What a week.
Fresh off a 30-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills, the Miami Dolphins and its fan base have hope, something that has been nonexistent since Week 1.
The Dolphins will have an opportunity to keep the momentum going across the pond in Madrid against the Washington Commanders for Spain’s inaugural NFL game.
Miami comes in as favorite – another welcomed change in a year that has been rather lackluster – so fingers cross they can actually deliver, especially from a fantasy football perspective. Just be sure to set your lineup before the 9:30 a.m. kickoff!
Now let’s dive in.
START
Dolphins RB De’Von Achane
This man, as Terron Armstead said, might be the most underrated player in the NFL.
Through Week 10, Achane ranks fourth in yards from scrimmage, only behind Jonathan Taylor, Christian McCaffery and Bijan Robinson.
It might be long overdue to include Achane in the elite running back conversation, but this year proves he certainly belongs. Got to ride the Achane train until the wheels fall off.
Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle
Surprise, surprise: the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft looks like a No. 1 receiver.
Despite a slow start to the season, Waddle ranks 10th in yards receiving with 670. That’s more than Stefon Diggs, Davante Adams and DeVonta Smith.
In the six games since Tyreek Hill’s gruesome knee injury, Waddle has averaged roughly five catches for 81 yards. Take out the dismal one-catch, 15-yard effort against the Cleveland Browns that saw the entire offense struggle and the star wideout has been exceptional, especially as a deep threat.
Waddle could soon reach lineup lock status.
SIT
Commanders QB Marcus Mariota
The Dolphins defense might’ve found something against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
Not only did they pressure Allen more than any other team that he had face, they forced the reigning MVP into two turnovers.
Now, the defense has its sights set on Mariota, the backup quarterback who will be without his top receiver in Terry McClaurin. Although the 10-year veteran will be juiced to face his former protégé in Tua Tagovailoa, he might not have enough left in the tank to secure a victory. And if the defense plays Mariota the way that they played Allen, it might get scary for the former Oregon standout.
WAIT & SEE
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa
The Commanders’ defense will be without its start defensive tackle in Daron Payne.
Why does that matter?
Because the Dolphins’ interior offensive line has been quite subpar. That means Tagovailoa could actually have the time to deliver the ball where it needs to go.
Yes, Tagovailoa still leads the league interceptions. Yes, he threw two picks against the Bills. Tagovailoa, however, still looked sharp for most of the game. Besides, the two interceptions were part of coach Mike McDaniel’s effort to keep the defense honest by pushing the ball down the field.
And the same way that Mariota will likely be psyched to face his protégé, Tagovailoa probably wants to beat his mentor. The franchise quarterback could be worth the start if you’re in need.
Commanders TE Zach Ertz
This Dolphins defense has historically let tight ends run rampant all over them.
While Ertz’s best days are certainly behind him, the three-time Pro Bowler still have flashes of brilliance when he wants to – just ask the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears.
That said, Mariota doesn’t have many reliable options ahead of Sunday’s game. This might turn into the Ertz and Deebo Samuel show.