Miami Dolphins and New York Jets: A Rivalry Rekindled with Playoff Aspirations
The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for a critical Week 14 showdown against the New York Jets, entering the game with a 5-7 record, while the Jets sit at 3-9. This matchup echoes a similar late-season scenario from the previous year. The Dolphins have developed a pattern in recent seasons, frequently facing the Jets at MetLife Stadium during the latter part of the year. In fact, this will mark the tenth instance in the last thirteen seasons where Miami has taken on New York on the road after November 20.
Historical Context of a Rivalry
What has been notably absent from these late-season encounters is a sense of urgency for both teams. The last time the Dolphins and Jets squared off in November or later with both teams boasting winning records was back in 2008. That game, which served as the season finale, saw the Dolphins emerge victorious with a 24-17 scoreline, clinching the AFC East title—a feat they have not achieved since. Miami entered that pivotal contest with a solid 10-5 mark, while the Jets were not far behind at 9-6.
Drama and Intrigue in Recent Matchups
While many recent Dolphins-Jets matchups may lack playoff implications, they have not been devoid of drama. One particularly notable encounter occurred earlier this season in Week 4 at Hard Rock Stadium, where the Dolphins secured a 27-21 win. However, the spotlight that day was overshadowed by the devastating knee injury suffered by Tyreek Hill, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
As the Dolphins prepare to face the Jets again, the stakes are high, and the history of their rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to the game. With playoff hopes still alive for Miami, this classic AFC East battle promises to bring both excitement and uncertainty as the teams take the field.
