Fantasy Football Player Notes

Last season, De'Von Achnae was the RB5 in fantasy points per game while racking up 305 touches and 1,838 total yards. After a dip in 2024, he returned to being an otherworldly back in terms of efficiency. Among 49 qualifying backs, Achane was first in explosive run rate, 13th in missed tackle rate, and sixth in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). He was also a key cog in the passing game, ranking second among backs in target share (18.7%), 12th in yards per route run, and fourth in receiving yards. He was fifth in targets among backs with 85. That number is sure to drop this season with Malik Willis in Miami. I don't think he'll be a zero in the passing game, especially considering the receiving depth chart for Miami, but Willis's rushing ability will lead to fewer checkdowns for Achane in 2026. Achane should still be considered an insanely talented RB1 that could lead the NFL in rushing yards this season, but if his receiving work takes a hit, he'll probably lack top 3-5 upside at the position.

Cast aside by the Titans and rejuvenated by a stint as a backup with the Packers, Malik Willis now gets a chance to prove himself as a starter for the Dolphins, who signed him to a three-year, $67 million contract in March. Willis is an electric runner. In six career starts, Willis has averaged 44.8 rushing yards per game and has run for four touchdowns. And Willis seems to have made considerable strides as a passer. Over 11 appearances and three starts in Green Bay in 2024 and 2025, Willis completed 78.7% of his throws and averaged 10.9 yards per pass attempt, with six TD passes and zero interceptions. Willis will be hard-pressed to match that sort of passing efficiency with the Dolphins, who might have the worst collection of pass catchers in the league. But Willis' running ability should make him fantasy-viable even if his passing numbers are mediocre.

Chris Bell's rookie season outlook is tied heavily to his recovery timeline after suffering an ACL injury late in 2025, but Miami offers a strong long-term landing spot given the lack of pass-catching depth. The former Louisville standout brings legitimate alpha traits and was one of college football's premier target earners before getting hurt. Miami can afford to be patient, potentially setting Bell up for a larger role once healthy in an offense lacking long-term answers at receiver. He's a better dynasty investment than immediate redraft target, though his upside remains appealing if he returns to full strength quickly.

Greg Dulcich could emerge as the 2026 fantasy football sleeper. Flashed with Miami in the second half of the season (second in YPPR among TEs from Week 9 onward), posting his best statistical season after battling injuries since his rookie campaign. The impending free agent finished second among all TEs in YAC/catch - trailing only Tucker Kraft. Worth monitoring now that he is officially returning to Miami, given his rookie year breakout coincided with former Broncos TE coach and current Cardinals TE coach, Jake Moreland, who has previously coached under new Dolphins OC, Bobby Slowik (Miami's passing game coordinator in 2025). Not to mention, the Dolphins' new HC just came from GB, so he clearly knows what a YAC tight end can offer for an offense.