3 most important matchups NY Jets must win vs. Dolphins

The New York Jets have lost eight of the last 10 matchups to their AFC East rivals, the Miami Dolphins.

Heading into a key Monday night matchup, though, both squads are on equal footing.

New York, much like their rivals in South Florida, are 0-3. They need a victory to build some momentum going into the midway point of the season. Going up against a Miami squad that feels very close to a collapse of their own can be a good stepping point of the new regime.

As with any division contest like this, there are plenty of matchups to watch.

Here are the three biggest going into the showdown on Monday night.

Garrett Wilson vs. Dolphins secondary

Much has been said about how bad Miami’s cornerbacks are this season. With Storm Duck out (yes, Duck was considered a starter for the team in 2025), the Dolphins will be trusting Jack Jones, Rasul Douglas, and *checks notes* Dante Trader Jr.

There’s no excuse here. The Jets offense should be able to do whatever they want offensively, and that should mean a big day for their top receiver in Garrett Wilson.

Brandon Stephens/Michael Carter II vs. Jaylen Waddle/Tyreek Hill

For the most part, All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner has been solid through three games.

The other starters in New York’s secondary have been less than stellar, though.

Brandon Stephens and Michael Carter II are two veteran cornerbacks who have been among the worst in the league through three games. That must change against a Dolphins offense that will most assuredly target both the nickel and backside corner to Gardner.

Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are one of the best receiving duos in the sport. The Jets need to make sure the other side of the field, opposite Gardner, will be taken care of.

If not, Hill and Waddle will have big nights.

Kiko Mauigoa vs. De’Von Achane

The Jets will not have All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams for the next few weeks. Marcelino McCrary-Ball is also on IR with the veteran. That leaves a massive hole next to Jamien Sherwood at linebacker.

As things stand right now, fifth-round rookie linebacker Kiko Mauigoa is set to get the start for New York. The Miami prospect has played well in small spurts, but he’s about to be relied on a lot more.

It’s a safe bet to assume Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel will be targeting Mauigoa as much as possible. With Miami running back De’Von Achane considered one of the more athletic runners in the league, expect the Dolphins to try to put Mauigoa on him.

That would be a matchup the Jets lose pretty consistently on Monday night, and it’s something they must avoid.