The Miami Dolphins are vying for an unlikely playoff spot as they face the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, coming in with an 8-8 record and a recent surge of six wins in eight games. Their last match saw them triumph over the Cleveland Browns 20-3, while the Jets are floundering at 4-12 after a crushing defeat to the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins aim for their fifth straight win against the Jets, having previously edged them 32-26 in overtime.
Key storylines for this Week 18 clash include Tyler "Snoop" Huntley stepping in for Tua Tagovailoa, who is sidelined due to a hip injury. Huntley showcased his potential with a strong outing against the Browns, and minimizing mistakes will be crucial for his performance. Despite Tagovailoa's absence, the Dolphins will have star players like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Terron Armstead ready to contribute despite their own injuries.
A pivotal aspect of the game will be the Dolphins' ability to contain the Jets' passing attack, particularly from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is just a touchdown away from reaching 500 career TDs. This game could mark Rodgers' last NFL appearance, adding a layer of urgency for him to perform well. On the offensive side, the Dolphins need to revitalize their running game to ease the pressure on Huntley, especially in short-yardage situations that have plagued them.
Lastly, the Dolphins will lean heavily on kicker Jason Sanders, who has a history of delivering in clutch moments against the Jets and other teams. If the game remains close, fans can expect another spotlight on Sanders, who has a knack for game-winning field goals, potentially sealing a playoff berth for Miami.
