Dolphins Fantasy Football Recap Week 12

It was a bit of a scare Sunday afternoon, but the Dolphins managed to come away with their 6th straight victory, and now currently sit in the final playoff spot. As predicted, Miami’s offense found success against the 49ers, leading to a big day in fantasy football.

It wasn’t always pretty, but the Miami Dolphins clinched their 6th straight win on Sunday, and now control their own destiny to make the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The Dolphins were without three key starters on the offensive line (Branden Albert, Mike Pouncey, and Laremy Tunsil) so they knew it could be a struggle for their offense going in. Thankfully, because the 49ers defense is so horrid, Miami knew they could still move the ball despite the injuries to the offensive line.

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That much remained true as the Dolphins finished the day with 31 points. However, the Dolphins defense had a tough time stopping Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers offense as well, keeping the game relatively close. Despite the close finish, the majority of Miami’s players finished with very respectable fantasy football numbers in the favorable matchup. Here’s a recap of how well they did in the fantasy world.

Stud of the Game – Ryan Tannehill

I had mentioned in last week’s start/sit article that Tannehill would be a great streaming option in almost any format, and he did not disappoint. He finished the day with 285 yards passing and three touchdowns. It was the first time since Week 3 that Tannehill had thrown three or more touchdown passes, and just the 10th time in his career. He very well could have had four touchdown passes, but a 2nd quarter touchdown thrown to DeVante Parker was overturned after replay.

Tannehill added to his stats by rushing the ball six times for 34 yards. It was his best fantasy performance of the season, and while this kind of production cannot be expected from Tannehill week-to-week, it was a risk proven rewarding for those bold enough to insert him in their starting lineup.

Week 12 Fantasy Points: 26.80

Dud of the Game – Dolphin Defense

The Dolphins defense had been impressive in recent weeks, but Sunday’s performance was a step back. The defense allowed the 49ers to get back into the game after it appeared Miami had the game in hand with a 31-14 lead in the 4th quarter. The Niners responded with a scoring drive of their own that took less than four minutes to make the game 31-21 with under 8 minutes remaining.

On the 49ers next possession, the Dolphins had San Francisco on their heels with a 4th and 15 situation. A stop would have virtually secured Miami the victory, but Kaepernick was able to find WR Chris Harper for a 16-yard gain to extend the drive that would eventually lead to a field goal. The Dolphins offense couldn’t get the first downs they needed to keep the ball out of the 49ers’ hands, giving the Niners one last shot at tying the game.

The Dolphins again had San Francisco in a 4th and long situation, but a Torrey Smith completion kept the drive alive. The 49ers eventually made it down to Miami’s 6-yard line, but the defense finally stepped up when they needed to most. First, Byron Maxwell batted away a ball from Smith on 1st and goal, followed by Kiko Alonso and Ndamukong Suh holding Kaepernick short of a rushing touchdown at the 2-yard line as time expired on the next play. It was not the best performance by the defense, but thankfully, they came through when the team needed it the most.

Week 12 Fantasy Points: 6.00

Surprise of the Game – Dion Sims

Miami got production from all over the place, but when it comes from their tight ends we take extra notice. Sims caught his first touchdown of the season Sunday late in the 2nd quarter. He would finish the day with four receptions for 53 yards and the TD. It was just the 2nd time this season he’s recorded four receptions. I would highly question anyone who actually had Sims in their lineup, but if they did it luckily worked out for them.

Week 12 Fantasy Points: Standard – 11.30, PPR – 15.30

Other Notables

Jay Ajayi – Sunday was supposed to be a breakout day for Ajayi, but the injuries on the offensive line appeared to limit his production. Ajayi finished with just 45 yards rushing on 18 carries and a touchdown. He also added a reception for 11 yards. The touchdown was only after DeVante Parker’s touchdown had been overturned on the drive. Ajayi ran it in two plays later, helping him to avoid an otherwise drastic day.

Week 12 Fantasy Points: Standard – 11.60, PPR – 12.60

DeVante Parker – Parker was on his way to another stellar performance, but a pair of overturned plays derailed his production. He should have had Miami’s first touchdown of the game, but the call was questionably overturned, the refs claiming that Parker failed to complete the catch within bounds. Late in the 3rd, Parker appeared to haul in a 32-yard completion down the sideline. Replay showed, however, that Parker’s hand had touched out of bounds before he could get his feet down. Despite the poor productive stat sheet, Parker is beginning to emerge as Tannehill’s #1 option.

Week 12 Fantasy Points: Standard – 6.40, PPR – 9.40

Jarvis Landry – Landry had another poorish performance as far as fantasy football goes. While he continues to help the Dolphins move the chains when he does get the ball, his lack of explosiveness and touchdown upside are starting to have an effect on his fantasy value. It’s now been eight consecutive games since Landry last eclipsed 100 yards receiving, and his targets continue to swerve in the wrong direction. He’s a shaky start for the remainder of the season.

Week 12 Fantasy Points: Standard – 4.70, PPR – 8.70

Kenny Stills – Stills continued to show that he doesn’t need a lot of targets or receptions to be productive. Despite just 26 receptions on the season, Stills has now turned five of those into touchdowns. His latest touchdown came on the heels of Parker’s overturned reception in the 3rd quarter. Stills reeled in a pass just out of reach for the defender that then allowed him to scamper down the sidelines to the end zone. While he is still not a reliable fantasy player, Stills has assured his place as Miami’s deep threat option.

Week 12 Fantasy Points: Standard – 13.20, PPR – 16.20

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