Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard is nursing an ankle injury ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets.

Analysis: Howard's impending availability seemingly looms large given his ability to create turnovers. The star cornerback could be of extreme use Sunday against a rookie quarterback in Sam Darnold who has already tossed 10 interceptions through his first eight games. Unlike many matchups to date, the Dolphins-Jets showdown features two teams that have already squared off this season, giving us a stronger idea of what could be in store. The last time these two teams met, Miami squeaked by with a 20-12…read more

The Dolphins enter Week 8 ranked 27th in total defense (405.3 yards per game).

Analysis: After a 3-0 start, Miami has dropped three of its last four contests and subsequently surrendered its grasp atop the AFC East standings. The Dolphins have yielded 20-plus points in all but one game this year and that contest came against rookie quarterback Sam Darnold playing in just his second-ever NFL game. Nobody expected Miami to lead the league in defensive categories throughout 2018, but the poor defensive start to year is raising some eyebrows. Thursday's game against Houston doesn't…read more

The Dolphins has generated only 10 sacks this season, tied for 26th in the NFL. They'll take on the Lions in Week 7.

Analysis: Injuries to key rotation members has hurt the Dolphins' pass rush, but there's reason for improvement on that front with Cameron Wake (knee) trending toward a return from a one-game absence. Detroit has the 14th-best passing offense this season (268 yards per game) and could see that number increase if QB Matthew Stafford has more time in the pocket. On the positive side for Miami, the defense has generated 11 interceptions this season, while the Lions have thrown six interceptions. Though…read more

The Dolphins enter their Week 6 game against the Bears ranked 22nd in total defense (382.6 yards per game).

Analysis: After a 3-0 start to the season, the Dolphins have fallen back to earth with consecutive losses. It's tough to direct the blame towards the Miami defense, however, for the Week 5 loss to the Bengals, which featured two Cincinnati defensive touchdowns. The Dolphins had the same amount of first downs (17) as the Bengals and nearly matched Cincinnati in time of possession. Turnovers have been somewhat an issue for the Dolphins as they enter Week 6 ranked fifth in giveaways (nine), which creates…read more

Dolphins linebacker Cameron Wake's (knee) status is in question for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Analysis: The Dolphins and Wake were brought to down to Earth in the 38-7 beatdown at the hands of the Patriots in Week 4. During Miami's 3-0 start seemingly everything went the Dolphins' way. The offense and defense appeared to be on the same page and a healthy Ryan Tannehill temporarily changed the narrative in South Beach. The blowout loss tames any premature expectations about where this team could be at the end of the year. Sunday's game against the Bengals at least gives the Dolphins a chance to…read more

Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Analysis: Sunday's divisional tilt between the familiar foes seemingly has more intrigue than in years past thanks in large part to the Dolphins 3-0 hot start. If Wake can't play, that could spell trouble for Miami who is tasked with slowing down a hungry Tom Brady. Although the Dolphins haven't faced a quarterback of Brady's caliber this season, Miami's defense has looked strong against in each win this year. The Dolphins currently rank sixth in scoring defense surrendering just 17.3 PPG. The Patriots…read more

Dolphins safety Reshad Jones (shoulder) is deemed questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Analysis: The Fins held rookie quarterback Sam Darnold and the Jets in check last week marking strong defensive play in consecutive weeks. Few people, if any, expected Miami to rank fourth in scoring defense (16.0 PPG) through the first two games of the season but that's where we find ourselves an eighth of the way through. It'll be interesting to see if the defense can hold it together with tougher challengers looming on the horizon. As for now, Miami seems like a serviceable play in deeper leagues, but…read more

The Dolphins narrowly defeated the Titans 27-20 during Sunday's season opener.

Analysis: It wasn't pretty, nor was it short, but Miami found a way to kickstart the 2018 campaign with a victory during Week 1 action. The Dolphins will head to New York in Week 2 where a raucous assembly of Jets fans will eagerly await the divisional foe. The Jets, yes those Jets, shocked most of the football landscape with a 48-17 beatdown over the Lions during Week 1's Monday primetime affair. Although New York hasn't earned trust from a consistency standpoint, the Jets might be better than…read more

The Dolphins rank 28th in the NFL allowing 24.7 points per game.

Analysis: The Miami defense hasn't exactly put together a noteworthy 2017 season and are coming off a 29-13 loss to Kansas City in which the Dolphins registered a single sack and zero turnovers. Unfortunately that isn't exactly a one week occurrence, as the Dolphins defense has produced very little fantasy-wise if they aren't able to score a defensive touchdown. Miami ranks near the bottom of the NFL in both sacks and takeaways, and is not worth considering outside of the most alluring matchups, which is…read more

Defensive end Andre Branch is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs with a knee injury.

Analysis: The Dolphins secondary is also facing potential issues with Cordrea Tankersley (ankle) and T.J. McDonald (shoulder) also listed as questionable. The Chiefs offense wasn't able to maintain their fantastic start to the season, but they have still been a tough matchup for fantasy defenses as they have only committed nine turnovers on the season, which leads the NFL. RB Kareem Hunt has 344 yards from scrimmage and three touchdown in the past two games and will undoubtedly be a major factor against…read more

Defensive linemen Jordan Phillips (ankle) and Andre Branch (knee) are both listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Analysis: CB Cordrea Tankersley is also listed as doubtful and upstart CB Xavien Howard (illness) is questionable. The Dolphins defense has had an up-and-down season thus far, but currently seem to be peaking after consecutive quality performances against the Broncos and Patriots. The Bills average only 18.5 points per game and still heavily rely on RB LeSean McCoy while their passing game ranks 31st in the NFL (168.1 yards per game). Miami's defense is middle of the road in yardage but struggles to…read more

Dolphins cornerback Cordrea Tankersley is dealing with an ankle injury ahead of Monday's game against New England.

Analysis: Even if Tankersley suits up, the Dolphins pose great risk to your fantasy team in Week 14. As long as New England still has something to play for (home-field advantage) Tom Brady and company should not be taken lightly. Since starting 2-2, the Pats have won 8 straight to draw even with the Steelers atop the AFC standings. Unless you're looking for a team to hold you back, avoid Miami this week.

Safety Reshad Jones is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos with a back injury.

Analysis: Jones was added to the injury report Saturday, so there is no real indication on whether he will be available to play Sunday. The Dolphins have given up at least 27 point in each of the past six games, but now face a Broncos offense that is averaging only 17.9 points per game. QB Trevor Siemian returns as the starter for the Broncos this week, and has 10 interceptions in only eight games this season. The Miami defense will hope to return to their early season form against a pedestrian offense,…read more

The Dolphins rank 26th in the NFL allowing 25.4 points per game.

Analysis: The Dolphins defense had a strong start to the season, but that has gone out the window as they have allowed 142 points over their last four games. Miami has also managed to force only eight turnover this season, and will be going up against a Patriots offense that has turned the ball over only five times this season. The Dolphins may still prove to be a decent defensive option when playing a lesser opponent, but given their recent performances they should not be considered a trustworthy…read more

The Dolphins will start Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with a fully healthy starting defense.

Analysis: Miami has a matchup this week with the Buccaneers, which will be without starting QB Jameis Winston who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Tampa Bay has scored only 28 points in the past three games, which includes more than a full game before Winston was injured. The Dolphins defense has generally been able to keep games low scoring this season, which is good since their offense scores the fewest points in the league. Miami is near the bottom of the league in sacks (16) and takeaways…read more

The Dolphins are headed to Carolina with a fully healthy starting defense.

Analysis: The Panthers haven't scored over 20 points in any of their last three contests, and they turned the ball over six times in that span. Despite a poor offense, though, the Dolphins boast the 10th-ranked defense and the seventh-ranked run defense, which will be important against a Panthers' squad that has rushed for over 400 yards in the last three games. However, Cam Newton will be the first true dual-threat quarterback that Dolphins face all year, so it's unclear how they'll respond, especially…read more