This will be a battle of the running games as the Miami Dolphins (2-4) host the New York Jets (4-3) Sunday.  The Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez has been struggling big-time lately, so the Jets limited him to only 15 passes last week and relied heavily on their running game.  So, the Dolphins defense will really need to focus on stopping the Jets starting running back Thomas Jones.  He isn’t the only one they need to worry about though.  Rookie Shonn Green had a huge game last week, getting 144 yards and two TDs on 19 carries.  If the Dolphins can slow down the running game, it will force Sanchez to throw more often, meaning he will probably make some mistakes.

The Dolphins offense has to do a better job this week, especially quarterback Chad Henne.  Henne threw two interceptions last week and had a QB rating of only 45.0.  He needs to take care of the ball, manage the game, and let the running game do most of the damage.  The Dolphins could use another big game from Ricky Williams, who had a season high 138 total yards in their last game against the Jets.  This should be another close one, but I think the Jets will get even in this one as they have been killing teams on the ground.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  New York Jets 28, Miami Dolphins 24

The Miami Dolphins (2-3) are taking on probably the best team in the NFL right now in the New Orleans Saints (5-0).  The Dolphins and their Wildcat running attack has been nearly unstoppable this year, but it hasn’t done enough for them in the win column.  The Saints running attack is just as good if not better than the Dolphins, as they have Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, and Reggie Bush sharing the carries with each bringing a different aspect for the Dolphins run-defense to deal with.  When looking at the numbers, both defenses are pretty similar, giving up 301 yards per game and close to 20 points.

Chad Henne has been solid in his two starts, but the Dolphins passing game is nothing to write home about.  The offense is all about the Wildcat. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams lead the attack in the Wildcat, with the two running backs combining for 759 yards and eight touchdowns on 4.9 yards per carry. The Saints have a well-rounded offensive attack and Drew Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the league.  Even if the Chargers can’t stop the Wildcat, I don’t think they can win this one due to Drew Brees and their talented offense outscoring the Dolphins and their Wildcat.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  New Orleans Saints 31, Miami Dolphins 20

The Miami Dolphins (0-2) are taking on the San Diego Chargers (1-1) in San Diego this week and are looking to continue a seven game win streak against the Chargers, dating back to 1993.  The Dolphins have put up some strong efforts so far this season but are still looking for their first win.

The Dolphins have been doing a phenomenal job at stopping the run, as they are only giving up 64.5 yards a game.  They need to make sure they bring that same run-stopping defense against the Chargers and their powerful running game.  LaDainian Tomlinson is out with an ankle injury still, but Derron Sproles has been playing great for the Chargers.

Rivers is a talented quarterback and can rack up a lot yards, but he has thrown three interceptions already.  The Dolphins should try and pressure Rivers into making some of those mistakes this Sunday and try and get some turnovers.  Dolphins’ quarterback Chad Pennington has not done a whole lot through the air, but the Dolphins offense relies heavily on their the running game and their dangerous wildcat formations.  I think the Dolphins will have another strong game but will come up short once again, as the Chargers have too many weapons for the Dolphins to handle.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Dolphins 24, Chargers 31

I don’t think the Dolphins improved enough in the offseason to take the over so the play is under.  The Dolphins are on the right track but I don’t see any way that they can improve 5 games over 2007.  It’s going to be another long year for the Dolphins but they will at least keep the games closer this season.

I think the rebuilding of the Dolphins offense is going to take some time.  I feel bad for Trent Green and Ronnie Brown that they have to play behind one of the worst offensive lines in all of football.  Cam Cameron will need to use all of the tricks in his playbook to move the ball with this offensive line.  In fact, I don’t see Green making it the whole season healthy.  The defense is getting old and one of these days it will start to decline.  Take the under.