At this point, the Miami Dolphins have few players fantasy managers can count on weekly. The offense, which used to be the heart of the team, has had a frustrating season, and the defense hasn’t done it any favors.

While the Atlanta Falcons’ offense hasn’t been dominant, it has plenty of talent that is going to give the Dolphins’ defense headaches.

Advertisement

Like usual, it’s justifiable to start just about any Falcons skill position player. And with the Atlanta defense being a strong group, Miami’s offensive talent could struggle to produce.

Here are seven Dolphins/Falcons players that could help or hurt your Week 8 fantasy lineup:

SIT: Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa

While dropping Dolphins passer Tua Tagovailoa to waivers could be a drastic move by fantasy managers, it’s certainly justifiable. With that being said, there’s no reason to push him into starting lineups unless you need to start someone in a pinch.

Tagovailoa put together respectable enough games from Week 2 to Week 5. But the past two weeks have been abysmal.

Advertisement

The Miami quarterback has passed for 305 yards, one touchdown and six interceptions over the past two games. Those struggles paired with his lack of mobility make him worthy of the bench, or waivers, in fantasy this week against a good Atlanta defense.

START: Dolphins WR Malik Washington

Managers in 10- or 12-team leagues shouldn’t start wide receiver Malik Washington. But for managers in deeper leagues, he could be a sneaky start.

Washington has just 53 receiving yards since Week 5. But that doesn’t paint the full picture of his usage. Washington has 13 catches on 18 targets in that same span.

Tagovailoa has been throwing the ball Washington’s way; if he can just figure out how to leverage those targets for bigger gains, he’s a worthy start in PPR leagues. Plus, with starting tight end Darren Waller now on IR, someone will need to be the red zone target.

Advertisement

START: Dolphins RB De’Von Achane

When 12.8 fantasy points is a down week, you know they should be in starting lineups every week. Running back De’Von Achane had his worst week of the season last week, but he was still RB15.

Atlanta has a good defense and is one of the tougher units for running backs. But Achane may just be matchup proof.

Non-PPR leagues may be a little nervous about starting him, but he’s a no-brainer start in PPR leagues given his involvement in the offense.

SIT: Dolphins TE Tanner Conner

With Waller out for at least the next few weeks, it may seem logical to start his backup. Julian Hill is also out for Sunday’s matchup, so Tanner Conner is next in line.

Advertisement

But he’s far from a safe start. While he should start, there’s a chance Greg Dulcich, who is best as a pass-catching tight end, takes some of his targets.

Plus, Atlanta is stingy against tight ends. Conner doesn’t have a good matchup or situation this week despite likely getting the start.

START: Falcons TE Kyle Pitts

Last week, Miami gave up five catches for 40 yards to Cleveland’s tight ends. The week before, the Los Angeles Chargers’ tight ends combined for nine catches, 86 yards, and a touchdown.

Miami has consistently struggled against receiving tight ends, and Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts is exactly that. It’s possible the game script doesn’t allow Pitts to be extremely involved, but if the trend continues, Miami won’t be able to do much to slow Pitts.

Advertisement

START: Falcons WR Drake London

There isn’t a player on Miami’s defense that stacks up with Falcons receiver Drake London. While London’s usage isn’t always consistent, he’s by far the most talented pass catcher on his team.

Kirk Cousins, who is likely to start in place of Michael Penix Jr., should see London with plenty of favorable matchups Sunday. Assuming he does, London will see the ball early and often. Like Pitts, the only way he is phased out of the offense is if the team is ahead by a wide margin and leans on Bijan Robinson and the run game.

START: Falcons QB Kirk Cousins

With Penix likely on the bench this week with a bone bruise in his knee, Cousins has a lot to prove Sunday. Knowing what’s a stake for the veteran, he might be in line for a big game.

Advertisement

Atlanta paid Cousins handsomely, but he didn’t even make it through the first year of his contract.

Cousins already lost his job to Penix, and there’s likely not much he can do to take the job back. But if he proves he’s still a starter in this league, another team might give him a shot when he and the Falcons eventually split.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Fantasy football sit/start: Who to play in Dolphins vs. Falcons