TONIGHT

MIAMI at NEW YORK JETS,

6 p.m.

* The line: Jets by 3.

* Story line: Expect a defensive battle, as the Dolphins and Jets are the only teams in the NFL that have yet to give up more than 20 points in a game. Miami’s rigid defense has been particularly dominant, giving up an NFL-low 51 points and only three touchdowns, the fewest through the first six games since the 1977 Atlanta Falcons. The Jets aim for their fourth consecutive win on Monday night and fifth over the Dolphins for the first time since 1978-80 (6-0).

* Key matchups: Jet center Kevin Mawae vs. Dolphin linebacker Zach Thomas. Mawae is the key to getting the Jets’ ball-control offense rolling and Thomas is the key to stopping it. NFL sack leader (10 sacks) Trace Armstrong goes up against a Jet offensive line that has given up only 10 sacks in the last 10 games.

* Injury report: MIA--WR Tony Martin (foot, out); LB Zach Thomas (ankle, questionable). NYJ--C Kevin Mawae (foot, doubtful).

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THE COMPARISON MIA NYJ Points scored 18.7 (17) 20.8 (13) Points allowed 8.5 (1) 17.2 (11) Passing Off. 143.2 (30) 190.3 (19) Rushing Off. 119.0 (13) 107.0 (17) Passing Def. 175.0 (5) 178.5 (8) Rushing Def. 106.2 (15) 100.8 (13) Time of Poss. 30:29 (14) 30:47 (13) Turnover Ratio +7 (T3) +5 (8) Red Zone TD% 57.1 (8) 50.0 (T12)

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* The pick: Jets