Suddenly, the Dolphins Must Win On Monday Night

Suddenly, the Dolphins Must Win On Monday Night

The Miami Dolphins and New York Jets game on Monday night might be more important than any matchup between the two teams in the past 30 years, not because these two long-time rivals are set to face off in a game that could determine the division winner or seeding for the playoffs, but rather.

These franchises are facing off in a contest to decide who is worse in 2025. Who might score themselves the first overall pick in April?

This might seem a bit hyperbolic, but with a combined record of 0-6 heading into their Monday night showdown, it’s never too early to consider who the genuine contenders for worst team in the league are. 

If you’re reading this post, you’re likely already familiar with the season the Dolphins have had thus far. A blowout loss to the surprisingly decent Indianapolis Colts, followed up by a heartbreaking loss to the mediocre New England Patriots, and a valiant effort that fell short on the road against the reigning and likely continuing AFC East champion Buffalo Bills.

With three conference losses already under their belts and a 0-2 division record, this matchup suddenly becomes a must-win if Miami has any hope of righting the ship this season. 

The Jets, on the other hand, played the Pittsburgh Steelers hard in week one, losing 34-32, then were jumped all over by the Bills, before losing in the closing moments against the 3-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While they may not have any wins to show for it, first-year head coach Aaron Glenn has his team playing hard in the young season.

However, 0-4 with two losses in the division might prove to be a hole that is too large to dig out of for New York. 

The Jets might be without starting quarterback Justin Fields, who is still in concussion protocol as of yesterday. Usually, when a starting QB is not playing, that bodes well for the opposing team, but I’m not so sure that will be the case on Monday Night. If Fields can’t go, then the Jets will likely start a familiar face in the AFC East in Tyrod Taylor.

Taylor had a 4-2 record against the Dolphins when playing in Buffalo. In total, his career stat line against Miami is 142-220 for a 64.5% completion percentage, 1,769 yards with 10 Touchdowns and three interceptions, which all came in his start for the hapless Texans in Week 9 of 2021. 

The Dolphins have won 8 of the last 10 matchups against the Jets, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa posting a 6-0 career record vs New York, throwing for 1,276 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions.