Miami Dolphins DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is unlikely to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Jets on Sunday due to a unique hip injury that affects the surrounding muscles and leaves him vulnerable to further injury, according to sources. Tagovailoa has pushed to play when his team needs him the most, but it's not a guarantee that he'll be available if the Dolphins win in Week 18 and advance to wild-card weekend. Tagovailoa said his general feeling is worse than how he felt a week after he had ankle surgery during his final season in college in 2019. Head coach Mike McDaniel said it's the same hip that Tagovailoa had surgically repaired, but it's a different injury. While Tua does have a career-high 72.9 completion percentage, 19 TDs and seven interceptions, he's played in only 11 games after a stint on Injured Reserve due to another concussion.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is unlikely to play Sunday against the New York Jets, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Miami will once again start backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, who oversaw the win in Cleveland last week, as they attempt to qualify for the playoffs, which would require another victory today and help elsewhere. Though Tagovailoa was widely expected to miss Week 18, the quarterback said this week that he can play next week if Miami advances. Rapoport, however, reported his status would be "up in the air" if Miami plays a Wild Card game. But first, the Dolphins have to get to that bridge before they can cross it.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington will most certainly take a back seat in their Week 18 matchup. Jaylen Waddle (knee) was a full practice participant on Friday and looks more likely than not to play on Sunday. Miami will travel in Week 18 to take on the New York Jets, who rank ninth in total fantasy points allowed to wide receivers this year. That alone diminishes Washington's fantasy value tremendously. Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is also doubtful this week, which means Tyler Huntley would draw the start for the second straight game. With this being a must-win game for Miami, it's safe to assume he won't see a similar snap count he's had with Waddle sidelined. He is best left on the bench for anyone fighting for a fantasy championship.

Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders has been the hottest kicker in all football throughout the second half of the season. He has made 25 straight field goals and is the fifth-ranked kicker in fantasy football. Sanders and the Dolphins will travel to East Rutherford to take on the New York Jets in Week 18. With Tyler Huntley likely the starter, it's not farfetched that Miami could settle for a few field goals this week. The Jets struggle giving up fantasy points to kickers, ranking 31st in fantasy points per game, on top of allowing a 90% field goal percentage. If you're a fantasy manager in need of a kicker for your fantasy championship, he could be a very viable option.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley will seemingly get the start for the second straight game in Week 18, with Tua Tagovailoa (hip) being listed as doubtful for Sunday's game. Huntley had an excellent game against the Cleveland Browns last week, completing 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards and one passing touchdown to go along with 52 rushing yards on seven attempts and a rushing touchdown. Miami will travel in Week 18 to take on the New York Jets in a game where it is projected to be around 35 degrees at kickoff. Despite Jaylen Waddle (knee) and Tyreek Hill (wrist) looking like they will play, one good game is not enough to trust Huntley for fantasy owners still fighting for a championship. He is best left on the bench unless there are limited options available.