Dolphins Fantasy Football Recap Week 14

The Dolphins got a big win on Sunday against the Cardinals even though it came with a price. The win was essential to keep Miami’s playoff hopes alive, and in turn, ended in productive fantasy football stats for some of Miami’s top stars.

The sad news coming out of South Florida is that it appears QB Ryan Tannehill has sprained his ACL and MCL, leaving his return this season in question. The injury occurred late in the third quarter when Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell, a former University of Miami standout, hit Tannehill low and directly on his left knee. Many Miami Dolphins fans believe it was a dirty play, but Campbell insists it was unintentional.

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Intentional or not, it appears that the Dolphins will likely be without their starting quarterback for at least the remainder of the regular season. The injury took some light out of what was otherwise a great game. The Dolphins kept their playoff hopes alive with the win on the backs of some remarkable performances by some of their top players. Even against a tough Arizona defense, it turned out to be a good fantasy football day for at least two Dolphins players. Under bad weather conditions, there were of course some dud performances as well. Here’s this week’s Dolphins fantasy football recap.

Stud of the Game – Ryan Tannehill

Barring a miracle, this will likely be the last time this season we discuss Tannehill’s performance as the Dolphins starting quarterback. Reports on Monday point to a sprained ACL and MCL for Tannehill, leaving Matt Moore as the starter. It’s a shame too as Tannehill was having a career season under first year head coach Adam Gase. In fact, Tannehill was having one of his best games prior to the injury.

Tannehill completed 15 of 20 pass attempts for 195 yards and three touchdowns in under 3 quarters of play. He finished with a quarterback rating of 124.0. He also rushed five times for 20 yards, and threw a pick. His consistency has not always been the greatest, but it’s clear what Tannehill has brought to the organization. It’s unfortunate that he will be unable to lead the Dolphins to the playoffs, but not even his toughest critics can argue that he’s made a major leap and will be a huge reason for their first playoff berth in eight years if they do indeed make it.

Week 14 Fantasy Points: 17.80

Dud of the Game – DeVante Parker

Parker was almost nonexistent this week, finishing with two receptions for 14 yards. One of his receptions came on the heels of Tannehill’s injury. Parker ceded production to Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills most of the afternoon. As a true boom-or-bust option, Parker has had his share of dud performances surrounded by his breakout games. He has now finished with three or less receptions in eight games this season. His size and deep play ability make for an intriguing option each week, but it will be interesting to see how him and Matt Moore develop chemistry going forward.

Week 14 Fantasy Points: Standard – 1.40, PPR – 3.40

Surprise of the Game – Kenny Stills

It’s becoming less and less surprising to see Stills outperform the other Dolphins wide receivers. Even though he has just 34 receptions on the season, Stills has turned that into 598 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns. The six touchdowns lead all Dolphins receivers as well as the 17.6 yards per reception.

Stills finished Sunday’s contest with six receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. The six catches were a season-high for Stills. The touchdown was a beautiful 28-yard pass from Tannehill in the 1st quarter for the Dolphins first score of the game. It will be interesting to see how Stills and Moore develop on the field, but Moore is known as a ‘gunslinger’ which could tempt him to find Stills deep, particularly in 1-on-1 situations.

Week 14 Fantasy Points: Standard – 15.70, PPR – 21.70

Other Notables

Jarvis Landry

Landry was relatively quiet for most of the afternoon, but that didn’t stop him from making a huge play for the Dolphins. On the Dolphins first possession of the 2nd half, Landry caught a pass on 3rd down and should have been tackled well short of a first down. Landry, however, broke a few tackles like a man determined, sprinting down the sidelines for a 71-yard gain, tackled just short of the goal line at the 3.

The play was huge for the Dolphins, who instead of punting right out the gate and giving the Cardinals the momentum, finished the drive with a Damien Williams touchdown. The long play allowed Landry to finish over 100 yards receiving for the third time this season, but he did lose a fumble as well on a punt return.

Week 14 Fantasy Points: Standard – 8.30, PPR – 12.30

Jay Ajayi

Ajayi was this week’s runner-up for dud of the week. Even though Ajayi had 20 rush attempts for the first time in six games, he finished with a mere 48 yards for a 2.4 yard average. It was his lowest average per carry this season. He also recorded one catch for 15 yards. As bad as it was for Ajayi on Sunday, it could have been worse.

Ajayi fumbled in the 2nd quarter, but was able to get it back. It seems as though Ajayi’s three game burst onto the scene may have been a fluke. He has come nowhere near the production he saw in Weeks 6-9, and has been more of a liability in fantasy leagues. Factor in the fact he’s been vultured for touchdowns by Damien Williams, and Ajayi has started to lose the fantasy appeal he once had.

Week 14 Fantasy Points: Standard – 6.30, PPR – 7.30

Dolphin Defense

The Dolphin defense has to be applauded for their efforts on Sunday. After two abysmal performances against the 49ers and Ravens, respectively, Miami’s defense proved big in their win over the Cardinals. Even if they had some help from the weather, Miami created four turnovers against the Cardinals. They also blocked an extra point attempt by Arizona and brought it all the way back for a 2-point conversion to extend their lead to 8 in the 4th quarter. Even though Arizona would eventually tie the game, it proved to be an important play in the end.

In addition to turnovers and the returned extra point, Miami did an overall good job against Arizona’s elite. They managed to keep David Johnson out of the end zone, which is no easy task. Heading into the game, Johnson had totaled seven touchdowns in just the last four games. What is also impressive is how they kept the ball out of Larry Fitzgerald‘s hands. Fitz was held to just three catches for 12 yards, and was a non-factor all game. Again, Miami may have had a little luck with the rain pouring down, but any luck the Dolphins can get in the month of December they will gladly take.

Week 14 Fantasy Points: 15.00

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