Where: Met Life Stadium (Mid-50s, 50 percent chance of rain)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Jets by 1.
2012 records -- Dolphins (3-3, AFC East: 0-1); Jets (3-4, AFC East: 2-1)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Jan. 1, 2012: Dolphins 19, Jets 17; Sept. 23, 2012: Jets 23, Dolphins 20 (OT). Series record: Jets lead 49-44-1.
What matters: The Dolphins are trying to extend their win streak to three games and stay on the heels of the AFC East-leading New England Patriots. Miami has yet to win a division game, but a victory over the Jets would keep its hopes of a surprise playoff run alive while damaging the Jets’ shot at the postseason.
Who matters: Rookie QB Ryan Tannehill is emerging as one of the best young players at his position in the league. The eighth overall pick in April’s draft has thrown for 1,454 yards with four touchdowns against six interceptions this year. However, it was his interception in overtime that led to an eventual game-winning field goal for the Jets last month. He also has improved at routinely hitting his hot receiver to counter various blitz packages. Meantime, DE Cameron Wake continues to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. The former Penn State standout has 6.5 sacks the past three games and has been stout against the run with 22 tackles. He failed to take down Jets QB Mark Sanchez in an earlier meeting this season.
Key matchups: CB Sean Smith is the team’s top cover player and will have his hands full against emerging Jets WR Jeremy Kerley. Smith has 27 tackles, two interceptions and nine passes defended and has played well against Bengals WR A.J. Green and Arizona WR Larry Fitzgerald. Kerley had 120 yards last week against New England and scored a crucial touchdown last time he played the Dolphins.
Injuries of note: CB Richard Marshall (back) missed practice Thursday, and DB Jimmy Wilson (ankle) was limited.
Inside stuff: The player with the biggest impact on the Dolphins' passing game against New York might not have played a snap this season. Miami WR Jabar Gaffney has been inactive for the past two games after he was signed as a free agent this month. With enough time to digest the playbook and generate chemistry with Tannehill, he could have a big game against a thin New York secondary -- if he plays.
Stat you should know: 78.2. Rushing yards per game allowed by the Dolphins, the fourth-lowest mark in the league. Miami has gone 20 straight games without yielding a 100-yard rusher.
Looking ahead: The Dolphins could generate momentum with a third-straight win. Upcoming games against the Colts, Titans and Bills don’t seem intimidating after the past few weeks and an improving Miami team could be poised to make a playoff run. But a loss would drop the Dolphins back below .500 and could quickly derail any momentum the young team built. The next few weeks are key for the Dolphins.
Prediction: Jets 20, Dolphins 17
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSDolphins
