The Miami Dolphins had a Week 5 bye, during which they made a coaching change. Since then, they’ve been as successful as any team in football, going 2-0 with two blowout victories. The easy grain of salt is the Dolphins two opponents in that time, as they beat the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans, two of the league’s worst teams. Thursday, they face the undefeated New England Patriots, so we’ll get more of a referendum on the real fortunes of the remade Dolphins then.
Fantasy football advice, Week 8: Who to start/sit for Dolphins vs. Patriots on Thursday night
New England has been maybe the league’s best team all season, while Miami could claim that over the last two weeks.
At least from a fantasy perspective, the Dolphins come in to Thursday’s game totally healthy, with backup quarterback Matt Moore the closest thing to a fantasy-relevant player on the injury report. The Patriots have concerns over running backs Dion Lewis and Brandon Bolden, both of whom missed Week 7. Lewis is expected to return for Thursday, while Bolden is more of a question mark.
The Patriots will host the Dolphins Thursday, with game time scheduled for 8:25 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
DOLPHINS
Start ‘em: After a slow start to the season, Ryan Tannehill has looked much better of late. He’s near the bottom of the fantasy starters, but you’re using him in most leagues. ... Lamar Miller has been one of the league’s best fantasy players since the bye, with 52 fantasy points in his last two games. ... Jarvis Landry puts up big numbers every week. He’s almost matchup-proof.
Start ‘em?: I keep expecting Rishard Matthews to fade, but he keeps producing. He’s a mid-range flex option. ... Jordan Cameron has two or fewer fantasy points in there of his last four games. He has a good upside, but a low floor as well. ... Andrew Franks has been strong since the team’s bye/makeover.
Sit ‘em: The question of who the backup is in Miami has been answered, and it’s Jonas Gray, but as long as Miller is healthy, he’s unlikely to get much use, even against his old team. ... Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings and DeVante Parker need to stay on the benches -- if they’re even rostered. ... The Dolphins’ defense is above average, but against New England, it’s better to stay away.
PATRIOTS
Start ‘em: We’re two months in to the season, and Tom Brady hasn’t had fewer than 22 fantasy points in a game yet. That’s ridiculous. ... Julian Edelman’s numbers have taken a bit of a hit since his finger injury, but he’s still a must-start. ... Yep, still using Rob Gronkowski and Stephen Gostkowski everywhere.
Start ‘em?: Between the team’s subpar offensive line, an elite passing offense and injuries and some inconsistent play, LeGarrette Blount and particularly Dion Lewis have big upside, but both carry big risk as well. ... Danny Amendola has been strong of late. He’s high-risk, but decent reward. ... You are probably safe using the Patriots’ defense, though the Miami offense has been good enough of late to make it less of a sure thing.
Sit ‘em: It was a disappointing return to action for Brandon LaFell, who had several drops in Week 7. He has down-the-road upside, but let’s see him show some signs of it before tossing him back into lineups. ... Scott Chandler has sneaky touchdown ability, but he’s averaged two fantasy points a game since Week 1, so that touchdown ability has been mostly theoretical.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Miller, Jarvis Landry, Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski, Stephen Gostkowski
Start if you’re desperate: Rishard Matthews, Jordan Cameron, Andrew Franks, LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis, Danny Amendola, New England defense
Bench: Jonas Gray, Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings, DeVante Parker, Miami defense, Brandon LaFell, Scott Chandler
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SB Nation presents: NFL power rankings entering Week 8
