Dolphins start rookie third-string QB Skylar Thompson while the New York Jets will start Joe Flacco

The Miami Dolphins need a win against the New York Jets to make the playoffs and are hoping that rookie Skylar Thompson can turn in a magical performance to get them there.

Head coach Mike McDaniel said the 2022 seventh-round pick out of Kansas State will be get the go-ahead to start as quarterback in Sunday’s do-or-die game as their first and second rope signal callers sit out with injuries.

Tua Tagovailoa remains in concussion protocol retroactive to a hit sustained on Christmas Day against the Green Bay Packers. He was ruled out for the second week in a row.

The Dolphins hope rookie Skylar Thompson can lead them to the playoffs this weekend

Second-string quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered an injury last week against the New England Patriots. While McDaniel is optimistic that Bridgewater will be active on Sunday, he says the playcaller will be available in a backup capacity since he only started throwing the ball in weekend practices.

Meanwhile, their opponents will also field a new starter this week in Super Bowl XLVII champion Joe Flacco. wins his fourth start of the season for the New York Jets.

Last week’s starter, Mike White, is “in a lot of pain,” according to head coach Robert Saleh, as his injuries “have clearly affected his ability to shoot the ball.”

Super Bowl XLVII champion Joe Flacco wins his fourth start of the season for the Jets

The Jets won’t start second-year quarterback Zach Wilson, who was benched for a practice squad QB just two weeks ago on Thursday Night Football against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Saleh said he didn’t want to give Wilson the start because he wants to “take him into the offseason so we can attack the plan that we’ve been building.” Putting him there now himself won’t do him any good; he’s not going to do anyone any good.

Wilson will enter Sunday as the No. 2 quarterback on the Jets’ roster.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh will ask Zach Wilson to focus on next season

The Jets have nothing to play for after being eliminated in last week’s loss to Seattle. However, the Dolphins still have a chance to make the final Wild Card spot.

They need to win against New York on Sunday and then hope the New England Patriots suffer a loss at Orchard Park against the Buffalo Bills.

As it is, Miami has a 44 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to the New York Times.

Jets-Dolphins kick off at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL at 1:00 pm ET.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel knows his team needs a win and a Patriots loss for a wild card