has been eliminated from the playoffs for the 12th consecutive season. Similar to the Dolphins, the Jets have also lost five in a row and erased a promising start to the season.
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins moneyline
- New York Jets: +118
- Miami Dolphins: -138
This game is a battle between two teams who tarnished encouraging starts to the regular season. The Dolphins were once 8-3 while the Jets were 7-4, as both felt like locks for playoff spots.
The Dolphins’ defense has been struggling all season, even after they traded for Bradley Chubb. They give up 24.6 points per game which ranks 26th in the NFL. Despite the Dolphins’ struggles on defense, I would give them the edge over the sluggish Jets’ offense.
With the Dolphins still having a shot at the playoffs entering Week 18, I think Miami will end up winning this one. Just based on the Dolphins’ added motivation and the Jets not winning in Miami since 2014, it seems like the Jets are in for another loss.
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins over-under
- New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins over-under: 39.5
- Over: -110
- Under: -110
My initial reaction to this total is this game will most likely stay under the total. With uncertainty at quarterback on both sides, I do not see many points in this game. Tua Tagovailoa suffered another concussion in their Week 16 loss to the Packers and while he has not been ruled out, I would be surprised if he plays.
It feels like the Jets’ defense has gotten worse as the season has gone on, especially in the past few weeks. But I think the Jets will be able to slow them down regardless of who is under center for Miami.
The Jets’ offense has been very stagnant for weeks now. They have only scored four touchdowns in their last five games and have not scored a touchdown in the last two contests. Their struggles on the opposing team’s side of the 50-yard line are glaring and they seem to have no answers on how to correct this.
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins injuries
Denzel Mims (concussion) and Jeff Smith (knee) missed the game in Seattle after not practicing all week. Vinny Curry’s (elbow) and Nate Herbig’s (ankle) status for Sunday remains unknown. Lamarcus Joyner started against Seattle but left the game with a hip injury and is out.
The Dolphins are pretty banged up entering Week 18. Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), Erik Ezukanma, Terron Armstead, Tanner Connor, and Eric Fisher all missed last week on offense. Head coach Mike McDaniel has already ruled out Tagovailoa, although it is unclear whether Teddy Bridgewater or Skylar Thompson will start. Mid-season acquisition Bradley Chubb and Xavien Howard were both inactive on Sunday on defense.
