Dolphins vs. Jets: Top Storylines in Big AFC East Matchup

Whenever the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets square off, there are always fireworks, and this week's matchup promises to be no different. 

The Jets and the Dolphins are among the NFL's fiercest rivals, so expect an exciting, intense game. Here are a few storylines to watch out for come game day.

Will the Pregame Smack Talk Make a Difference?

These hatred of these two teams for each other is obvious whenever they talk to the media. Both teams have been engaging in serious pregame smack talk, as ESPN reported here.

Much has been made about Laron Landry's brutal hit on Reggie Bush, with Landry boasting the following (via USA Today):

"

[Bush] will remember that hit. Every time he sees me, he will remember that hit. If I'm coming into the box, coming downhill or whatever, he will remember that hit.

"

These comments were echoed by Aaron Maybin, which prompted Dolphins center Mike Pouncey to respond (via Yahoo! Sports): "[Maybin has] done nothing in this league to even open his mouth. I don't even want to talk about him. He's a joke."

There is serious bad blood between these teams, so expect some rough hits and penalties. Whether or not the pregame chatter will influence this remains to be seen, but it's worth looking out for.

Can Ryan Tannehill Keep His Momentum Going?

In the past three weeks, Ryan Tannehill has begun to assert himself as a legitimate NFL quarterback. In that span, he has accumulated 839 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. More impressively, he has completed two-thirds of his passes in that span and has kept his passer rating above 85 in every game.

Tannehill is coming into his own as a passer, and he's been doing it against tough secondaries. Both the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams have top-15 pass defenses, but Tannehill excelled against both.

The Jets also have a top-tier pass defense, as Antonio Cromartie should be able to handle Brian Hartline effectively.

The key for the Dolphins is to establish a solid running game. If they can set up the play-action pass, there could be room downfield for Tannehill to complete a big pass or two. If that happens, the Dolphins should be favored to win this game.

Which Sanchez Will Show Up This Week?

Heading into a Week 6 against the Colts, Mark Sanchez was struggling badly and at risk of losing his starting job. 

Two weeks later, Sanchez has reasserted himself with a blowout win against the Colts and a solid performance against the Patriots.

Even after these two performances, though, there is little reason to be confident in Sanchez. He continues to be mistake prone and inaccurate, but he remains the best quarterback on the roster.

There will be opportunities for the Jets this week, as the Dolphins lack the speed and quickness in the secondary to match up with breakout receiver Jeremy Kerley. This guarantees a few open looks for Sanchez this week. If he can convert on a few of them, the Jets have a good chance to win this game.

If Sanchez again struggles with his accuracy, though, the Jets will have trouble beating a hot Dolphins team.