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

Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (9-4) and New York Jets (5-8) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 15 game at Hard Rock Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):

When the Dolphins run: The Miami run game is going well with Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane back together again in the backfield. The team averaged 5.1 yards per carry in the Monday night loss to the Tennessee Titans. Mostert had 96 yards on 21 carries and Achane, who is now dealing with a toe injury, had 47 on seven attempts. Coach Mike McDaniel probably needs to trust it more inside the 10-yard line, like he did when Mostert had his two late rushing scores Monday.

But then again, the run game wasn’t enough late to kill the clock when Miami needed to sustain a drive to protect the 6-point lead once the Titans cut into that 14-point hole. Losing center Connor Williams for the season is a huge blow, especially with right guard Robert Hunt still not close to returning. If left tackle Terron Armstead is back, that would be a boost.

The New York defense is susceptible against the run, as it was in these two teams’ first meeting at MetLife Stadium. The Jets gave up 167 rushing yards in that one and rank 28th against the run on the season, even with talents like Quinnen and Quincy Williams and C.J. Mosley in the front seven. Edge: Dolphins

When the Jets run: Second-year tailback Breece Hall has been getting it going for New York, but most of what he did in the Jets’ convincing 30-6 win over the Houston Texans was catching the ball. On the ground, he had just 10 carries but got 40 rushing yards out of them. New York ranks 30th in rushing offense behind that offensive line.

The Dolphins own the No. 7 run defense and are third in the NFL since Week 5. Although they allowed Derrick Henry to get in the end zone twice on Monday, they held him to a measly 34 rushing yards on 17 attempts. Expect Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler to set the tone up front and David Long Jr. and Duke Riley, in place of Jerome Baker, to be formidable behind them. The Jets were held to 29 rushing yards in their first meeting. Edge: Dolphins

When the Dolphins pass: It’s the No. 1 passing offense against the No. 2 passing defense, but Miami’s pass game hasn’t been as hot of late. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had his first game without a touchdown pass in the Monday night stunner against Tennessee, he was ineffective in the red zone and failed to put together the late drive to win the game when the Dolphins just needed a field goal for the win.

With star wide receiver Tyreek Hill in and out of the game dealing with the ankle injury he aggravated, the Miami aerial attack wasn’t nearly as explosive. A hobbled Hill and fellow wideout Jaylen Waddle, who may need to step up to be as impactful as a true co-No. 1 receiver, will go against cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed — and don’t forget Brandin Echols, who has Tagovailoa’s number with two pick-sixes against him in his three-year career, including one late in the first half of the first meeting.

The Miami pass protection is coming off a game where it surrendered a season-high five sacks, including the one that sealed the loss to the Titans on the final fourth-and-2. The interior offensive line of three backups will have to limit the pressure up the middle against Quinnen Williams and Quinton Jefferson. Rotational edge rusher Bryce Huff and defensive end Jermaine Johnson are team leaders in sacks. An Armstead return will help on the left side while Austin Jackson has been reliable at right tackle. Edge: Jets

When the Jets pass: Now the Dolphins get to face Zach Wilson. He’s back as the Jets starter after the first meeting between the division rivals was during Tim Boyle’s stint at quarterback. The 2021 No. 2 pick was big last Sunday against Houston with his third career 300-yard passing game, going 27 of 36 with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Miami secondary will lock in on top receiver Garrett Wilson, who has 76 receptions for 853 yards this season. Two late touchdown drives were given up by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit as there were miscommunications on the back end that allowed pass-catchers to run free. That was with safeties Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliott out, but with Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard back there. Holland, Elliott and Howard all have injuries to monitor this week.

The Dolphins can rush the passer, too, but only had one Wilkins sack Monday against Tennessee, with Will Levis escaping Bradley Chubb on one that had him penalized for throwing his helmet out of frustration. Jaelan Phillips’ loss is one that will be missed, but Andrew Van Ginkel needs to produce in his spot. Wilson, despite his heroics against the Texans, was sacked four times. Edge: Dolphins

Special teams: And we’re back to having special teams concerns for the Dolphins. The latest, a blocked field goal from pressure up the middle against the Titans — and long snapper Blake Ferguson had an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that cost Miami on a kickoff. Jason Sanders is now 14 of 18 on field goals this season. Braxton Berrios is always reliable in the return game, and punter Jake Bailey was solid on Monday night.

The Jets’ Greg Zuerlein is 27 of 28 on field goals in 2023, and Thomas Morstead, a Dolphin last year, does a good job for them punting the ball. You have to watch out for return specialist Xavier Gipson, who won the season opener against the Buffalo Bills with a walk-off punt return touchdown. Edge: Jets

Intangibles: The Dolphins should take care of business at home and should take care of a team with a losing record. Both things we said last week before that debacle against the Titans. The Jets are suddenly hot coming off that big win against Houston, and coach Robert Saleh would love nothing more than to spoil McDaniel’s late-season playoff push after the two were together on the San Francisco 49ers’ coaching staff. But if McDaniel is keeping his team from staving off a late-season collapse, he gets them ready for this one. Edge: Even

PREDICTION: Dolphins 23, Titans 16