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.

Is Malik Willis in a tough spot in Miami? Sure. Could this offense outperform expectations in a number of ways? Absolutely. Greg Dulcich was outstanding on a per-route basis last year. Their receiver room is unproven and full of castoffs, but talented rookies like Chris Bell and Kevin Coleman Jr. could open some eyes in 2026 along with Willis. I know the starting resume for Willis is limited. I get it. What he have seen in limited doses over the last two years has been outstanding, though. Over the last two seasons, Willis has posted a 5.6% big-time throw rate (118 dropbacks, per PFF), 10.9 yards per attempt, and averaged 44.8 rushing yards per game. Last year, among all quarterbacks with at least 110 dropbacks, that big-time throw rate would have ranked eighth-best behind Caleb Williams, and his yards per attempt mark would have led the NFL. That rushing yardage mark per game over the last three years would have ranked first, fourth, and third among quarterbacks. Willis's running prowess should have him flirting with QB1 production this year alone. If he and this offense surpass lowly expectations through the air, Willis would be a strong QB1 with upside in 2026.

Greg Dulcich could be THE late-round tight end to draft in 2026. Last year, he was absolutely awesome when on the field. Among 59 qualifying tight ends, he was fifth in target-per-route-run rate (24%), second in yards per route run (2.64) and yards after the catch per reception (7.69), fifth in first downs per route run (0.110), and sixth in fantasy points per route run (0.50, per Fantasy Points Data). Miami is starved for capable pass catchers for Malik Willis, and with only Will Kacmarek, Seydou Traore, and Ben Sims behind him on the tight end depth chart, Dulcich should be the Dolphins' every-down tight end. I won't be surprised if he finishes the season as a TE1.

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 (activated off the NFI list on Aug 17).