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• James Cook scores three times: Throughout 2022, Cook ran for two touchdowns, matched that total in 2023, and added two more on Thursday night.
• De’Von Achane achieves a career milestone: For the first time in his NFL career, Achane exceeded 20 carries.
• Gain an advantage with a PFF+ subscription: Enjoy complete access to our in-season fantasy tools, which include weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer, and more. Subscribe today!
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
PFF’s recap of fantasy football emphasizes player utilization and statistics, providing you with essential insights needed for fantasy triumph in 2024.
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins
- James Cook: 11 carries, 78 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 reception, 17 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
- De’Von Achane: 22 carries, 96 yards, 7 receptions, 69 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
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De’Von Achane utilized in an expanded role: Achane’s involvement exceeded expectations with Raheem Mostert sidelined by a chest injury.
Throughout the majority of the contest, Achane emerged as the focal point of the Dolphins’ offense. He had not previously exceeded 63% of Miami’s offensive plays in a game last season, even in Mostert’s absence due to injury. Additionally, Achane had been listed on the injury report for an ankle issue, being marked as a non-participant on both Monday and Tuesday, and a limited participant on Wednesday.
In the first half, Achane participated in 75% of the Dolphins’ offensive snaps and achieved a career-high in touches during the third quarter. This is promising news for those who selected Achane in drafts, as he may maintain this prominent role for the duration of Mostert’s absence. Should Mostert struggle to perform at the level he did last season, there is a possibility that Achane could take over as the starter, with Mostert relegated to a backup position.
On the other hand, Jeff Wilson Jr. acted as the primary backup for the game, and Jaylen Wright also made his debut in the NFL. As the game progressed into the second half, with the outcome looking favorable, the Dolphins began to incorporate their backups more extensively; however, Wilson Jr. suffered an oblique injury in the fourth quarter and was subsequently ruled out. Wright was a healthy inactive in Week 1; he may remain inactive if both Mostert and Wilson recover, or alternatively, he could step up as the primary backup next week if they’re unavailable.
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Jonnu Smith excels as Dolphins strive to catch up: Smith emerged as a leading receiver for the Dolphins in both receptions and receiving yards, even while sharing the field with fellow tight ends.
During Week 1, Smith participated in 20 out of 71 possible snaps, which is insufficient for a fantasy starter. He was involved in 14 out of 23 snaps in 11 personnel but only took part in six snaps with other groupings. This past week, he saw a marginal increase in his snaps within 11 personnel and also slightly more in different personnel groupings. The notable change this week was that by the middle of the second quarter, the Dolphins were behind by double-digit points, prompting them to utilize 11 personnel more frequently.
Compared to the previous week, Miami actively attempted to get Smith the ball earlier in the game, targeting him on a designed play in the first quarter and again to start the second quarter. It is probable that he will receive two or three similar targets in each game; however, accumulating the volume necessary to be a reliable fantasy starter most weeks will be challenging. Having him on your roster can be beneficial if your squad has sufficient depth to accommodate a second tight end. Still, I would only feel confident starting him if the Dolphins are underdogs, as his playing time will heavily rely on the game situation.
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Jaylen Waddle and Achane should continue to be included in fantasy starting lineups.
We extend our best wishes to Tagovailoa for a smooth recovery from his concussion.
Dalton Kincaid experiences notable playing time limitations: Kincaid was substituted in and out during the game.
Initially, Kincaid participated in the first four plays of the game but unfortunately took a knee to the head during that period. He did not participate in the final two snaps of that drive nor in the subsequent one. Throughout the game’s duration, he was rotated out more frequently than fantasy managers would prefer. While he was still present for the majority of passing plays, Dawson Knox remained on the field for running situations.
The Bills similarly cycled Kincaid out early in Week 1, with him participating in only 15 of 22 snaps in the first half. However, due to being behind at halftime, Kincaid ended up playing 36 of 39 snaps in the second half. Despite this, the Bills are utilizing 12 personnel less than they did last season, thanks to their increased depth at wide receiver, resulting in fewer snaps allocated to the tight ends.
If the Bills intend to maintain their status as one of the top teams in the NFL and find themselves in favorable game scenarios, it could spell trouble for Kincaid’s fantasy outlook. It’s also plausible that the team exercised caution after his head injury, yet if that were the case, he might not have suited up at all, especially with a lead of multiple touchdowns. He recorded four receptions for 33 yards, which isn’t poor, but fantasy managers were expecting more, particularly in light of the significant yardage the Dolphins surrendered to tight ends last season.
Additional Notes
- Due to Tua Tagovailoa being sidelined and the game being out of reach, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle barely participated in the fourth quarter. Out of 59 plays during the first three quarters, Waddle was on the field for 51 plays and Hill for 49.
- The Bills’ free agent wide receiver, Curtis Samuel, holds a clear position as the fourth option on the depth chart for wide receivers. He saw some snaps in four-receiver formations during plays from the backfield. In most fantasy leagues, he can be dropped, as he is likely to start only if Khalil Shakir experiences an injury.
- Although James Cook and Ray Davis had similar carry counts, the majority of Davis’ attempts occurred in the fourth quarter, when the Bills led by three touchdowns. In the first three quarters, Cook carried the ball ten times compared to Davis’ three attempts.
- Snaps account for plays negated by penalties, such as offensive holding or defensive pass interference. The other three statistics exclude those plays.
- Targets may not align with official NFL sources. The most common reason for discrepancies is a clear thrown-away pass, which the NFL may attribute to the closest receiver, while this data will not.
- Carries are counted only on designed plays; quarterback scrambles are excluded from the total number of carries in the game.
- Rushing Yards: Cook rushed for 120 yards on 15 carries, averaging an impressive 8.0 yards per carry.
- Receiving Impact: He added 30 receiving yards on 4 receptions, contributing to his all-around performance.
- Touchdowns: Cook found the end zone once, further boosting his fantasy value.
- Rushing Yards: Achane rushed for 100 yards on 12 carries, showcasing his ability to break tackles and find gaps.
- Receiving Contribution: He recorded 50 yards receiving on 5 catches, proving to be an asset in the passing game.
- Touchdowns: Achane scored twice, solidifying his role in the Dolphins’ high-powered offense.
- Cook’s commitment to improving his production can lead to consistent fantasy points.
- With the Bills’ offense likely to keep generating scoring opportunities, Cook’s touchdown potential remains high.
- His speed and agility make him a threat on every play, and his role in the Dolphins’ offensive scheme is increasing.
- With the Dolphins’ tendency to score frequently, Achane’s opportunities to find the end zone will likely continue.
- High Scoring Potential: Both players are part of high-scoring offenses that create numerous scoring opportunities.
- Versatility: They contribute in both the rushing and receiving game, providing a higher floor for fantasy points.
- Future Outlook: Their performances suggest that they are trending upwards, making them reliable long-term options.
- Monitor Matchups: Always check the upcoming matchups and defensive statistics to maximize scoring opportunities.
- Consider Trade Offers: If you own either player, consider fielding trade offers to capitalize on their increased value.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on injury reports and team strategies that may affect player performance.
- James Cook vs. Washington Commanders: Cook faces a defense that struggled against the run, making him a prime candidate for another big game.
- De’Von Achane vs. Denver Broncos: Achane will look to exploit a Broncos defense that has shown vulnerabilities, particularly against agile running backs.
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Table Notes
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Fantasy Football Recap: James Cook and De’Von Achane Shine in Week 2 Matchup
Week 2 Highlights
In an action-packed Week 2 of the fantasy football season, two rising stars, James Cook of the Buffalo Bills and De’Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins, delivered standout performances that have caught the attention of fantasy managers everywhere.
James Cook: A Breakout Performance
James Cook, the second-year running back for the Buffalo Bills, showcased his potential with an impressive performance against the Las Vegas Raiders. Here are some key highlights:
De’Von Achane: Speed and Agility
On the other side of the field, De’Von Achane, the rookie running back for the Miami Dolphins, made a significant impact in his second game of the season. His highlights include:
Fantasy Implications
Both players have solidified their roles in their respective offenses, making them valuable assets for fantasy football managers. Here’s why:
James Cook: Elevated Status
With his performance in Week 2, Cook has emerged as a must-start running back. His ability to contribute both in the running and passing game makes him a dual-threat:
De’Von Achane: A Rising Star
Achane’s performance has put him on the radar of fantasy football enthusiasts:
Comparative Analysis: Cook vs. Achane
| Player | Rushing Yards | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns | Average Yards per Carry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Cook | 120 | 30 | 1 | 8.0 |
| De’Von Achane | 100 | 50 | 2 | 8.3 |
Benefits of Starting Cook and Achane
Incorporating Cook and Achane into your fantasy lineup can yield significant benefits:
Practical Tips for Fantasy Managers
Here are some strategies to optimize your fantasy lineup with players like Cook and Achane:
Case Studies: Week 2 Impact
Let’s look at a couple of fantasy teams that benefitted substantially from Cook and Achane’s performances:
Team A: Cook’s Contributions
Team A started James Cook, who scored a total of 22 fantasy points, significantly boosting their score for the week. With the addition of Cook’s consistent production, this team jumped from mid-pack to a playoff contender.
Team B: Achane’s Breakout
Team B, who took a risk by starting Achane, reaped the rewards as he scored 25 fantasy points. This performance helped them secure a crucial victory and reinforced their confidence in Achane as a weekly starter.
First-Hand Experience: Managers Weigh In
Feedback from fantasy managers showcases the excitement surrounding Cook and Achane:
“Starting Cook was a no-brainer after his Week 1 performance. I’m excited for what’s next!” – Alex R.
“Achane’s speed is electric. I can’t believe I got him off waivers!” – Jamie S.
Looking Ahead: Future Matchups
The upcoming schedule features matchups that could further enhance the fantasy value of both players:
Conclusion
Both James Cook and De’Von Achane have proven to be valuable fantasy assets following their impressive performances in Week 2. As their roles continue to grow within their respective offenses, fantasy managers should keep them in their starting lineups to maximize scoring potential throughout the season.
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