Miami Dolphins fantasy football start and sit: Week 1
Dolphins players are not typically attractive options when it comes to fantasy football, and a strong majority of them are an easy fade in Week 1.
The Miami Dolphins are not a hot topic in terms of fantasy football, and really never have been. Sure, Jarvis Landry was a guy to consider when he was here, but really only in PPR leagues where he was most relevant. Now that Landry is gone, the only player on the Dolphins roster that fantasy players are buzzing about is Kenyan Drake. But even with Drake, many are cautious to his level of production given where he is being drafted because of concerns with Miami’s offense.
There were some players that I mentioned last week that were worth a look as late round fliers. However, as we roll on this year’s start/sit options from week-to-week, it’s probably best to play it conservative for the first week. Here’s a look at this week’s start/sit suggestions for Miami’s top offensive players.
Let me start out by saying that if Tannehill goes down at any point this season, any other quarterback currently on the Dolphins roster inserted into the starting lineup will be an automatic sit for me. I won’t even waste time writing about it. With that said, I don’t think much of Tannehill’s success as a fantasy quarterback either.
That’s not to say that I don’t think Tannehill will have a good year. Quite the opposite, actually. It’s just that his level of play doesn’t exactly pad the stats sheet like we expect to see from a starting fantasy quarterback. The Dolphins offense balances a lot between rushes and passes. Also, a lot of Tannehill’s throws tend to be small dump offs that don’t go for long yardage. Unless he finishes with three or more touchdown passes, his numbers don’t typically produce a strong outing.
Tannehill is going undrafted in a strong majority of leagues, and it’s easy to see why. Unless you’re in a 2 QB league or an extremely deep one where options are incredibly thin, there are much better options than Tannehill. He’ll have to come out firing the first couple of weeks before we start to consider inserting him in lineups.
Sit
Running Backs
As previously mentioned, Drake is the back to own in Miami. Head coach Adam Gase has made mention that he would like to get Drake 15-20 carries a game, and 6-8 targets as well. That kind of talk is music to a fantasy player’s ears. Frank Gore may be used in more goal line scenarios, which could hurt Drake some. I like Kalen Ballage a lot, but more towards the second half of the season. For now, Drake is the only one to consider, and should be starting in all lineups.
Drake: Start
Gore: Sit
Ballage: Sit
More from Phin Phanatic
- Tua Tagovailoa practicing with teammates is everything a leader does
- 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
- Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
- 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
- Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
Wide Receivers
An area considered a strength for the Dolphins as far as depth is concerned, it’s quite the mess for fantasy football players. For starters, Miami doesn’t possess that #1 receiver that you look for. As a result, it becomes sort of a guessing game as to which player(s) will have a good game. As it stands, Kenny Stills looks like Tannehill’s #1 target. On the other hand, Danny Amendola is the lead anchor in the slot. Him and Tannehill created quite the chemistry in training camp, and that very well may carry over into the regular season.
New acquisition Albert Wilson is capable of making big plays, but doesn’t possess much upside for fantasy owners. Former first round pick, DeVante Parker, has already been ruled out for Week 1.
With so many new faces in the passing game this year, it brings a lot of question marks for Miami’s receivers. It also gives Tannehill the ability to spread the ball out, which does not benefit any one individual. While Tennessee ranked poorly against the pass last season, it’s a guessing game right now trying to predict Miami’s receivers. I’d say that either Stills or Amendola may be worth a shot in DFS leagues, but not a chance in season long leagues.
Sit All
The only tight end on Miami’s roster worth considering right now is rookie Mike Gesicki. Gesicki has all the upside to become a legitimate red zone threat for the Dolphins. He looks to finally be the player that Miami, more so Gase, has been looking for at tight end. Although I truly believed that Gesicki is well worth a late round stash, he is going into his first game as a professional.
There are bound to be some growing pains, and it’s probably not a wise move to insert him in lineups right away. Tight end is the most thin position in fantasy football, but go with the tight end you selected first for this week at least.
Sit