Start/Sit: Dolphins Fantasy Football Preview Week 3

Jan 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (left) talks with Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (right) before their game against the New England Patriots at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (left) talks with Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (right) before their game against the New England Patriots at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dolphins offense finally got it going in the second half of last week’s loss against the Patriots as they battled to get back in the game. They may have fallen short of victory, but most of Miami’s players finished with impressive fantasy numbers. Similar results can be expected in Week 3.

The Miami Dolphins could simply get nothing going in the first half of last week’s loss against New England on either side of the ball. The game initially looked as though it would result in a blowout loss after New England pulled ahead 31-3 early in the third quarter. The Dolphins mounted a second half comeback, however, keeping it interesting before eventually losing 31-24.

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The Dolphins second half comeback gave fantasy owners a bittersweet smile in the end as most finished well above their initial projections. This week, the Dolphins open their home schedule against the Cleveland Browns. On paper, the matchup looks good for Miami to pick up their first victory of the season. It also looks good for fantasy football purposes. Here’s a look at which players to start/sit for Miami in Week 3.

Ryan Tannehill

Tannehill had a true Jekyll/Hyde moment last week. Part of Miami’s poor first half performance included Tannehill not completing a pass until the second quarter. The second half was a totally different tale, however, and Tannehill managed to finish the game with 387 yards passing, completing 71 percent of his throws, with two scores. He also rushed for 35 yards. Tannehill’s numbers came with the Dolphins abandoning the run and trying to get back in it through the air.

Although the comeback fell short, Tannehill finished the week 7th among quarterbacks. One of the arguments against Tannehill has been his inconsistencies. This week will be different though as I expect him to put up similar numbers against the lowly Browns. With Arian Foster expected to miss this week, the Dolphins don’t have much of a run game. Look for Tannehill to throw over 40 attempts again and have another impressive outing.

Start

Jarvis Landry

In PPR leagues Landry is a must-start, but in standard leagues it can be a tough call. While he’s practically guaranteed a minimum of five receptions a game, his upside for touchdowns is limited. He has yet to reach the endzone in the Dolphins first two games this year. Regardless, Landry is one of the elite receivers in the league, and obviously, Miami’s #1 option.

Despite losing a fumble, Landry had a great game against the Patriots with 10 catches for 135 yards. He found running room in the second half when it appeared the Patriots were laying back with a comfortable lead. The Browns defense ranks in the bottom half of most categories and passing defense is no exception. Landry has the potential ‘to go off’ this week with a good chance to score his first touchdown of the season.

Start

DeVante Parker

After missing Week 1 with an aggravated hamstring injury, Parker burst onto the scene in his season debut. Projected as a breakout candidate this season, Parker did not disappoint. Like Landry, Parker was targeted 13 times last week. He must like playing against the Patriots as he once again went over 100 yards receiving, just as he did in the 2015 season finale.

Parker admits his hamstring is still bothering him, but is expected to have a full workload similar to last week. Both Landry and Parker combined for 26 of Tannehill’s 45 pass attempts last week. Parker may have more upside for touchdown opportunities due to his deep threat capabilities. Should Parker remain healthy for the rest of the week, he’s a safe bet to start as he should see double digit targets again.

Start

Jay Ajayi

Arian Foster left last week’s game early with a groin injury that is expected to keep him out for at least this week also. Jay Ajayi, fresh off his one game team suspension, disappointed in Foster’s absence, finishing with just 14 yards on five carries and a fumble. Kenyan Drake looked much better in a limited role, scoring his first career touchdown from seven yards out.

With Foster out, the Dolphins are expected to run a committee approach that may include Isaiah Pead if he’s active. Committee is an ugly word in fantasy football and one I prefer to steer away from. The Dolphins backfield is a current mess right now, which is why I believe the Dolphins will air it out often on Sunday. I’m avoiding all Dolphins backs for the foreseeable future.

Sit

Jordan Cameron

I disrespected Jordan Cameron and the Dolphins tight ends in last week’s start/sit, suggesting to drop them in all leagues and never turn back. Cameron then turned around and put up one of his best stat lines since he became a Dolphin. His five receptions was the most he’s had since he came to Miami. One of those was even a touchdown.

Maybe I jumped the gun a little bit on bashing Cameron, but I’m still not sold on him becoming a bigger part of the offense. His disappointment from last season carried over into the preseason and into Week 1 so I’m not going to totally flip my opinion based off of one game. The Browns are terrible against tight ends, evidenced by Dennis Pitta‘s big game last week. Based off that, Cameron could be in line for another big game but I’m not ready to risk it just yet. He’s an interesting DFS play this week for me, but nothing more until he proves to be a pivotal part of the offense.

Sit