New York Jets at Miami Dolphins: Week 4 Prediction

Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) is tackled by Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones (20) and Miami Dolphins safety Jimmy Wilson (27) during the second quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

A division rivalry game in London? That should be interesting, if nothing else. One thing is for sure. The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins will go into the game desperate since both are coming off losses. It should make for some entertaining football.

Injuries

Darrelle Revis still nursing hamstring problem

Defense is how the Jets have gotten has far as they have for the moment, so they can’t afford to lose anybody, but especially not Darrelle Revis. He is their best cover corner by far and vital to the team matching up with those big Jets receivers. It’s unknown if he’ll be able to go with a hamstring injury.

Jordan Cameron questionable with groin

It’s really difficult to figure out what the problem is with the Dolphins offense but one thing is for sure. They can’t survive significant losses like Jordan Cameron at tight end. A groin pull has him limited at practice this week and he’ll likely be a game-time decision after getting a chance to test it.

Key Matchups

Chris Ivory vs. Kelvin Sheppard

Amazingly, despite adding one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL the Dolphins continue to boast one of the worst run defenses at 145 yards per game. Part of the problem is spotty play from their linebackers. Kelvin Sheppard in the middle is among the culprit. He’ll have to be on his game against Chris Ivory, who is averaging 4.4 yards per carry so far this year.

Jarvis Landry vs. Buster Skrine

Ryan Tannehill has developed a strong connection with young receiver Jarvis Landry and it shows in the production (24 catches for 230 yards). Miami will need them to find a rhythm in this game and that won’t be easy. Buster Skrine has really found a home in the slot for the Jets and he’ll be a tough challenge for Landry.

Fantasy

Sit: Brandon Marshall

Aside from his classic “C’mon Man!” moment last week, Brandon Marshall has been the usual go-to guy he’s always been. However, with Eric Decker ailing New York may be forced to lean his way a bit too much, and with that great Jets secondary it’s not something they should consider. Probably best to keep Marshall on the bench.

Start: Dolphins defense

The key here is that Miami knows they have a good pass defense and Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t going to scare anybody. So logic dictates the team places their focus on stopping the run. If they do that then this should end up being a possible watershed event for a unit that should be playing a lot better than it has.

Prediction: Dolphins win 21-10

I said in my Thursday Night prediction that it’s always best to go with the better quarterback. This prediction sticks along that line. Ryan Tannehill hasn’t played great but he’s far more able than Fitzpatrick. Provided he gets even modest protection and some help from the ground game, Miami should be able to get up off the mat from their embarrassment against Buffalo.

Next: 2016 NFL Draft: Biggest Offensive Sleepers By Position

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