Dolphins vs. Saints: Who should I start on my fantasy football team?
The transition from bye week to Thanksgiving is not for the weak.
You want to rest. You want to take it easy. You want to unplug.
Too bad: there’s six of games left on the schedule.
On the bright side, the playoffs, arguably one of the best times of the year, is just around the corner.
Before that happens, the Miami Dolphins must first host the New Orleans Saints. While the teams have a combined 6-16 record, there’s certainly a few fantasy football options that could hopefully guide your fantasy teams into the promised land or potentially spoil someone’s season.
START
Dolphins RB De’Von Achane:
The third-year running back will continue to be a lineup lock for the rest of the season.
There should even be a conversation about Achane as a top-five running back.
The Saints’ defense ranks 22nd against the run; Achane should continue to put up points as he has all season.
Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle:
A foot injury could be a receiver’s worst nightmare.
Waddle potentially could be inhibited due just that after he practiced on a limited basis twice before a full outing on Friday. The injury doesn’t appear to have affected him too much as Waddle appears to be a full go, according the injury report, which can only mean good things for the Dolphins offense.
While Darren Waller’s looming return could be seen as a threat to Waddle’s targets, the offense should open up as the tight end’s presence will likely shift slightly away from Miami’s go-to receiver.
SIT
Saints QB Tyler Shough:
In his three starts, Shough hasn’t been terrible.
The rookie signal caller has completed 68% of his passes for 701 yards and three touchdowns to just two picks as well as a lost fumble.
Shough has come a long way from a terrible video clip at the NFL Combine that made many a fan’s question whether the 26-year-old should be drafted at all.
That said, he will have to do a lot to overcome a Dolphins defense that has allowed just 13 or fewer points for the two out of the last three games.
WAIT & SEE
Dolphins TE Darren Waller:
Waller seemingly may buck one of McDaniel’s main philosophies.
Since McDaniel’s arrival in Miami, players normally don’t play the week that they return from injury. That might not be the case for Waller.
“We’ll see today, but he’s in play,” McDaniel said Friday. “I feel I’m an optimistic guy; we’ll see how he feels today, but if there’s not a setback I’m feeling optimistic.”
If he returns to the lineup, Tagovailoa will have yet another weapon. Waller, if nothing else, can be utilized as a red zone threat which gives him value. He, however, was listed as questionable.
Saints WR Chris Olave:
After not practicing for the first two days of the week due to a back injury, Olave suited up Friday, albeit on a limited basis.
The former Ohio State standout has been seemingly in sync with Shough, averaging about six catches for 71 yards in the four games that the rookie received significant snaps.
Just like Waller, Olave received a questionable designation ahead of Sunday’s game.
