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The New York Jets enter Week 7 with an opportunity to get back on track at MetLife Stadium. The winless Miami Dolphins visit on Sunday.
New York's 26-19 loss to the New England Patriots was frustrating because opportunities to pull off the upset were there, but another divisional matchup gives the Jets a chance to respond.
Miami enters the contest at 0-5 after its Week 6 bye, while the Jets are 2-4 and trying to avoid another setback. New York has lost four of its last five games, and they have failed to score 20 points four times during that stretch.
The circumstances favor New York, but this rivalry has a way of making things complicated, especially when one team is desperate for victory. With that in mind, it's time to make some bold predictions for Sunday's matchup, including a few outcomes that might not be on everyone's radar.
Smith threw for 252 yards and a touchdown against New England, but his first interception of the season proved costly. He needs to respond with a cleaner performance against Miami, particularly if the Jets want to establish some rhythm early rather than waiting until the second half to find their passing game.
Cooper's return from injury against the Patriots was one of the brightest developments of the afternoon. He caught six passes for 103 yards and his first career touchdown, immediately showing the potential to become a dependable option alongside Wilson.
Bailey recorded three sacks against Cleveland in Week 5, then went without one against New England. That swing illustrates how difficult it can be for a pass rusher to produce consistently, but Miami presents an opportunity to bounce back.
The Jets need to pressure Miami's quarterback into hurried decisions and capitalize when he puts the ball in danger. Creating turnovers would give New York additional possessions and help compensate for an offense that has struggled to sustain drives.
The Jets have struggled to score consistently this season, but Sunday's matchup offers an opportunity to change that narrative. New York has the playmakers to produce more than 20 points, particularly if Geno Smith establishes an early connection with Garrett Wilson and Omar Cooper Jr.
That's where all predictions for this one begin. New York will continue building on positives established against New England. The defense also has a chance to create favorable field position by forcing turnovers and putting pressure on Miami's quarterback. If the Jets capitalize on those opportunities instead of settling for field goals or wasting possessions, they can generate enough offense to control the game.