Fantasy Football 2019: Five players that will impact Miami’s Week 1 Matchup vs Baltimore

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Over the last several days, the Miami Dolphins have completely revamped their roster. Unfortunately, this has created even more doubt around some of the key players that could impact your fantasy football lineup. On the other end of the spectrum, the Ravens have made all the right moves this offseason, setting themselves up for a deep playoff run in January.  The two teams couldn’t be more polar opposite.  But with a new NFL season on the horizon, no one can comfortably predict the outcome of this game.

Let’s take a look at 5 players that could help your fantasy football team in the Miami Dolphins Week 1 matchup vs the Baltimore Ravens.

Running Back, Kenyan Drake

Early Wednesday afternoon, Coach Flores met with the South Florida media to discuss their week one opponent, the Baltimore Ravens.  And although I’ve stated all offseason to avoid Miami’s backfield like the plague, I’ve failed to listen to my own advice.

On Tuesday, we learned that Kenyan Drake was listed ahead of Kalen Ballage on the Dolphins’ depth chart.  However, there would be plenty of opportunities for both backs to succeed.

Nevertheless, I was waiting anxiously to see what Flores said, before finalizing my lineup on Sunday Morning.

When Flores was asked how ‘physically and mentally ready Kenyan Drake was for the start of the season opener?’, he replied.

“I think he’s both physically and mentally ready. This is a guy who has as much talent as we have on our team. He’s fast. He’s physical. He’s explosive. He makes a lot of plays, and we’re looking forward to getting him a lot of touches this week.”

Say no more, Coach.  Say. No. More.

ESPN’s .5 PPR Projection: 11.2

Wide Receiver, Albert Wilson

If you don’t know by now, I am a big fan of Dolphins’ WR Albert Wilson. In fact, I wrote an article about Wilson earlier in the year, where I double downed on my claim that he would finish as a top-20 WR in fantasy football this season.

Now yes, that seems very unlikely given the Dolphins recent array of moves. Unless you take into account that Miami will be playing from behind early and often in 2019.  We also saw in his limited reps this preseason, that Wilson will have an opportunity to continue where he left off in 2018.  After all, Chad O’ Shea watched as the Patriots used Cordarrelle Patterson in a similar role, and should try to do whatever he can to get the football to his play-making WR.

Baltimore’s defense is good, but Albert Wilson is better.

ESPN’s .5 PPR Projection: 7

 

Quarterback, Lamar Jackson

Like most, I’ve been high on Lamar Jackson since before the 2018 draft. And despite being a huge fan of the Raven’s signal caller, I also love the prospect of a duel-threat QB at the helm of my fantasy football team. According to FantasyData.com, Lamar Jackson recorded 157.5 fantasy points in 7 career starts.  Furthermore, he rushed for 695 yards on 147 carries. A number that many believe will increase this upcoming season.

Jackson’s small sample size was quite the feat.  And heading into a Week 1 matchup against a Dolphins defense that is relying on veteran John Jenkins and Charles Harris to put pressure on the QB, it could be a long day for Miami’s secondary and front-7 alike.  What’s worse is that no matter how you approach the duel-threat QB, it only takes one play for him to alter a game and your fantasy lineup.

No matter which team the Ravens face, Lamar Jackson should be at the top of every fantasy football roster.

ESPN’s .5 PPR Projection: 18.9

Running Back, Justice Hill

The big signing in Baltimore’s backfield this offseason was 29-year old Mark Ingram.  And in an offense that many believe will be run-oriented, there will be plenty of opportunities for the other backs to do some damage in Greg Roman’s offense.  With that said, no RB has looked more promising this preseason than rookie Justice Hill.  Hill was drafted in the 4th-round (113 overall) of the 2019 NFL draft. His abilities as a pass-catcher, in addition to his ability to run between the tackles, makes him the perfect ying to Ingram’s yang.

In fact, I think by this time next season, Hill will be Baltimore’s starting RB.

Because after all, #JusticeBetter

ESPN’s .5 PPR Projection: 3.1

 

Tight End, Mark Andrews

If there was one position that Dolphins have struggled to defend over the last decade, it’s at tight end. And despite going one on one with Rob Gronkowski for the last eight seasons, I’m still not certain they know how to contain a physical TE down the middle.  Enter, Mark Andrews.  The NFL’s top rookie TE in 2018, Andrews has developed quite the rapport with QB Lamar Jackson this offseason.  And whether Miami chooses to use DB Minkah Fitzpatrick or a LB like Sam Eguavoen, it’s going to be hard for Miami to contain the 6’5 TE.  Andrews could be a solid DFS play and should be a must start in all fantasy formats.


Here’s to hoping this New England coaching staff, has the perfect antidote to counter these big-play tight ends.

ESPN’s .5 PPR Projection: 7.1

 

And let’s not forget about the KICKERS!

Kickers can often get lost in the shuffle, especially when it comes to fantasy football. But truth is, this game has two of the NFL’s very best going head to head.  On one side, the Ravens have Justin Tucker, who remains the premier kicker in all of football.  Then there’s Jason Sanders, who led the entire NFL this preseason with 36 total points.  We know the Dolphins are going to be bad this season, so who better than to have on your fantasy football team, than Sanders?

At a quick glance, Sunday’s forecast is predicting rain, which surprises no one in South Florida.  Nevertheless, both kickers should have a significant impact.  And although they don’t play a sexy position or one that will score you a ton of fantasy points, #Kicker’sLivesMatter.

ESPN’s .5 PPR Projection: Tucker 9.3 / Sanders 7.6

 

 

Josh Houtz (@houtz) loves the Miami Dolphins, almost as much as he loves Albert Wilson

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