Staff predictions

Dave Hyde Sports Columnist Prediction: Dolphins 24,

Jets 16

Season record: 7-1 Comment: They’re at home. They’re full of desperation. And, for heaven’s sake, it’s the Jets. They're led by 21-year-old rookie quarterback Sam Darnold, who is starting his first divisional road game.

Omar Kelly Dolphins Writer/ Columnist Prediction:

Dolphins 21, Jets 17 Season record: 5-3 Comment: Ziggy Hood and Sylvester Williams’ presence should help Miami patch up its leaky run defense enough to make the Jets one dimensional, and force Sam Darnold to try to beat the Dolphins on the road. The Dolphins have enough firepower on offense to help Brock Osweiler have a respectable day.

Kathy Laughlin Sports Editor Prediction: Dolphins 21,

Jets 20

Season record: 7-1 Comment: The Jets are only one game behind the Dolphins and average more points and more passing yards than the Dolphins. As much as Dolphins fans are thinking: “Whew, it’s the Jets this week,” Jets fans are thinking: “Whew, it’s the Dolphins this week.” Home field should be enough to put the Dolphins over the top, but it will be close.

Keven Lerner Assistant Sports Editor Prediction: Dolphins 20,

Jets 17

Season record: 4-4 Comment: The Jets look to avenge a 20-12 Week 2 loss to the Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Both teams have lost two straight games following promising starts, but the Jets have one of the worst offenses in the NFL. Sam Darnold's 55.2 completion percentage is the worst in the league among QBs with at least 150 attempts.

Steve Svekis Assistant Sports Editor Prediction: Dolphins 22,

Jets 13

Season record: 5-3 Comment: The Dolphins finally get to face another lower-tier offense after five straight games against teams who have piled up points (the worst-scoring teams in that span being the Lions and Texans at 24.6 points per game). The Jets have averaged 13.5 points per game since the loss of do-everything running back Bilal Powell to a season-ending neck injury.