Staff predictions

Kathy Laughlin Sports Editor Prediction: Dolphins 27, Jets 24 Comment: On paper, the Dolphins should win, despite the Jets’ 48-17 rout of the Lions. With its Monday night game, New York has also had less time to rest and prepare. Jets quarterback Sam Darnold is due for some adversity after his solid debut, and Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill should only improve on last week as he gets into a groove. That said, Miami offensive lineman Josh Sitton going on injured reserve is a cause for concern, and I have a bad feeling about this road game. Confident of one thing: This game will be shorter than last week’s. Dave Hyde Sports Columnist Prediction: Dolphins 24, Jets 17 Comment: The Dolphins showed a foundation for building on with their overall speed, big plays and good offensive line (though Josh Sitton’s shoulder injury hurts that some). The question is whether New York rookie Sam Darnold — the youngest quarterback ever to start a season for the Jets — can repeat an overall good game at this early point in his career. Omar Kelly Dolphins Writer/Columnist Prediction: Dolphins 21, Jets 17 Comment: Miami seems to be finding a groove on offense and as long as the offensive line can protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the Dolphins should be able to put up 21 points. But Miami’s defense must contain Bilal Powell and force Sam Darnold to make mistakes.

Keven Lerner Assistant Sports Editor Prediction: Jets 20, Dolphins 17 Comment: The Dolphins are looking for their first 2-0 start since 2013, when they opened 3-0. But the Jets and their fans will be fired up in the home opener after trouncing the Lions 48-17 on Monday night. The 48 points on the road set a franchise record. The Jets had five interceptions against Detroit, helping quarterback Sam Darnold get a win in his NFL debut.

Steve Svekis Senior Content Editor Prediction: Dolphins 24, Jets 19 Comment: The offensive line kept Ryan Tannehill pretty clean and cleared a lot of run-game space. If that sustains, Miami will score at a good clip. Meanwhile, the Jets' Sam Darnold looked extremely impressive in his NFL debut on Monday night, coming back from an opening-play pick-six to rally New York to a 48-17 decimation of the Lions in Detroit. Henry Anderson, an import from the Colts, terrorized Matthew Stafford and company. Cameron Wake and Robert Quinn can't remain shut out in the sacks column after this one.