NFL: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets

There will be four days of pro football this week, as the NFL has added a bonus game on Black Friday between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. The Miami Dolphins are one of the NFL’s best teams at 7-3, while the New York Jets have a disappointing record of 4-6.

The Jets will now be starting quarterback Tim Boyle after a series of poor performances from Zach Wilson. This divisional matchup seems uninteresting at first glance.

While it may be the blowout everyone is expecting, the outside chance that the Jets get a win means more than one might think. If the Jets lose, they will fall to 4-7 and would need a miracle to have a shot at the playoffs. If they win, however, they will be in a much better position if future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is able to return.

Again, it’s a longshot considering they are a 9.5-point underdog, but it makes this game at least a little meaningful for New York fans. For Dolphins fans however, every game from here on out is meaningful.

The top teams in the AFC are all basically even. Every division leader has exactly three losses and seven wins, excluding the Baltimore Ravens, who have 8 wins due to having a Week 13 bye. So a win gets the Dolphins even closer to being the top seed in the AFC, which of course would grant them a first-round bye in the playoffs.

The Dolphins have talent across the board. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has the third-most passing yards in the league with over 2,900. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill is on pace for 2,000 receiving yards, which would break the all-time record. Raheem Mostert has the second-most touchdowns in the league this year with 13. And with Jalen Ramsey back on the defensive side of the ball, their defense is much improved; Ramsey has three interceptions in the last three weeks.

Steve Quinne’s Pick: Miami -9.5 (-110)

The Dolphins will face a Jets team that has lost three straight games. In those defeats, New York has been outscored 75-24. While a win for the Jets could resurrect their season, it is highly unlikely that it actually happens. With Tim Boyle at quarterback and the morale of the team in shambles, expect a blowout win by the Dolphins. Yes, the Jets have a good defense. But Miami will only need to get to 20 points in order to cover this spread; they’ll do that with ease.

CFB: Ohio State at Michigan

For the first time in five years, Michigan is favored over Ohio State in one of college football’s greatest rivalries. And this time around, it’s ever-so-important. Both teams are currently inside the CFP Top-4, so the outcome will surely have major implications for both teams and likely a school outside the Top-4. Furthermore, the margin between these two teams appears to be razor thin, as the voters and bettors are not in total agreement.

When the line opened, Michigan has been as much as a 6.5-point favorite. Currently, it’s sitting at -3.5, but more movement could take place.

Despite the fact that Jim Harbaugh won’t be on the sidelines, serving the final game of a three-game suspension for the alleged sign-stealing scheme, observers of the Wolverines seem unphased. Clearly, his assistants and players have his back – as evidenced by Michigan’s monster road win over No. 11 Penn State two weeks ago when emotions were at their highest. Last week’s 31-24 win over Maryland was less impressive, but still kept the Wolverines undefeated for this weekend’s showdown.

Ohio State rolls into town on the heels of a 37-3 thumping of Minnesota – who, for what it’s worth, was whipped by Michigan 52-20 earlier in the season – and likely insulted by the fact that the Buckeyes are ranked higher but getting little to no respect for it.

Then again, all the drama can be tossed right out the window, as this is a game that will be played by the country’s best two defenses. It’s quite possible one big play could determine who heads to the Big Ten championship game versus Iowa.

Bud Parmalee’s Pick: Ohio State M/L +145

For the record, take the under, as it’s set at an embarrassingly realistic 46.5, as if it were an NFL playoff game. But it’s not, it’s just that both defenses are that good. But that’s not my bet here. I’m taking the Buckeye’s to put an end to the saga that surrounds Michigan. Two weeks ago, the slogan “Michigan Against Everyone” became very prominent. Too prominent, in fact. There’s a lot of truth to that, and while Michigan is playing the “us against the world” card, the world – including everyone associated with college football – doesn’t want this messy situation impacting this year’s CFP final polls. Call me a conspiracy theorist but look for the Buckeyes to settle the score and end the Harbaugh shenanigans.