Miami Dolphins Fantasy: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em vs Bills

The Miami Dolphins are going to try and right the ship after a tough loss in week two. It doesn’t get an awful lot easier for the Miami Dolphins. They welcome divisional rivals Buffalo Bills to SunLife Stadium for the home opener. Going by the performances so far from both teams, this isn’t an overly favourable match up for the Phins. So here’s who should be getting the green light in week three.

Start Em

Rishard Matthews – Wide Receiver

Matthews has surprised many, myself included, by the way in which he has began the season. The general consensus was that he would struggle for reps in a talented receiver group, some thought he was lucky to even remain on the roster after the offseason acquisitions of Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills and Devante Parker. But Matthews persisted, and has reaped the rewards from his had work. Matthews already has 10 catches for 149 yards and a touchdown this season.

Against a Rex Ryan defense that blitzes the quarterback in more ways than most others, expect Ryan Tannehill to be releasing the ball early. Main receivers like Jennings and Jarvis Landry will attract the most attention from Bills defensive backs, it could be the perfect time for Matthews to sneak under the radar and get a few more catches under his belt. The fourth-year receiver also has a knack for making plays in the red zone, like this 2-yard TD snag against the Redskins in week one:

Sit Em

Lamar Miller – Running Back

This selection should explain itself really. The offensive line cannot seem to get it going this season and Miller has paid the price. He only has 23 carries through the first two games and, after his first 1,000+ yard season last campaign, Miller gained just 13 yards off 10 runs against the Jaguars. The Bills defense is one of the more talented in the league and boasts a monster defensive line. He was limited in Thursday’s practice and has been listed as questionable with an ankle injury for the home opener. Logic dictates you bench Miller.

Defense/Special Teams

Everyone knew about their defense, but the Bills have surprised many on offense so far this season, and LeSean McCoy hasn’t even started playing to his potential yet. Tyrod Taylor put on a show against the Colts on opening day and had a quarterback rating of 123.8 to show for it. He struggled in week two against the Patriots, but still threw three touchdowns. It’s a well-known fact that the Dolphins are really struggling against the run, a fact that will be taken advantage of by McCoy and rookie Karlos Williams, who together combine for over 200 rushing yards and two touchdowns this season.

The Bills will hurt the Dolphins D time and time again with their ground attack, which will draw in safeties Reshad Jones and Walt Aikens for extra help. Taylor then has the option to fake the run and take advantage of the depleted secondary by throwing to Sammy Watkins, Percy Harvin or Robert Woods, like Blake Bortles did last week when he found Allen Robinson for a 46-yard touchdown. Unfortunately, this Bills offense can rack up the yards against a defense that is failing to live up the preseason hype.