Dolphins Running Backs in Fantasy

Dolphins Running Backs in Fantasy

Dolphins Fantasy Running Back Impact in 2023

The Miami Dolphins changed up their running back group last season after Myles Gaskin led the team in rushing yards the previous two seasons. Last season’s group proved to be more effective.

Bringing in two former 49ers backs, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson for cheap worked out nicely. Both of them blew Gaskin’s yards per carry average out of the water as Mostert averaged 4.9 and Wilson averaged 4.7. Gaskin has never averaged more than 4.1 yards per carry in his career.

All the Backs are Returning

The Dolphins have decided to bring every running back from last year back, for now. In addition to Mostert, Wilson, and Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed is returning as well. Ahmed was used sparingly on offense last year as he had just 12 carries. By far the fewest in his three seasons with the team.

Teams, including the Dolphins, commonly have just four running backs on their roster, so it is likely either Gaskin or Ahmed doesn’t make the final cut.

The Rookie Devon Achane’s Potential Impact

Even with the effectiveness of Mostert and Wilson, the Dolphins drafted a running back, Devon Achane. Miami drafted him with the 81st overall pick in the third round. He was the sixth-highest running back selected.

Right off the bat, Achane does not project to be the every down back. That role should still go to Mostert or Wilson or more likely a combination of the two. Achane will bring value as a change of pace back who adds even more speed to this offense.

Currently, Achane is being drafted in fantasy leagues as about the 60th overall running back. Other backups such as Gus Edwards and Chuba Hubbard for reference.

Who will be the Dolphins’ Starting Running Back?

Right now it actually looks like Jeff Wilson will be the starting running back for the Dolphins. Raheem Mostert is on the older side and the younger Wilson may get the nod. Last year Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson essentially split carries when they were both healthy. In the last four games of last season, Wilson got more carries than Mostert in every single game.

Fantasy drafts right now don’t have either of these backs getting selected very high. Wilson is commonly getting drafted around the 40th overall running back and Mostert is being taken in the late 40s.

The Dolphins were one of the most pass-heavy teams in the NFL last year. They ranked second-to-last in total carries. When Tua is playing they run the ball even less. In addition to that, while Wilson may be named the starter, Mostert is likely to still be a close second to him in total carries. Some people believe that Achane could even compete for carries next season.

As far as from a fantasy football standpoint, it is a messy and hard-to-read running back situation in Miami.

Dalvin Cook to the Dolphins?

To add another wrinkle into this running back situation, there have been rumors of the Dolphins trying to acquire the longtime Minnesota Viking running back, Dalvin Cook.

Cook is a four-time pro bowler and has run for at least 1,100 yards in each of his past four seasons. There are rumors that the Vikings are ready to move on from him and that Miami is a possible destination.

Cook is still just 27 years old and arguably at the top of his game. It is not evidently clear why Minnesota wants to move on from him, but it could benefit the Dolphins. The main reason would be to free up cap space as Cook is owed big money for the next three seasons.

There were rumors that the Dolphins tried to trade for the former Detroit Lion D’Andre Swift before he was dealt to Philadelphia. This reportedly occurred after the Dolphins drafted Achane. It shows that the Dolphins are not completely satisfied with the group they have now and could be looking to upgrade.

Overall Thoughts on Miami’s Fantasy Running Backs

Targeting the Dolphins’ running backs in fantasy drafts may not be such a good idea early but if 40 other running backs have been selected and Mostert and Wilson are still there, they could be worth a flier. Achane is worth a look late in standard fantasy drafts, as there is a small chance he beats out both Mostert and Wilson. Achane may get more time if someone in the RB room gets hurt.

Everything would change if the Dolphins traded for Dalvin Cook. Mostert and Wilson would have nearly no fantasy value except as handcuffs, assuming they are not part of the deal. Cook would have top-15 fantasy running back value as a Dolphin.

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