MetLife Stadium will host a game with two teams searching for a turning point on Sunday afternoon. The New York Jets are 2-4, close enough to see a path forward but needing to stop a slide after last week’s loss in New England. The Miami Dolphins are 0-5, still chasing their first win while building a brand-new identity. That makes Week 7 more than a regular game. It is a chance for one team to find solid ground.

The Jets have a familiar guide in quarterback Geno Smith, who began his NFL career in New York and has returned with more experience. Smith has thrown for 1,336 yards with seven touchdown passes and only one interception this season. His main target is Garrett Wilson, whose quick cuts and reliable hands have produced 35 catches. Wilson can turn a short throw into a longer gain, and Miami must keep defenders close to him all afternoon.

New York’s offense has not scored enough yet, averaging 18.7 points per game, but it has protected the ball better than Miami. That matters in a matchup between teams trying to escape difficult starts. The Jets also need their running game to help Smith. Breece Hall is questionable with a quadriceps injury after missing practice Wednesday. If Hall cannot play or is limited, New York will need other backs to create tough yards and keep Miami from focusing only on Wilson.

Miami’s plan changed sharply this week when De’Von Achane went on injured reserve with a knee injury. Achane is one of the Dolphins’ fastest playmakers, so his absence leaves a major hole. Jaylen Wright is questionable with a foot injury, too. The Dolphins showed against Cincinnati that they can run with force, piling up 217 rushing yards behind Ollie Gordon II and quarterback Malik Willis. They will likely need that same physical style again.

Willis is the key character in Miami’s search for a fresh start. He has rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns, giving the Dolphins a quarterback who can escape trouble and race into open space. But Miami’s passing game must become steadier. Willis has thrown four interceptions, and the Dolphins average just 14 points per game. Wide receiver Malik Washington, who leads the team with 23 catches, can help by making the short, dependable grabs that keep drives moving.

The Jets defense has allowed 20.3 points per game, a much sturdier mark than Miami’s 26.4. Still, New York has injury concerns along its defensive front, where several players are out or uncertain. That could give Willis room to run if the Dolphins block well. Yet Miami also faces a tough challenge: its offense has averaged only 280 yards per game, while the Jets have been more dependable at taking the ball away and creating extra chances.

Both teams bring urgency, but the Jets have the steadier passing attack, home crowd, and a quarterback playing careful football. Miami’s running game can make this close, especially if Willis creates big plays with his legs. Still, New York should win by letting Smith and Wilson control the game’s biggest moments.

Jets Seek a Steady Home Win as Dolphins Rebuild Their Ground Game