The Miami Dolphins were expected to challenge for the AFC East in 2024 and potentially, the Super Bowl in February. They say life comes at you fast and while Miami had not looked elite in the opening week and a half with Tua Tagovailoa under center, the concussion that caused him to miss four games has potentially derailed their season.
The Dolphins did get the win against New England, but at 2-5, they need to topple their AFC East rivals, the 6-2 Buffalo Bills, at Highmark Stadium on Sunday. If they fail to do so, they lose any real hope of making up the ground in the East and will likely be out of the playoff bubble in the AFC.
Let’s take a look at Miami’s weapons as we approach this vital division rivalry game:
Dolphins’ Week 9 Fantasy Outlooks
QB: Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa made his return in Week 8 versus the Arizona Cardinals, and while they lost 28-27, it was a much improved offensive performance. This is hugely encouraging for fantasy football owners after a grim month of mostly disappointment from Miami weapons, but we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves just yet.
In Week 2, the Bills were stifling the Dolphins and the game was all but over when Tagovailoa exited the game with a concussion. That exit came after throwing 3 INTs and Tua has not really been playing clean football in 2024, as his 3 TDs to 3 INTs show.
If you are in a pinch at QB, Tagovailoa is potentially your hero or your villain, and either is possible this week against a Bills team that has conceded only 146 points in eight games. With it getting late very early in Miami, expect Tua and co. to pull out all stops and play aggressive (albeit sensible) football.
Tua Tagovailoa’s points range: 9-20, Prediction: 16
RBs: De’Von Achane & Raheem Mostert
De’Von Achane has been the Dolphins’ lone safe fantasy start in Tagovailoa’s absence. While the touchdowns have not always been there, Achane has been able to get the volume to put up decent points in 2024.
Achane has 601 scrimmage yards and 3 total TDs this season, and is a good start every week. He is an even better pick against a Bills defense 31st against RBs in HPPR leagues (conceding 28.25 ppg to RBs).
Meanwhile, Raheem Mostert has 2 TDs and 197 total yards across four games and is the clear RB2 in the Dolphins’ system. Mostert presents decent flex value in fantasy and is a solid choice in that role versus Buffalo.
De’Von Achane’s points range: 9-26, Prediction: 16.5
Raheem Mostert’s points range: 3-16, Prediction: 8.5
WRs: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle & Odell Beckham Jr.
The Dolphins’ receiving corps was the group most affected by Tua Tagovailoa’s injury, and his return has Tyreek Hill’s managers hoping for a monsoon of points. That didn’t quite materialize in Week 8, with Tyreek Hill finishing on 6 catches for 72 yards and 10.20 points in HPPR leagues.
Hill is questionable for the Bills game but is widely expected to play, given the magnitude of the game for Miami. He profiles to be a must-start in such a desperate scenario for the Dolphins, and fantasy managers will have to hold their breath and hope for the best.
Jaylen Waddle has had an even more disappointing 2024 season than Tyreek Hill, and the WR2 has been much ignored by the Dolphins QB play. Waddle is a huge bounce-back candidate for the remainder of the season and it would not be a surprise if we saw him getting his first TD of the season in Week 9.
Meanwhile, Odell Beckham Jr. has been in the headlines recently about his take on his usage, or lack of, in Miami. There has not been much sympathy from the public, and given his situation has been shared by every Dolphins receiver, the WR3 was always going to be pushed to the very back of the line.
However, the signs are positive for the OBJ, who wants to contribute rather than complain. That’s all well and good but starting him in fantasy football would be a huge gamble, and as he is likely to gain a small target share, even a TD would garner limited rewards.
Tyreek Hill’s points range: 9-27 Prediction: 17.5
Jaylen Waddle’s points range: 5-20, Prediction: 11.5
Odell Beckham Jr.’s points range: 3-13, Prediction: 6.5
TE: Jonnu Smith
TE Jonnu Smith blipped on everyone’s radars after recording 96 yards and a touchdown in Week 8, coming away with 19.10 points in HPPR leagues. However, he followed that up with 4 catches for 20 yards and 4.00 points a week later. That’s been the story of his season and without that big performance, Smith would likely not be up for consideration for any but the most desperate of managers in 20-team leagues.
Miami doesn’t utilize the tight end position for receptions all that much, especially in the red zone, and realistically, there are better fantasy options available as free agents.
Jonnu Smith’s points range: 3-20, Prediction: 5
Also read: Titans’ Week 9 Fantasy Outlooks ft. Will Levis, Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley & more