Regular Season Finale: Jets Hope to Play Spoiler Against Miami Dolphins
The New York Jets, sitting at a disappointing 4-12 record, are heading into their regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins with little to lose and everything to play for. The spotlight falls on Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP, who stands just one touchdown pass away from becoming the fifth player in NFL history to reach 500 career regular-season touchdown passes. Achieving this milestone would place him alongside Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre. After failing to throw a touchdown last week against the Bills, he remains stuck at 499. Rodgers threw for 339 yards against the Dolphins in their Week 14 matchup, a game in which the Jets fell 32-26. With the playoffs out of reach, Rodgers will look to make a statement in what could be his final game in New York.
The Jets have fallen short of the high expectations they set at the start of the season. Rodgers will be looking to connect with Davante Adams, who needs just one touchdown reception to pass Dan Marino and Mark Clayton for third on the all-time QB-WR touchdown connection list. Adams is also just 25 yards away from reaching 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth consecutive season. The Jets’ season has been filled with disappointment, but they still hold the potential to play the role of spoiler against the Dolphins, who enter at 8-8 and are fighting for a playoff spot.
For the Dolphins, it’s been a season filled with highs and lows. Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined in Week 17 with a hip injury, leaving the team in the hands of backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, who led the team to a 20-3 win over the Browns last week. Huntley will most likely be the starter in a must-win Week 18 matchup to help secure a spot in the playoffs for the third consecutive season under head coach Mike McDaniel. Miami also requires a loss by Denver to Kansas City, as the Chiefs have already locked up the AFC’s top seed and will rest key players.
While the Dolphins are chasing postseason success, the Jets are focused on closing out their season on a high note. With no playoff hopes of their own, the Jets look to play spoiler against their AFC Divisional rivals. Rodgers has continued to express gratitude for his time with the Jets while acknowledging the uncertainty that lies ahead. With a focus on a productive offseason, the Jets will need to address the fundamentals, starting with finding a new head coach.
