Fantasy Football Take-Shopping: How will the Dolphins running back rotation play out?

It’s June. No one has nor does anyone need “the answers to the test” yet — to use a silly analogy that somehow makes the very unserious pursuit of understanding and projecting NFL teams and players seem like some profound quest. We’re writing thoughts in pencil and merely take-shopping, for now.

That makes for a perfect backdrop to discuss one of the most difficult puzzles to solve with the current, limited offseason information we have: How will the Dolphins running back rotation play out?

Miami was one of the best environments for running back production last season. The team was fifth in rushing EPA and success rate. I often argued last offseason that Mike McDaniel’s counterpunch in Year 2 of his offensive installation in Miami would lie with a new emphasis on the run game. That was the case, and McDaniel found immense success in leaning into the Dolphins’ ground game. It was a source of sustained production to keep the offense on schedule and provided field-flipping big plays. According to Fantasy Points Data, Miami ranked third in explosive rushing rate and led the league with 6.16 yards-per-carry on zone concept runs.

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This strategic shift in the Dolphins’ offensive approach had a significant impact on the fantasy success of the running backs, making them valuable assets.

Raheem Mostert was a revelation as a late-round pick, finishing the year as the RB2 behind only Christian McCaffrey. Rookie De’Von Achane wasn’t a full-season option like Mostert but provided a similar upside. He was the RB4 in per-game scoring last season and was one of the better waiver-wire adds of the campaign following his outrageous Week 3 performance against Denver (233 yards from scrimmage with four total touchdowns).

As we turn the page to 2024, there are many variables to consider when analyzing this backfield. For starters, the interior offensive line took some hits in the offseason and the resource-strapped…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-football-take-shopping-how-will-the-dolphins-running-back-rotation-play-out-184024729.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-06-26 18:40:24

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