Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets
Final Score: Dolphins 31, Jets 10
Writer: Steven Pintado (@coachstevenp)
This game was essentially over within the first few minutes. The Dolphins came out firing and dominated the Jets in all phases from start to finish. Miami’s offense did most of its damage on the first three drives, ripping off big play after big play and scoring touchdowns on each possession. After building that early lead, the Dolphins were able to coast the rest of the way.
The Jets had no answers defensively — they missed tackles, blew coverages, and struggled to contain any of Miami’s playmakers, which defined their performance. On offense, Tyrod Taylor played the opening drive before Brady Cook took over, but the switch made little difference. The offense was essentially stalled all game and struggled to move the ball with any consistency.
Outside of the Jets’ punt-return touchdown, the team had a miserable day overall, leading to a comfortable and convincing Miami victory.
Three Up
- De’Von Achane (pre-injury) — The Dolphins’ star running back put together another outstanding performance in just a half of football. He did get injured, but it seemed like he could have returned if Miami had been in a more competitive game.
- Jaylen Wright — The second-year running back filled in as the back for Achane once he got hurt. He would carry the workload for a 100-yard game.
- Jaylen Waddle — After a few weeks of quiet production, Waddle stepped up as the lead target and found his way back to the end zone.
Two Down
- Jets’ offense — Even with Tyrod Taylor on the field and without him, the Jets’ offense was hard to watch. No one stood out in this offense at all.
- Ollie Gordon — Yes, Gordon scored a touchdown, but it was clear this week who the Dolphins want as the backup, and it wasn’t him.
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa: 13/21, 127 Yards, TD | 1 Carry, 0 Yards
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa delivered another game-manager performance. Early on, Tagovailoa was sharp, firing quick, accurate throws over the middle to his tight ends and Jaylen Waddle while operating in Miami’s fast-paced tempo. His lone touchdown came on a dart to Waddle in the back of the end zone as he absorbed a hit.
Once Miami jumped out to a three-score lead, Tagovailoa’s play cooled off. He looked shaky at times, and there were at least five or six throws that easily could have been intercepted. The Jets simply failed to capitalize on those turnover-worthy plays. Still, Tagovailoa did enough to keep the offense moving when necessary and avoided committing any actual turnovers.
Overall, it was a serviceable outing, but not one that inspires confidence for fantasy managers. At this point, Tagovailoa isn’t a reliable starting option in most leagues.
Zach Wilson: 2 Carries, -2 Yards
Running Back
De’Von Achane: 7 Carries, 92 Yards, TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 13 Yards
Star running back De’Von Achane delivered another explosive performance despite seeing limited action. Achane was highly efficient early, ripping off a 40-yard gain in the first quarter and later punching in a 24-yard touchdown run, showcasing his trademark burst, shiftiness, and elite acceleration.
Unfortunately, Achane exited mid-second quarter with a rib injury. The play itself didn’t appear serious, but he was clearly in pain and did not return. He did come back to the sideline in full uniform, signaling that he could have reentered if absolutely needed, but with Miami firmly in control, the team chose caution.
Even on minimal touches, Achane made a major impact, and the early expectation is that he should have a good chance to return next week.
Jaylen Wright: 24 Carries, 107 Yards, TD | 3 Targets
Second-year running back Jaylen Wright stepped in for the injured Achane and delivered a strong performance. Wright operated as the clear lead back, especially with backup Ollie Gordon not seeing his first touch until midway through the third quarter. Wright ran with consistency and purpose, frequently picking up 5-6 yards on inside carries while showing both burst and toughness through contact.
His touchdown came in the first quarter as a change-of-pace complement to Achane, capitalizing on Miami’s early offensive rhythm. In the passing game, Wright saw a few short dump-off targets, but none put him in a position to catch them.
If Achane is unable to go next week, Wright proved he can handle an extended workload and would immediately become a must-add option for fantasy managers needing running back help.
Ollie Gordon: 5 Carries, 17 Yards, TD
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Jaylen Waddle: 7 Targets, 5 Receptions, 50 Yards, TD | 1 Carry, 21 Yards
Dolphins star receiver Jaylen Waddle turned in a strong performance against the Jets. Waddle was involved early and often, picking up big gains over the middle of the field as Miami pushed the tempo. He created easy separation throughout the opening quarter and capped off the Dolphins’ fast start with a back-corner end-zone touchdown from Tagovailoa.
As the game shifted into cruise control, Waddle’s usage naturally dipped, but he still added a handful of short out-route receptions to keep the chains moving. He played well overall, even if the blowout script prevented him from seeing the 10-plus targets he’s capable of in more competitive matchups.
Greg Dulcich: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 41 Yards
Darren Waller: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 13 Yards | 1 Carry, 4 Yards
Malik Washington: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 10 Yards
New York Jets
Quarterback
Tyrod Taylor: 1/4, 6 Yards, INT
Brady Cook: 14/30, 163 Yards, 2 INTs | 1 Carry
Rookie quarterback Brady Cook was forced into action much earlier than expected after Justin Fields was ruled out and Tyrod Taylor went down with a quad injury on the Jets’ opening drive. Cook entered on the second possession and ended up playing the rest of the game, but it was a difficult outing from start to finish.
Cook was overwhelmed by Miami’s aggressive front seven, taking six sacks and rarely having clean pockets to operate from. Both of his turnovers came on end-zone attempts where he underthrew the ball, allowing defenders to make easy plays. His pocket presence was shaky throughout, as he frequently locked onto his first read and failed to scan the field.
While Cook managed to find a bit of rhythm in the fourth quarter with the game already out of reach, his overall performance was marked by pressure, hesitation, and inaccurate throws. It was a tough showing for the rookie in a challenging situation.
Running Back
Breece Hall: 14 Carries, 43 Yards | 1 Target
It was a rough day for running back Breece Hall, who finished with just 43 total yards in a quiet, frustrating performance. Hall drew a difficult matchup against a Miami run defense that has been one of the league’s best over the past month, and it showed — he rarely had clean rushing lanes and was bottled up on most carries. His two best runs went for 11 and 9 yards, but outside of those flashes, Miami clearly committed to forcing the Jets to beat them through the air rather than through Hall’s talent.
Hall’s final carry came early in the fourth quarter, and the negative game script only made things worse. Surprisingly, the Jets failed to involve him as a pass catcher, giving him just one target all game despite frequently facing pressure — an odd decision given Hall’s ability in space.
Overall, it was a concerning performance and raises legitimate questions about Hall’s reliability for the rest of the season.
Isaiah Davis: 2 Carries, 22 Yards
Andrew Beck: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 17 Yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Mason Taylor: 8 Targets, 5 Receptions, 51 Yards
Rookie tight end Mason Taylor had a rough outing until garbage time bailed out his box score. Taylor didn’t make much of an impact early and struggled with multiple drops, missing chances to help stabilize the Jets’ passing attack. It wasn’t until the final play of the third quarter — when Miami already held a sizable lead — that Taylor finally got going, recording three receptions of 10-plus yards that accounted for most of his production.
Despite entering the week with a favorable matchup, Taylor didn’t contribute meaningfully until the game was already out of reach. His late stats mask what was otherwise a disappointing performance.
John Metchie III: 8 Targets, 4 Receptions, 34 Yards
John Metchie III operated as the Jets’ short-area and open-space receiver throughout the game. The Jets repeatedly used him on wide receiver screens, hoping his twitchiness and speed could jump-start an offense that struggled to move the ball. Unfortunately, Metchie also dealt with several off-target throws, including a few that were delivered behind him.
He missed a key opportunity late in the fourth quarter when Cook dumped a pass to him in open space — a play that looked like it had real touchdown potential before Metchie dropped it. While he may offer a safer floor than Adonai Mitchell given his usage, Metchie still shouldn’t be trusted with much confidence for the remainder of the season.
Adonai Mitchell: 6 Targets, 1 Reception, 24 Yards
After a big Week 13 performance, Adonai Mitchell cooled off in a tough matchup against the Dolphins. It wasn’t entirely his fault, as he lost Taylor early and was forced to work with Cook for most of the game, which severely limited the offense’s overall production. Still, Mitchell remained underwhelming, recording a few drops that stalled drives.
His lone reception didn’t come until the fourth quarter — a well-tracked bucket catch along the sideline. Mitchell continues to profile as a volatile, boom-or-bust receiver, and if Cook is under center moving forward, this passing offense could get even worse. Fantasy managers should tread carefully with Mitchell until the quarterback situation stabilizes.
Jeremy Ruckert: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 19 Yards
Isaiah Williams: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 24 Yards | Punt Return TD
Allen Lazard: 1 Target
Stone Smartt: 1 Target