The Miami Dolphins appear to be in freefall, and while the front office is determined to play it cool, fantasy football managers are starting to panic. Without Tua Tagovailoa, one of the NFL’s hottest offenses has hit absolute zero, quite the surprise considering the criticism the QB gets online for his performances.
The Dolphins were a Super Bowl contender in preseason and now find themselves fourth in the AFC East, reeling from three consecutive defeats in which they totaled 25 points scored. The good news is that it is still early, and if Miami can sneak a win against a vulnerable New England Patriots, there is room for optimism.
Let’s look at the Dolphins’ weapons in what projects to be a low-scoring Week 5 game:
Dolphins’ QB Fantasy Outlook: Tyler Huntley
Tyler Huntley is set to start under center against New England, and his Week 4 Miami debut did not go well. Huntley passed for 96 yards, adding 40 more on the ground and a TD for 11.84 fantasy points.
Huntley represents a huge risk in fantasy football and cannot be started here. He has a high ceiling because of his rushing skills and the weapons at his disposal, but you need to see it before you believe it.
Tyler Huntley’s point range: 8-25; Prediction: 13.5
Dolphins’ RB Fantasy Outlook: De’Von Achane
With Raheem Mostert struggling with injuries in 2024, De’Von Achane is benefiting from a heavy workload. However, with the Dolphins’ offense drying up in the red zone, he has seen his weekly points decline from a height of 26.00 in Week 2, to 7.30 and 4.40 last week (HPPR).
The Patriots’ defense is conceding an average of 22.55 fantasy points per game against RBs, so Achane is a good start here. Given his ceiling, Achane has to start every game, and managers should just hope the Dolphins can get their offense rolling again.
De’Von Achane’s point range: 4-25; Prediction: 14
Dolphins’ WR Fantasy Outlooks: Tyreek Hill & Jaylen Waddle
Fantasy managers of Tyreek Hill & Jaylen Waddle have suffered the most from Miami’s stagnant offense, and two top fantasy options are now a weekly headache. Realistically, Waddle is now too much of a risk to start as a WR2/flex, and while you have to start Hill, you do it with hope rather than expectation.
Tyreek Hill’s point range: 8-25; Prediction: 13
Jaylen Waddle’s point range: 3-12; Prediction: 7
Dolphins’ TE Fantasy Outlook: Jonnu Smith
The Dolphins have not been overly kind to TEs over the past few years, as fantasy managers of Mike Gesicki can tell you. That looks set to continue in 2024, with Jonnu Smith having 9 receptions for 78 yards and 12.30 total points across four games. He cannot be started and there are likely better options available on waivers. Suggestion: Tyler Conklin.
Jonnu Smith’s point range: 0-7; Prediction: 3.5
Also read: Fantasy Football Week 5 Defense Rankings & Streamers ft. Seahawks, Patriots & Broncos