Fantasy Football and the Miami Dolphins actually don’t make a very good mix. In 2011, the team put up only 20.6 points per game (20th in the NFL) and had a tough time finding out who their play-makers were. With a key piece gone (WR Brandon Marshall), new coach (Joe Philbin) and a quarterback controversy (Matt Moore, David Garrard and Ryan Tannehill), the fantasy outlook for this team is really up in the air for 2012.
Here are the guys in Miami that you should have on your list come time to do the fantasy draft.
*Credit to Cold Stone Creamery for inspiring the categories for this set of fantasy previews. However, I cannot guarantee the fantasy players will live up to high expectations like their delicious ice cream does.
GOTTA HAVE THEM (Elite Category – These guys are must have for any fantasy team)
No Current Dolphins Fit In This Class
LOVE THEM (These guys are game-changers who are a breakout season or two from becoming elite)
RB Reggie Bush (2011 Finish: 12th ranked RB, 10.3 points per game)
In 2011, Bush proved that he can be an every-down back by eclipsing 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his career. It took until week eight to get him going, but after that he became a beast while averaging 14.8 fantasy points per game. What’s nice about Bush is his ability to catch the ball as he posted two or more catches in 11 0f his games last season. Second year back Daniel Thomas (more down below) is bound to get touches, but if Bush stays healthy, he’s sure to be a reliable option from week-to-week, especially considering the mess at the quarterback position.
LIKE THEM (These guys are solid fantasy options who should help any fantasy team win)
RB Daniel Thomas (2011 Finish: 47th ranked RB, 3.9 points per game)
With the Dolphins, it’s not about quantity, but rather quality as Bush and Thomas look to be the only options to consider for a fantasy team. The only reason I put Thomas in this category is because I feel he can be a bruising complement to Bush. When it comes to goal-line touches and short-down situations, I think Thomas’ 230 pound frame can provide a lot of help for Miami which means vulture touchdowns. If Thomas is available late in the fantasy drafts, swoop him up because best case scenario, Bush gets hurt (which he’s done many times) and Thomas becomes the lead guy.
OUT OF STOCK (These guys can not yet be counted on to bring greatness to a fantasy team)
WR Davone Bess
WR Brian Hartline
RB Lamar Miller
QB Matt Moore
WR Legedu Naanee
TE Anthony Fasano
QB David Garrard
QB Ryan Tannehill
TE Charles Clay
What do you think of the 2012 Miami Dolphins Fantasy Outlook? Did I miss anything or was it pretty spot on? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice and pretend to be a Golf expert from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.
More TSB Fantasy Team Previews:
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Pictures:
Reggie Bush (thefinsiders.com)
Daniel Thomas (wikipedia.com)