Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, January 4, 2026, 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Network: FOX
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback
Quinn Ewers: SIT
Rookie Quinn Ewers was able to secure his first professional win throwing two touchdown passes against the Bucs, but completed just 14 of 22 pass attempts for 172 yards. The Pats’ defense is a different story, however, not allowing a touchdown pass and holding both of the Ravens and Jets under 200 passing yards in their previous two games.
Running Back
De’Von Achane: START, RB1
Jaylen Wright: FLEX, RB3 *if Achane inactive*
Ollie Gordon II: SIT
At the time of writing De’Von Achane had yet to practice and his status is in serious doubt for a meaningless game to Miami. Achane is an auto-start if he’s able to suit up, but chances are he sits out. Jalen Wright and Ollie Gordon would get the extra touches in Achane’s absence, but Wright likely sees the most. New England has been a tough matchup for running backs this season, allowing the sixth-fewest points to the position, but has eased up since the bye. The Patriots have allowed a 100-yard rusher in three straight games, and five rushing touchdowns to backs over that period. With the recent run defense struggles of the Pats, Wright would be a risky flex assuming he see’s the bulk of the teams carries.
Wide Receiver
Jaylen Waddle: SIT
Cedrick Wilson Jr: SIT
Malik Washington: SIT
Jaylen Waddle was able to return to practice Thursday on a limited basis after dealing with a rib issue, and at the time of writing his status was uncertain for Sunday. If he’s able to practice again Friday, even on a limited basis, his chance to play is reasonably good. But with Ewers under center, battling injury and facing a Patriots defense that’s not allowed a 100-yard receiver since Week 10 or a touchdown to a receiver since Week 13, I prefer to fade him even if he’s active.
Tight End
Darren Waller: SIT
Greg Dulcich: STREAMER
Darren Waller had yet to practice at the time of writing and was looking increasingly likely to sit out Miami’s season finale. Greg Dulcich is coming off a season-high six targets, five catches, 58 yards, and his first touchdown as a Dolphin. New England is a top-12 matchup for tight ends, making Dulcich an interesting desperation sleeper.
Defense/Special Teams
Miami Dolphins: SIT
Miami is allowing an average of 30 points per game over its last three.
New England Patriots
Quarterback
Drake Maye: START, QB1
How many touchdowns did Drake Maye throw for in Week 17?
With a legitimately legendary performance in most leagues’ fantasy championship, Drake “Drake Maye” Maye threw FIVE touchdown passes against the Jets, making that MVP race with Matthew Stafford just a little bit tighter. He did so on just 21 pass attempts and sprinkled in 22 rushing yards as well. Maye became the first player in NFL history to throw for over 250 yards and five touchdowns with a 90% completion percentage. Lucky for you, Drake Maye managers, the Pats are still in the running for the No. 1 seed in the AFC if the Broncos lose. Even if Denver wins, New England has to win itself to maintain the No. 2 seed, so it should be a full go for all the Patriots’ weapons in Week 18.
Running Back
TreVeyon Henderson: START, RB1
Rhamondre Stevenson: START, Borderline RB1
TreVeyon Henderson was able to clear concussion protocol and start in Week 17 for the Pats, but it was Rhamondre Stevenson who had himself a day. Henderson wasn’t bad by any means, rushing for 82 yards on 19 attempts. Stevenson scored twice in the first half, once on the ground and once through the air. Stevenson had a total of just 13 touches but was able to make the most of them, combining for 102 total yards. Expect both New England backs to be involved against Miami, which has been a fantasy-friendly matchup nearly all season long.
Wide Receiver
Stefon Diggs: START, WR1
Kayshon Boutte: FLEX, WR4
DeMario Douglas: FLEX, WR4
Stefon Diggs is coming off back-to-back games over 20 fantasy points, and as long as he’s active, he’s a must-start against Miami. But accusations have emerged against him off the field that have the potential to cause Diggs to be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, making him ineligible to play. Kayshon Boutte missed Week 17 and is back to practicing in full, but has yet to officially clear concussion protocol. If he’s active, he’s a solid flex option against Miami, along with DeMario Douglas
Tight End
Hunter Henry: tHe gLoB
tHe gLoB :/ðə ɡlɑb/: A distinct performance tier of tight ends exhibiting minimal volatility and a rigid scoring ceiling. This demographic consistently yields a statistical output of approximately three to five receptions for 30 to 40 yards per game. As a result, their ability to provide significant fantasy value is entirely conditional on the variable occurrence of a touchdown to break the double-digit scoring threshold.
Defense/Special Teams
New England Patriots: START
