New York Jets at Miami Dolphins: Betting Guide

The Miami Dolphins have momentum ahead of their Week 15 tilt with the New York Jets, who can’t seem to buy a win. Predictably, bookmakers installed the Dolphins as the clear-cut favorites on the betting online board, but with a 10-point spread on the docket. Will bettors buy what the Dolphins are selling?

• Game: New York Jets (3-10) at Miami Dolphins (6-7)
• Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
• Day/Time: Sunday, December 19, 2021 1 p.m. ET
• Television: CBS

Betting Lines

Head-to-Head

The head-to-head series between these AFC East rivals sits on a 56-55-1 mark with the Miami Dolphins in the lead. The Dolphins have won three straight over the Jets, including a 24-17 win earlier this season. This positive recent form, coupled with the Jets’ woes, underscore the hefty NFL odds currently trading.

New York Jets

Next game: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Game

The New York Jets slipped to their 10 loss on Sunday, whimpering to a 30-9 defeat to the New Orleans Saints. Zach Wilson was overwhelmed, the offense continued its punchless ways and the defense did a great impression of the prophetic Red Sea-parting.

In hindsight, books wildly overestimated the Jets as the market closed on a 4½-point spread at the sportsbook exchange. However, they didn’t come close to challenging for a cover

Injury Report

Running back Austin Walker (illness), wide receiver Elijah Moore (quadricep), cornerback Michael Carter II (concussion), tackle Chuma Edoga (knee), tight end Tyler Kroft (chest), defensive lineman Bryce Huff (back), defensive back Isaiah Dunn (illness), tackle George Fant (knee), linebacker Hamsah Nasirdeen (illness), defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (knee), guard Laurent Duvenay-Tardiff (ankle), offensive lineman Dan Feeney (back), defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (knee), and running back Michal Carter (ankle) are questionable; quarterback Mike White (illness) is out indefinitely; running back Tevin Coleman (concussion), tight end Trevon Wesco (ankle) and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (shoulder) are probable.

Zach Wilson on his goals for the final four games of the season:

“Just to keep improving, just keep getting better. Just being able to leave games and say I was able to pull some positive things out that maybe I struggled with early on” pic.twitter.com/cHYyXdFlUd

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) December 16, 2021

Miami Dolphins

Next game: at New Orleans Saints

Last Game

The Dolphins took another step in the right direction following a win over the New York Giants two weeks ago. The victory marked Miami’s fifth straight before a bye week, improving their record to 6-7-0.

As things currently stand, the Dolphins are third in the AFC East table, behind the top tandem of the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills. It’s a crowded AFC race and while Miami’s chances are slim, if they win out the season, anything can happen.

Injury Report

Tight end Hunter Long (illness), safety Brandon Jones (ankle), tight end (Adam Shaheen), guard Greg Mancz (ankle), and running back Malcolm Brown (quadricep) are all questionable; tight end Cethan Carter (thumb), cornerback Trill Williams (hamstring) and center Michael Dexter (lower body) are all probable.

Betting on the Game

While this matchup might have been competitive in yesteryears, it’s anything but right now with both teams enjoying contrasting fortunes. The end of the season can’t come soon enough for the Jets, who’ve been (possibly) more disappointing than their Adam Gase-inspired predecessors.

Wilson is clearly out of his depth and it’s uncertain whether he’ll ever cut it as an NFL starter. The offense never really got going and the defense was shockingly bad. One could go on but why kick a guy when he’s down, right. Suffice it to say, the Jets need to go back to the drawing board and start all over again.

It wasn’t long ago when the Dolphins didn’t meet the eye test and questions about Tua Tagovailoa’s future were raised. Those have quieted down for now. The Dolphins have seemingly turned a corner and they’re back in contention.

Miami’s schedule played a part in this turnaround with dates against the Jets, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, and Giants. The only signature win came at the expense of the Ravens. Tagovailoa has played well, but he’s not exactly wowing anyone. This winning run of form is down to team effort.

The Dolphins beat the Jets 24-17 on November 21 at Metlife Stadium and came through as the 3½-point road chalk for NFL picks against the spread. The line for the second meeting is three times greater, which at first seems a bit much. A slight exaggeration of the difference between this pair. Then again, if the Jets have thrown the towel in, they might not put up much of a fight.