The Week 1 matchup between the Miami Dolphins and Washington features two running backs who provide steady production. We’ve got the fantasy projections courtesy of numberFire.
Fantasy football projections, Week 1: Dolphins-Washington featuring Ryan Tannehill and Lamar Miller
We break down this Week 1 matchup that could feature big number for the Miami backfield and a Washington receiver.
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill managed to put together a career year in 2014. He posted career highs in passing yards and touchdowns, and also threw a career-low 12 interceptions. Things look promising coming into this season with Tannehill having Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings as offensive weapons. They provide serious upside compared to previous seasons. Tannehill won’t blow anyone out of the water with his fantasy stats, but he is a good plug-and-play option. Washington doesn’t exactly have a scary secondary, so Week 1 might help him get off to a good start.
Tannehill should also see improved play from running back Lamar Miller. Unlike recent seasons where Miller has had to compete with others for the lead role, he’ll have it on lock going into this season. He finished one rushing yard shy of 1,100 last year and because he will likely see even more work this year, that number should go up significantly. Miller shouldn’t have any problems racking up totals this Sunday.
Washington
Although Robert Griffin III hasn’t exactly been the healthiest quarterback throughout his young career, few expected Kirk Cousins to get the starting nod under center as decisively as he has in the eyes of Washington coaches and front office executives. Cousins has shown off a strong arm with the opportunities he has had to start, but he still needs to get past throwing a lot of interceptions. He’d be a dicey start for Week 1, but perhaps the fact that he knew he might have to start out of training camp will give Washington a leg up in terms of preparation. Washington will have to count on Cousins to put together a big day if they are to beat the Dolphins.
Cousins will look to wide receiver DeSean Jackson for help. Jackson saw his numbers drop significantly last year. He only caught 56 passes compared to the 82 he saw in his last season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Jackson can be a boom or bust player, but when he booms, he can single handedly win a head-to-head matchup for his fantasy owners. Jackson is a must start receiver against Miami.
