Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets: Who has the edge?

Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (7-3) and New York Jets (4-6) match up in six key areas ahead of Friday’s Week 12 game at MetLife Stadium (3 p.m., CBS4, Amazon Prime Video):

When the Dolphins run: Miami is monitoring De’Von Achane’s status after tweaking the same right knee he hurt more than a month earlier, causing him to miss four games. He was listed as limited on the injury report early in the week, so possibly a good sign for his outlook. Meanwhile, the Dolphins placed fellow back Salvon Ahmed on injured reserve with a foot injury, so it could be all Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. on Friday, if Achane can’t play.

Also trying to play is right guard Robert Hunt after he has missed the past two games with an ailing hamstring. Hunt’s presence would boost a run game that already ranks second in the league. If he does play, it would also mark an eighth different offensive line combination if he plays with Terron Armstead and Lester Cotton on the left side. The Dolphins have been consistent up front, however, amid the shuffling.

The Jets, for as strong a defense as they are overall, rank No. 30 in run defense. That said, they have talented defenders up front in defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebackers C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams. And as much as the Miami run game produces, it needs to be trusted and effective in short-yardage situations. Edge: Dolphins

When the Jets run: New York is only ranked 23rd in the league in rushing offense, but the Jets are capable of breaking out for big games. They had 234 rushing yards against the Broncos earlier this season and opened with 172 on the ground in the Week 1 win against the Buffalo Bills. The elusive Breece Hall has been solid, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Dalvin Cook, for as much offseason hoopla as there was surrounding his free agency, hasn’t factored in much, at 3.3 yards per attempt.

The Miami run defense is now up to 10th in the NFL after limiting the Raiders, with standout running back Josh Jacobs, to 36 rushing yards as a team, a season-best for the Dolphins. The defensive tackle combination of Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler rarely comes off the field, and it’ll pay dividends for Miami as long as the duo remains healthy. Edge: Dolphins

When the Dolphins pass: The league’s No. 1 passing game puts up the numbers, but quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is adamant this week about cutting down on his turnovers. He had another two Sunday against Las Vegas for 11 on the season, eight interceptions and three fumbles lost. Nonetheless, he’s sensational overall, among league leaders in passer rating (106.0), passing yards (2,934) and passing touchdowns (21).

Star wide receiver Tyreek Hill remains steady on the pace necessary for a 2,000-yard season but is nursing a hand injury sustained against the Raiders. He and Jaylen Waddle will have to go against All-Pro second-year cornerback Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, the cornerback combination of the Jet’s fifth-ranked pass defense. Safety Jordan Whitehead has four interceptions this season on the back end.

New York also has a strong pass rush that can come up the middle with Williams and Quinton Jefferson, as well as off the edge with Jermaine Johnson, John Franklin-Myers and Bryce Huff. While the Dolphins have been shuffling at guard, they should have tackles Armstead and Austin Jackson, although both were limited in practice early in the week, nursing a knee and oblique, respectively. Edge: Even

When the Jets pass: Zach Wilson has been benched, and it’s Tim Boyle at quarterback for the Jets. With a small Jets sample size to work off of late in the loss to Buffalo, Dolphins defensive coordinator and the rest of his staff have been analyzing tape of him at previous stops across the NFC North, with Chicago, Detroit and Green Bay — mostly his three starts he had in 2021 with the Lions. Fangio is known not to alter his game plan too much and blitz an inexperienced quarterback more than others.

The Miami pass defense is really coming together as the season goes on, especially with Jalen Ramsey now having three games under his belt. He says he still doesn’t even feel like his regular self, while he came down with two incredibly acrobatic interceptions against the Raiders, including one to clinch the win at the end. Ramsey, Xavien Howard, Jevon Holland and the rest of the secondary will be sure to account for top receiver Garrett Wilson, who has 651 receiving yards on the season despite poor quarterback play without ballyhooed Jets offseason acquisition Aaron Rodgers.

The pass rush has been a force for the Dolphins, and Bradley Chubb should have his way with left tackle Mekhi Becton out for the Jets. Jaelan Phillips had two sacks and an interception against the Raiders, and Wilkins has also been providing pressure up the middle. Edge: Dolphins

Special teams: Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders is coming off missing a 50-yarder, but he made his other two field goal attempts, including another try from beyond 50. Miami could get return specialist Braxton Berrios back for this game.

Jets punt returner Xavier Gipson had a big game-winning touchdown in the opener against Buffalo, so Miami will have to look out for him. Greg Zuerlein is 22 of 23 on field goals for New York. Thomas Morstead, who was with the Dolphins last season is their punter. He and Jake Bailey, who shanked one last week, could factor into the field position battle of what could be a low-scoring game. Edge: Jets

Intangibles: Sure, it’s a short week on the road, but the Jets are reeling right now. They’re the team that’s having some internal turmoil and just switched quarterbacks. It’s hard to imagine Boyle doing anything against a Dolphins defense that’s rolling, but if Miami keeps turning the ball over against a good New York defense, it could get interesting in this rivalry game. Edge: Dolphins

PREDICTION: Dolphins 17, Jets 6