Dolphins vs. Bengals: who should I start on my fantasy football team?
The time is now.
If you made it this far, congratulations — you’re just one game away from a championship berth. If you got bounced last round, my heart is with you.
Regardless of where you fall in the playoff race, the matchup between the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals has its fair share of viable fantasy options. Hopefully your postseason fortune allows you to fully take advantage.
Let’s dive in.
START
Dolphins RB De’Von Achane
Achane has been one of the best running backs in the league.
There’s no reason to abandon your star stallion just before the big race.
Just leave him the starting lineup.
Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase
The Jack Jones-Rasul Douglas tandem has been pretty solid this year.
That said, Chase is by far the best receiver they will face.
The former Louisiana State University standout has averaged about eight catches and 88 yards receiving all year — including the several games that Joe Burrow missed. Translation: Chase can snap regardless of who will line up against him. And with star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick out with a calf injury, the back end will be vulnerable to say the least.
SIT
Dolphins QB Quinn Ewers
All eyes will be on the rookie signal caller.
How will he look? How will the offense look? How will the rest of the team respond to Ewers’ play?
If I had the answers to any of these questions, I would be a millionaire.
What we do know is this: Ewers took his first snaps with offensive starters this week. It’s not totally off to say that he has virtually zero chemistry with his pass-catchers. Therefore, maybe it’s best he spends at least a week on the bench.
Dolphins D/ST
Joe Burrow, Chase and Tee Higgins.
That trio has been unstoppable in the past.
Unfortunately, the thing about the old days is that they’re the old days.
More specifically, that trio and the Bengals got blanked 24-0 by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15. That’s important for a litany of reasons but arguably the best is this: they will be out for blood. No matter what you want to say about a lack of motivation now that both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention, they still have something to play for – and it’s a little thing called pride.
A motivated Bengals offense isn’t what this defense wants to see, regardless of how well they have played in recent weeks.
WAIT & SEE
Dolphins TE Darren Waller
After a two-week disappearance since his return, Waller exploded with yet another two-touchdown performance vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The rub: Tagovailoa obviously isn’t the starting quarterback.
On one hand, Ewers doesn’t have any sort of rapport with Waller. On the other, a tight end can be a rookie quarterback’s best friend.
Waller could have some appeal, but until Ewers shows something, it’s a toss up to say the least.
