Miami Dolphins DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been through the wringer over the last three weeks as he took on top defenses in the Jets, Cowboys, and Ravens. He wasn't able to tough out a QB1 performance in any of those matchups. As a matter of fact, he hasn't finished in QB1 territory since Week 13 against the Washington Commanders. In Week 18, the Dolphins need a win over the Buffalo Bills to finish as the second seed in the AFC. The issue is that the Bills rank seventh against the passing game. On top of that, the risk with playing Tagovailoa in the final week is that he's been all-or-nothing all year long. He could be QB1 or low-end QB2, so his inconsistency could make him a scary fantasy play in leagues or DFS.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ankle) carries a questionable tag into Sunday's Week 18 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. He missed the first two practice sessions of the week before returning on Friday. Head coach Mike McDaniel hinted earlier in the week that Waddle should be good to go for this game. Fantasy managers shouldn't take too much stock in that and will have to check back closer to game time on Sunday. The absence of Waddle would mean the usage of Tyreek Hill should skyrocket. Also, Raheem Mostert (ankle, knee) and De'Von Achane would be more involved in the offense.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley will take over the offense as Lamar Jackson gets some well-deserved rest after the team locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Coincidentally, Huntley started both games against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season due to injuries to Jackson, and he ended up going 1-1 in those contests. This season, Huntley has only thrown a total of nine balls and completed six of them for 57 yards and two touchdowns. Last year, he led the team to a 2-2 record in his four starts and threw one more interception than he did touchdowns. These rivalry games between the Ravens and Steelers are usually smashmouth games led by the defense and the ground game, so Huntley is difficult to trust in a fantasy championship game and likely isn't worth the money in DFS.

Miami Dolphins rookie running back De'Von Achane (ribs, toe) put in a second straight day of limited practice on Thursday and said he's good to go for the Week 18 regular season finale against the Buffalo Bills in a game that will decide the winner of the AFC East. Achane picked up a rib injury in the Week 17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens but is fully expected to play this weekend and could handle lead-back duties for the Dolphins for the second straight week if Raheem Mostert (ankle, knee), who hasn't practiced this week, is unavailable again. Even if Mostert is active, Achane might be the better DFS upside play in fantasy for the price. The 22-year-old had 137 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown in Week 17 and is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Jeff Wilson Jr. would have an expanded role again, too, if Mostert can't play.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ankle) missed a second straight day of practice on Thursday. Waddle suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 16 and missed the Week 17 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Dolphins are claiming it's more of a minor high-ankle sprain, but Waddle is trending toward missing his second straight game and could be questionable for next week's wild-card contest as well. As of right now, fantasy managers should be planning on avoiding Waddle in DFS lineups this weekend. If he misses another game, Cedrick Wilson Jr. and tight end Durham Smythe should continue to benefit in a big divisional clash in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills in Miami. Tyreek Hill (ankle) remains on the injury report but is fully expected to play and should be very busy as one of the safest high-priced DFS plays out there at the position.