The last time the Dolphins faced the Jets, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams contributed 47 of the team's 49 rushing yards. But that was before the unveiling of the Wildcat and before Brown was named a Pro Bowler. Both tailbacks should be well rested considering neither has carried the ball more than 16 times during the past month and a half. Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins has been nursing a hip injury for more than a month and since then the Jets' front line hasn't been as stout, giving up an average of 133.5 rushing yards the past four games. Before Jenkins got hurt the Jets had only given up more than 80 rushing yards in four of 11 games.

Dolphins PASSING GAME VS. Jets PASS DEFENSE EDGE: Dolphins

Chad Pennington is the second-highest rated quarterback in the NFL. His 96.4 QB rating is behind only Philip Rivers' 104.0 mark. Pennington is also tied for throwing the fourth fewest interceptions (7) this season. The last time he played the Jets, his former team, Pennington was sacked four times and picked off once. The Jets have allowed 21 touchdowns through the air. New York's opponents are completing 64 percent of their passes and averaging 237 pass yards per game, which is fourth worst in the NFL. Expect the Jets to play a lot of tight zone, protecting the middle of the field, baiting Pennington to attack them deep.

Jets RUNNING GAME VS. Dolphins RUN DEFENSE EDGE: Jets

Thomas Jones' 1,289 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns earned the NFL journeyman his first Pro Bowl bid in nine seasons. Against the Dolphins, he rushed for 101 yards and scored a touchdown off his 22 carries. But Jones isn't the only tailback the Dolphins must worry about. Leon Washington is averaging 5.9 yards a carry, and has scored seven offensive touchdowns. The Dolphins, who have allowed an average of 125.4 rushing yards the past five games, need a healthy Channing Crowder to contain the Jets. Opponents have only scored 10 rushing touchdowns this season, which proves the Dolphins front seven tightens up in the red zone.

Jets PASSING GAME VS. Dolphins PASS DEFENSE EDGE: Jets

Brett Favre is the NFL's resident gunslinger, but his arm is on the fritz lately while playing through shoulder pain. This season Favre has thrown for 3,239 yards and 21 touchdowns. But he's also thrown a league-high 19 interceptions, and seven of them have come in the past five games. Favre has also been sacked 30 times. Outside of Joey Porter (17 1/2 sacks) no Dolphins defender is getting to the quarterback on a regular basis. Cornerback Nate Jones, who has contributed three sacks in the past two games, has been the team's most effective pass rusher of late. But attacking Favre with cornerback blitzes is dangerous because the veteran will find the mismatch.

Dolphins SPECIAL TEAMS VS. Jets SPECIAL TEAMS EDGE: Jets

Washington is a threat when he touches the ball. He's averaging 25.9 yards on kickoffs and 10.4 on punt returns. The Dolphins must make sure their coverage units are sound. Jets kicker Jay Feely has converted 23 of 27 field goal attempts. The Dolphins' Dan Carpenter has made 20 of 24 field goals. Tailback Patrick Cobbs replaced Ted Ginn Jr. as the Dolphins' primary kick returner last week and contributed four kickoff returns for 115 yards, including a 60-yarder.

INTANGIBLES EDGE: Dolphins

The Dolphins have only committed 12 turnovers and could set a new record for fewest turnovers in a 16-game season, breaking the mark of 14 that was set by Bill Parcells' 1990 New York Giants. The Dolphins have motivation, considering a victory would earn last year's 1-15 team its first AFC East title since 2000 and the home playoff game that goes with it. The Jets' late slide, losing 3 of 4 games, has Eric Mangini on the hot seat. Restless New Yorkers are seeking major changes in the offseason.

PREDICTION: Dolphins 20, Jets 17

INFORMATIONAL BOX:

Kickoff: 4:15 p.m., Meadowlands, East Rutherford, N.J.; TV: Chs. 4 and 12; Radio: WQAM (560-AM), WSUA (1260-AM, Spanish). Line: Jets by 3. Series: Jets lead 46-39-1