The AFC East division is up for grabs when the Miami Dolphins host the Buffalo Bills in Week 18. And while the Dolphins could use production in the running game, the health of both Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane will be worth watching the rest of the week.
Which running back should fantasy football managers look to start Sunday?
Should You Start Raheem Mostert in Fantasy This Week?
After being a surprise inactive last week in Miami’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Mostert has yet to practice this week because of knee and ankle injuries.
Naturally, if he can play, Mostert is definitely worth considering for fantasy football managers deciding on whether to start Mostert or Achane this week.
Mostert’s production hasn’t been there in recent weeks, as he has been held under 50 rushing yards in three of his last four games. Yet, he is still scoring touchdowns and producing.
Mostert still leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 18, and his 21 scrimmage touchdowns is tied for the most in the league. He has scored at least one touchdown in 12 of 15 games.
Should You Start De’Von Achane in Fantasy This Week?
With Mostert not around to take some of the carries last week, Achane responded by rushing for 107 yards on just 14 carries — his first 100-yard game since Week 5 vs. the New York Giants. He also added 30 receiving yards and a touchdown reception in Week 17.
It continued an impressive rookie season for Achane, who leads the league in yards per carry at 8.0 (among players with at least 50 rush attempts). Despite playing in just 10 games this season, Achane has 936 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns.
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Somewhat remarkably, despite not having 20 carries in any game this season, Achane still has four 100-yard games. He has also averaged 10 or more yards per carry three times this season.
The first time these two teams met in Week 4, Achane was spectacular, rushing for 101 yards and a pair of touchdown runs on only eight carries.
He still doesn’t have 100 carries for the season (93 entering Week 18), but with Mostert out last week, Achane had his second-most carries in a game (14). If Mostert cannot go this week, expect another double-figure tally in rush attempts for the rookie.
But while Mostert has not practiced this week, Achane was limited both Wednesday and Thursday because of toe and rib injuries.
Using Pro Football Network’s Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say that Achane is the player to start. His projected 12.0 points include 55 rushing yards and two receptions for 19 yards. His projected stat line narrowly outperforms that of Mostert (10.1 points).
Mostert is projected to finish with 48 rushing yards and two receptions for 14 yards.
My ranking for the two running backs aligns with the consensus. Mostert’s injury issues last week and this week make his status for Week 18 uncertain. Even if he were to play, his effectiveness at likely less than 100% would have to be in question.
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