The Miami Dolphins (4-5) travel to upstate New York to take on the Buffalo Bills (3-6) in what accounts to a do-or-die game for both sides. Miami has lost two consecutive games and is currently on the outside looking in as it relates to the AFC Playoff picture. Meanwhile, Buffalo needs a win in order to keep its slim playoff hopes alive. Another loss would pretty much spell the end to any hope at contention in 2012.
We are also starting to hit crunch time as it relates to fantasy football. With only a couple weeks left until most standard leagues start their playoffs, most of you are hanging on to hopes of a win or two during these final couple weeks in order to make it to the second season.
The result of tonight's game couldn't have a wider ranging impact both on the field and around the fantasy football world. Time to take a look at what it has to offer.
Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Miami Dolphins
This rookie struggled horribly for the first time in 2012 in a Week 10 beat down by the Tennessee Titans. Tannehill threw three interceptions and compiled less than three fantasy points in the 37-3 drubbing. He has now thrown just five touchdowns in nine games, which isn't going to get it done in fantasy football. At this point in his career, Tannehill is nothing more than an emergency waiver wire pickup if you are in a major bind. With that said, you do have to look at him in keeper leagues. The signs are there for him to be a solid QB1 option moving forward.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
Yesterday I wrote an article focusing on 10 quarterbacks you should start this week. Fitzpatrick was on that list after a solid fantasy performance against the New England Patriots in Week 10. He put up nearly 19 points in that clase loss. Buffalo now takes on a Miami pass defense that ranks 28th in the league and is giving up nearly 280 yards per outing. Couple that with the fact that Fred Jackson is going to miss this game and you have the makings for a solid QB1 performance by Fitzpatrick.
Reggie Bush, Running Back, Miami Dolphins
There is no clearer way to put it. Bush has struggled agreat deal in his last four games. The talented running back has tallied a total of 138 rushing yards and 23 fantasy points during that span. Buffalo ranks dead last against the run giving up nearly 165 yards on the ground. That being said, it has improved a great deal in the last two games against the Houston Texans and New England Patriots, yielding just 117 per outing. Even with improved play from Buffalo's front, I would say Bush is a solid start here.
Daniel Thomas, Running Back, Miami Dolphins
The second-year running back from Kansas State could be seen as an under-the-radar FLEX guy tonight. He has put up 332 total yards and three scores in Miami's first nine games as Bush's primary backup. Thomas is also tallying nearly 10 fantasy points per outing in his last four games.
C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Buffalo Bills
With Fred Jackson down to injury it would seem that Spiller is a must start tonight. I would, however, be a bit weary about expecting top tier RB1 production. Miami ranks fifth against the rush at a tad over 94 yards per game. It has yielded an average of 135 in its last four games. Spiller should get a minimum of 20 touches, which indicates that he will compile at least 100 yards and a score. That is if recent history holds true tonight.
Anthony Fasano, Tight End, Miami Dolphins
Nothing to see here. Fasano has tallied just 12 receiving yards in the last two games and seems to be getting eased out of the rotation, at least in terms of targets from Ryan Tannehill. I just don't see him making much of a fantasy impact, even going up against a bad Buffalo defense.
Scott Chandler, Tight End, Buffalo Bills
An argument could be made that Chandler is a must start every week. Fitzpatrick relies on his tight end a great deal inside the opponents' 20, which is evidenced by Chandler's five touchdowns in nine games. He also ranks 10th among tight ends in fantasy points this season. I love the Chandler/Chris Clemons matchup for Buffalo tonight. \
Brian Hartline, Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
If you take away his 31 point performance against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4, Hartline has been somewhat of a dud when it comes to fantasy production. He is averaging under six fantasy points through the Dolphins last five games. That isn't even solid FLEX production there. If you do own Hartline in PPR league he might be a good bet tonight. He has eight catches in each of the last two games. Either way, expect a solid contribution gainst a lackluster Buffalo defense.
Davone Bess, Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
Bess is a real wildcard here. While the wide receiver has yet to score a touchdown this season, he has put up some decent numbers as of late. You are looking at someone that has averaged five receptions and 64 yards over the course of the last seven games. I would even venture a projection that he has a better fantasy output than Hartline tonight. If so, not a bad spot start or waiver wire acquisition.
Stevie Johnson, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills
Nearly every viable Bills' receiver should be a go tonight against a bad Miami secondary. Despite a tremendous amount of inconsistency this season, Johnson should be counted on for at least 80 yards and a score tonight. That being said, he has just one touchdown in the last six games and has failed to hit 40 receiving yards three different times during that span. Proceed with caution.
Donald Jones, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills
Jones has been Fitzpatrick's favorite target in the last three games. He has recorded 16 receptions for 186 yards and two touchdowns during that span. Head coach Chan Gailey is also anticipating that Jones will continue to take on a bigger role moving forward this season.
Don't look now, but Jones could actually surpass Johnson in terms of fantasy production tonight against Miami. I am expecting a solid WR2 type of performance here.