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Week 8 kicks off with a bang when the Miami Dolphins travel to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Patriots in an AFC East divisional matchup.
A few weeks ago this game wouldn't have moved the meter much, but the Dolphins have looked like a juggernaut since new coach Dan Campbell took over, outscoring opponents 82-36 in those two games. They hope to continue that success against the 6-0 Patriots, who boast the best offense in the league.
Here's our fantasy football start/sit advice for the notable players in this game.
Miami Dolphins
Quarterbacks: Ryan Tannehill has not come as advertised this season, already tossing seven interceptions through six games. He is coming off his best week of the season in which he threw four touchdown passes against the Houston Texans, but he's far from a sure thing despite the team's recent improvement. We'd like to see more consistency from the fourth-year pro before declaring him a must-start against a Bill Belichick defense. Tannehill is a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option. Start him if necessary.
Running Backs: Welcome to the party, Lamar Miller. The Dolphins lead back came into the season with high expectations but was a dude through the first month of the season. He exploded for 236 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns last week. New England falls right in the middle of the pack at 14th in the league, allowing 110.3 rushing yards per game. Ride Miller's hot streak and start him in Week 8.
Damien Williams and Jonas Gray should not be started.
Wide Receivers: Rishard Matthews has been sneaky productive for Miami this season, though it's largely due to his four touchdown receptions. Jarvis Landry is the No. 1 option for Tannehill, though don't be surprised if New England throws double coverage against Landry in similar fashion to how New York Jets receiver Brandon Marshall was covered in Week 7. Matthews could earn single coverage against Malcolm Butler, which feels like a matchup Butler should win. Sit Matthews, but play Landry unless you have three options definitely better than him.
Tight End: Jordan Cameron hasn't done enough to warrant a start unless you have no other option, though New England has allowed 11 passing touchdowns this season. He hasn't caught more than four passes in a game this season and has one touchdown.
Defense/Special Teams: New England is scoring over 35 points per game. Even if Landry returns a punt (assuming the Patriots punt at all), it might not make up for the number of points the Pats put on the board. Sit Miami's D.
New England Patriots
Quarterback: Tom Brady leads all fantasy players in points this season. This isn't a question. Play Brady.
Running Backs: LeGarrette Blount hasn't seen many touches this season, and while his usage certainly will increase if Dion Lewis sits out again, he's probably not the best option against a terrific Miami front seven. If Lewis returns, he should be in your lineups in PPR leagues but is a borderline option otherwise.
Wide Receivers: Finger issues aside, Julian Edelman has consistently been a top 10 receiver this season and, in PPR leagues, even more valuable at times. He's a must-start. Danny Amendola is a viable flex options. Amendola's production has been sporadic, but against better defenses (and since Edelman's injury) he's seen an uptick in usage -- including 15 catches and nearly 200 receiving yards the past two weeks. LaFell should rebound and likely won't drop several passes again, but you might want to wait and see how things shake out this week before inserting him into your lineup. Keshawn Martin missed Week 7 with injury, and the return of LaFell and increased time for Aaron Dobson don't help him. Start Edelman and Amendola, sit LaFell, Dobson and Martin.
Tight Ends: Rob Gronkowski should absolutely be in your lineup. Scott Chandler can't be relied on to produce, and Michael Williams is essentially only used in blocking scenarios.
Defense/Special Teams: The Pats rank right in the middle of the pack in most categories, so there are definitely better options available. Tannehill typically plays well against New England, too, so avoid the Patriots defense if possible.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
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