Jets vs. Dolphins: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 7

The New York Jets (2-4) will look to get back in the win column as they host the Miami Dolphins (0-5) at MetLife Stadium in Week 7.  The Jets put together another good effort but were doomed by self-inflicted mistakes that cost them points as well as shoddy defense in the fourth quarter in their 26-19 loss to New England.

Miami is in a full-blown rebuilding year under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley.  They are still looking for their first win but have been competitive over their last two games, including a near upset win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4.  The Dolphins have won five of their last six against the Jets going back to 2023.

Here are three key matchups in the Jets Week 7 matchup against the Miami Dolphins:

Ollie Gordon II vs. The Jets Defensive Line

The Jets rushing defense struggled last week, allowing 148 yards on the ground to the Patriots.  Backup running back Corey Kiner, who led all New England running backs with 57 yards on the ground, had 42 yards on the final drive that resulted in a field goal and sealed the victory for the Patriots.  The Jets as a team have allowed just over 123 yards on the ground this year, which ties them for 23rd in the league with Cincinnati.

The Dolphins suffered a brutal blow to their rebuilding season when De’von Achane was lost for the season after suffering a torn ACL.  Ollie Gordon II, Miami’s sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft, has stepped in and ran the ball well in Achane’s absence, with three touchdowns, 188 yards rushing and an average of over seven yards per carry in his last two games.

Miami’s offense isn’t really anything to be too scared of, but they have a strong running game which is ranked eighth overall as they average just over 126 yards on the ground per game. Couple that with the fact the Jets are not a great team against the run and Miami could have a key advantage in Sunday’s game.  If they can slow Gordon down on Sunday, it will put plenty of pressure on Malik Willis to make plays, something he has not been very good at this year.

Garrett Wilson vs. Juju Brents

I’ll never understand why the Jets media insist on creating this false narrative about Wilson’s unhappiness.  Wilson leads the team with 48 targets, has three touchdowns on the year and averaging just under 12 yards a reception.  Of course, he could be utilized more in the offense. But, the same fan base and beat writers who said the Jets need more weapons are now frustrated that Wilson doesn’t lead the team in targets each week. Will Jets Nation ever be satisfied?

For Sunday, Wilson will most likely face off against Brents, who is a former second round pick of the Indianapolis Colts.  He’s not a great cornerback, but he’s got size (6’3″, 198 lbs.) and has been good in coverage this year.   Brents was excellent in Miami’s loss to Cincinnati in Week 5 with two tackles, four assists and one pass breakup, earning a PFF grade of 90.4 for that game.  The Jets could have Adonai Mitchell back for Sunday, which should open up plenty of opportunities for Wilson to have a monster game. Frank Reich has to get his best playmaker the ball as the offense runs better when Wilson is heavily involved.

David Bailey vs. Austin Jackson

After Bailey’s breakout game against the Browns with 3 sacks in Week 5, the rookie was held in check by the Patriots offensive line, which is surprising as during that game, New England lost two starters, including Alijah Vera-Tucker.  Bailey did have a forced fumble last week and while we know he’s not going to be a monster each and every game, it was a bit of a bad look that he couldn’t generate much pressure against New England’s backup offensive line.

Jackson is a former first-round pick of the Dolphins and has been terrible this season.  He ranks at the bottom of the league as a pass blocker, has allowed three sacks and 19 total pressures.  He has a PFF Pass-Blocking grade of 41.2, ranking him 73rd and has an overall grade of 43.7, ranking him 74th out of 74 tackles.  Bailey needs a bounce back game after last week’s disappointment.  This is about as good as a get-right matchup that he’s going to get.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets vs. Dolphins: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 7