Dolphins vs. Jets: Who deserves a starting spot on my fantasy football team?
The first of two Monday Night Football matchups will decide who’s the worst in the AFC East.
With both teams winless through three games, the game between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets should certainly be a scrappy one. Nobody wants to go 0-4, and doing so could potentially lead to widespread changes for at least one organization.
That, however, isn’t why you’re here. You want to know about who to start on either team. Let’s dive in:
START
Jets QB Justin Fields
Do you remember what happened the last time Fields played the Dolphins in 2022?
The then-Chicago Bears quarterback set the NFL regular-season rushing record for quarterbacks with 178 yards.
While it would be asinine to expect a repeat performance, one thing hasn’t necessarily changed about the Dolphins in that they sometimes have trouble limiting mobile quarterbacks. In fact, the Dolphins have ceded three touchdowns to quarterbacks through three games. Fields just so happens to be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks with his legs, and expect him to showcase his skill on Monday.
Dolphins RB De’Von Achane
The Jets gave up 223 yards on the ground against the Buffalo Bills.
That, for a lack of better words, is insane. What’s even crazier is that the Jets only rank 23rd against the run. Meanwhile the Dolphins slide in at 28.
With the way that Achane has started the season, he’s certainly due for a big game on the ground. Yes, the third-year veteran has been exceptional in the pass — second on the team in yards and first in receptions — but he’s still a running back at the end of the day. The Jets could provide an opportunity for Achane to go off.
Jets WR Garrett Wilson
My motto for 2025 is rather simple: start elite receivers against the Dolphins.
Unfortunately, the Dolphins’ cornerback room doesn’t have the juice it used to. Wilson also happens to be the best receiver that the defense has faced so far.
In his one full game with Fields, Wilson caught seven balls for 95 yards and a touchdown. Definitely bank on the former Ohio State duo to showcase its chemistry against a somewhat lackluster secondary.
SIT
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa
The Dolphins franchise quarterback has thrown at least one interception in every game to start the season.
Not only does he have the fourth-worst rating among quarterbacks to start the season, the former Alabama standout looks extremely different from the player who led the league in passing yards in 2023.
Tagovailoa, however, happens to be undefeated against the Jets. And while that could sometimes be an indicator for success, remember that Tagovailoa had a similar streak against the New England Patriots that came to an unfortunate end in Week 2. Until Tagoavailoa or the blind side of his offensive line improves, it’s likely not wise to start him.
WAIT AND SEE
Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill
The star receiver missed practice Saturday but have no fear — Hill will play Monday night.
That said, it’s worth wondering how he will fare against Sauce Gardner?
The All-Pro cornerback has allowed just six completions through three games.
While Gardner could potentially shadow Hill, the cornerback certainly can be beat. It will be up to Tagovailoa to find him, something that he hasn’t really done at a high level in 2025. The Jets, however, present a unique opportunity for Hill and Tagovailoa to re-establish their chemistry.
Jets RB Breece Hall
The Jets tailback started off the season with a 107-yard game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Since then, he has rushed for exactly 50 yards.
The Dolphins defense, however, has given up huge plays on the ground to start the season so he could be worth the play. Unfortunately, the four-year veteran has averaged less than 50 yards a game during his previous four matchups against the Dolphins.
