Fantasy Football: Mike Wallace Among Starts, Sits For Dolphins-Bills Game
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If you’re looking for an abundance of golden fantasy opportunities, you’ve come to the wrong place.
The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins — two teams that have been surprisingly solid this season — will square off Thursday in an AFC East showdown.
What’s been the secret to their success? The answer is every fantasy owner’s worst nightmare: defense.
The Dolphins and Bills both are among the top seven NFL teams in fewest total yards allowed and fewest points allowed. Buffalo has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and the seventh-fewest points to opposing quarterbacks in standard-scoring leagues, while Miami has given up the second-fewest points to opposing quarterbacks and the sixth-fewest points to opposing wide receivers.
In short, don’t count on a shootout at Sun Life Stadium.
There are good and bad matchups in every game, however, and there still are quality opportunities to be had Thursday night. Aside from that? Let’s hope you have plenty of options for Sunday.
START
Mike Wallace, Wide Receiver, Dolphins: There really aren’t any good matchups in this game, but Wallace is good enough to warrant a spot in your lineup. He hung 51 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions’ lockdown defense, and he consistently leads the team in targets week to week. Wallace isn’t a spectacular option, but he’s solid.
Dolphins defense: Few defenses have been as good as Miami in recent weeks, and Buffalo could keep that streak going. The Bills have yielded double-digit fantasy points to opposing defenses in six of their last seven games, while the Fins have compiled 71 points in standard-scoring leagues over their last four contests. If Miami’s defense is still available, scoop it up and give it the start.
SIT
Bryce Brown, Running Back, Bills: Yeah, we told you to grab Brown on the waiver wire this week, but now is not the time to start him. Miami has allowed just two rushing touchdowns in its last six games, and with Fred Jackson back in the mix for Buffalo, Brown likely won’t pile up much yardage. Save him for next week.
Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Dolphins: Tannehill has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but he struggled against Buffalo’s stingy pass defense earlier in the year. The Bills also have an excellent pass rush, which doesn’t bode well for an inconsistent quarterback on a short week. There are better options out there.
Have a fantasy/NFL question for Darren? Send it to him via Twitter at @darren_hartwell
Thumbnail photo via Andrew Weber/USA TODAY Sports Images
