The Miami Dolphins visit the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 4:25 PM ET. Miami looks to secure a playoff spot with a win and some help, while the Jets aim to play spoiler in their final game of the season. The Dolphins won their earlier matchup in overtime, 32-26, on December 8 in Miami.
Miami (8-8) enters this matchup on a two-game win streak but will again be without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa due to a hip injury. New York (4-12) has endured a disappointing season and faces questions about their future, including whether Aaron Rodgers will return next year.
Dolphins Preview – One Win Away from the Playoffs
The Dolphins need a victory over the Jets and a loss by the Denver Broncos to secure the AFC’s final playoff spot. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will make his second straight start. He played efficiently in a 20-3 win over Cleveland last week, completing 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards and accounting for two touchdowns.
Miami’s offense relies on its dynamic receiving duo of Tyreek Hill (wrist, questionable) and Jaylen Waddle (knee, questionable). Hill leads the team with 1,448 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. The Dolphins’ rushing attack has been less effective, averaging just 103.8 yards per game, ranking 24th in the league.
Defensively, the Dolphins have been solid, allowing 324.9 yards per game, good for 18th in the league. Key injuries, including safety Jordan Poyer (knee) and linebacker Anthony Walker (knee), could weaken their ability to contain the Jets’ offense.
Jets Preview – Closing Out a Tough Season
The Jets aim to finish their season on a high note after a challenging year. Aaron Rodgers, who has thrown for 3,623 yards and 24 touchdowns, has struggled with consistency. His performance last week against Buffalo was one of his worst, throwing for only 112 yards and two interceptions in a 40-14 loss.
New York’s offense has been inconsistent all season, averaging 324.9 yards per game. Running back Breece Hall leads the rushing attack with 1,050 yards and eight touchdowns. However, the Jets’ offensive line has been hampered by injuries, including right tackle Morgan Moses and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
The Jets’ defense remains a bright spot, ranking fifth in total defense and allowing just 312.5 yards per game. Sauce Gardner (hamstring, questionable) and Quinnen Williams (hamstring, questionable) are critical pieces for a unit tasked with slowing down Miami’s explosive receivers.
Betting Prediction
The Dolphins are 1-point road favorites, with the total set at 39 points. Miami’s playoff motivation and recent form give them an edge over a struggling Jets team. Huntley’s efficiency and Miami’s strong receiving corps should be enough to secure a win, even if the game stays close.
The Jets’ defensive strength could keep the total under, but Miami’s urgency and superior offense make them the safer pick. Expect the Dolphins to edge out a low-scoring game and cover the spread.
Pick: Miami -1, Under 39
