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Week 15 Preview: Jets vs. Dolphins

Vincent Carchietta - USA TODAY Sports

Game Info

Date: 12/19/2021

Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM EST

Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL

TV: CBS

Game Odds (Caesars Sportsbook)

Spread: MIA -10

Point total: 42

Moneyline: MIA -475, NYJ +360

Fantasy Matchups to Watch

Jets D/ST rank against opposing units (PPR):

Opposing Quarterbacks: 28th

Opposing RBs: 32nd

Opposing WRs: 7th

Opposing TEs: 25th

The Jets’ defense has struggled all season against a variety of opponents and I expect today to be no different. With most fantasy leagues’ playoffs starting today, those who own Dolphins players are receiving a dream matchup in the form of the worst defense in football.

Fantasy Play of the Week (Dolphins): WR Devante Parker

With rookie phenom Jaylen Waddle out due to being placed in the COVID-protocols, expect Parker to assume a WR1 role in the offense and have a large target share. Although Parker has struggled with injuries throughout the season, he has produced when healthy and should be able to be effective against a so-so Jets pass defense. Play Parker as a WR2 in your lineups this week.

Dolphins D/ST rank against opposing units (PPR):

Opposing QBs: 12th

Opposing RBs: 9th

Opposing WRs: 28th

Opposing TEs: 16th

The Jets have struggled to achieve consistent production on the offensive side of the ball all season with the exception of Weeks 8-9. Devoid of a number of playmakers and experience, the Jets might have trouble moving the ball against a Dolphins defensive unit that is playing its best football of the year right now.

Fantasy Play of the Week (Jets): WR Jamison Crowder

With their top receiving options on the IR (Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, Michael Carter), the Jets will most likely struggle to push the ball downfield against a stingy Dolphins defense. Look for the always reliable Jamison Crowder to be targeted quite a bit as Zach Wilson’s safety valve. Play Crowder as a WR3/Flex in your lineups.

Notable Injuries

Dolphins

WR Jaylen Waddle - Out (protocols)

S Jevon Holland - Out (illness)

OL Austin Jackson - Questionable (illness)

Jets

OT George Fant - Doubtful (knee)

Keys to Victory

Dolphins:

Offense:

  • Take advantage of the Jets’ poor run defense and control the time of possession. 

  • Establish the quick passing game and feature TE Mike Gesecki to stretch the Jets’ defense out.

Defense

  • Blitz early and often to force Zach Wilson to make quick reads and stay in the pocket.

  • Control the line of scrimmage and do not allow the Jets to establish their run game.

Jets:

Offense

  • Limit turnovers and sustain drives against an aggressive Dolphins defense.

  • Wilson must complete the easy passes and take advantage of downfield windows when they’re open.

Defense

  • Do not allow the Dolphins to establish their run game.

  • Win on third down and give the offense more opportunities to put up points.

Score Prediction

With both sides missing key players, I don’t expect this to be a high-scoring affair. However, the Dolphins still have some playmakers on offense and I haven’t seen enough out of Zach Wilson to believe that he can operate under pressure from an aggressive Dolphins defense.

Dolphins 23, Jets 10