Philadelphia Eagles vs Miami Dolphins
The Eagles got off to a fast start in this game, intercepting Ryan Fitzpatrick on the first play from scrimmage and then scoring a touchdown. Philadelphia added two field goals but were briefly trailing after a long touchdown score by DeVante Parker and an awesome trick play touchdown that saw the Miami Punter and Kicker connect for a touchdown pass. The Eagles retook the lead on their last drive of the first half and opened the second half with another touchdown drive, giving them a 14 point lead. Unfortunately for the Eagles, their defense was unable to stop the Miami offense, as the Dolphins scored on their first four drives of the second half, only punting on their last drive to give the Eagles the ball back with eight seconds left. Neither defense was great, and both passing attacks enjoyed a lot of success picking on the opposing secondary, but in the end, the Dolphins were able to make enough plays to pull off the comeback and upset the Eagles 37-31 and win the time of possession battle 31:18 to 28:42
Philadelphia Eagles
Quarterback
- Carson Wentz: 28/46, 310 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
This game started off with Carson Wentz looking ready to bounce back from a rough game last week, as he hit Mile Sanders in the flat for a touchdown on a throw he’d missed twice last week. Wentz had a solid game but did miss a few throws high and at times held the ball too long. It was also a little concerning that he did not use his legs much at all, aside from buying some time on his touchdown pass to J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, in a game where there at times seemed to be running lanes available to him if he wanted them. If you started Wentz today you’re thrilled with the production, but he left a few plays on the field and probably should have had an even bigger day. Wentz is a viable fantasy streamer in favorable matchups such as his next matchup against the Giants.
Running Backs
- Miles Sanders: 17 carries, 83 yards | 5 targets, 5 receptions, 22 yards, 1 TD
- Jay Ajayi: 2 carries, 9 yards
Miles Sanders dominated the backfield touches and totaled over 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. It may have been against the Dolphins, but Sanders looked better as a runner today. He was much more decisive and got upfield faster as opposed to trying to dance in the backfield. He’s earned an increased role for even when Jordan Howard returns from injury, but for as long as Howard is out Sanders should be in starting lineups. Jay Ajayi was almost completely uninvolved, and if you added him when he signed with the Eagles in hopes that would have a role you can feel comfortable dropping him.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Alshon Jeffery: 16 targets, 9 receptions, 137 yards, 1 TD
- Nelson Agholor: 6 targets, 3 receptions, 41 yards
- J.J. Arcega-Whiteside: 2 targets, 1 reception, 15 yards, 1 TD
- Zach Ertz: 6 targets, 3 receptions, 24 yards
- Dallas Goedert: 7 targets, 6 receptions, 66 yards
Alshon Jeffery returned from injury in a big way, having twice as many targets as anyone else on the team and making several nice catches in traffic. He was easily the best receiver at creating separation, and it’s a little surprising the Eagles didn’t go to him more given how dominant he looked at times. His stats were padded a bit from a late Philadelphia drive where they were down by two scores, but he earned most of those points by making a very impressive sideline catch on a tipped pass. He can be started confidently as long as he’s healthy. Nelson Agholor caught a two-point conversion in the back of the end zone, but was quiet aside from that and is someone to avoid starting unless your team is really banged up. Zach Ertz had a really impactful drop that forced the Eagles to settle for a field goal attempt, which they missed, and was outshined by Dallas Goedert who got involved often on passes off of play-action and designed boot-legs for Carson Wentz. The Eagles should rely more on their two tight end formations with DeSean Jackson done for the season, so Goedert is a fine option if you’re in need of a tight end.
Miami Dolphins
Quarterbacks
- Ryan Fitzpatrick: 27/39, 365 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT | 3 carries, 2 yards
- Matt Haack: 1/1, 1 yard, 1 TD
Ryan Fitzpatrick threw an interception on the first play of the game, missing badly on a throw where his receiver’s route appeared to be cut short by incidental contact with a defender, but from then on he looked great. Fitzpatrick played with confidence, taking shots and trusting his teammates to go up and get the ball, and that confidence seemed to spread to the rest of the team as the game went on. He even tried to truck through Malcolm Jenkins, and while he was unsuccessful there aren’t many quarterbacks that would even try that. Fitzpatrick is always at risk of having a terrible game, and it’s possible if it’s going really bad he could get benched for Josh Rosen, but Fitzpatrick seems comfortable with the weapons he has and his team cannot really run the ball and as a result, they pass a lot. Matt Haack, the Miami punter, threw a touchdown on a trick play to give the Dolphins their first lead of the game. The Dolphins came out as if they were going to kick a field goal before changing formations to have Haack lined up as a quarterback. He took the snap and started running to his left before he saw the Miami Kicker wide open and flipped it to him for the score.
Running Backs
- Kalen Ballage: 3 carries, 0 yards | 1 target, 0 receptions
- Patrick Laird: 10 carries, 5 yards, 1 TD | 5 targets, 4 receptions, 43 yards
- Myles Gaskin: 2 carries, 20 yards
Kalen Ballage suffered a non-contact injury and had to be carted off the field, and after he left the game the Dolphins essentially abandoned the run. The injury sounded serious and given that the Dolphins are out of the playoffs he will probably be shut down even if he is physically able to return. Patrick Laird was the next guy up, and while he struggled as a runner he was able to punch in a short touchdown. His value will mostly come through the passing game, which makes him a priority add for PPR leagues if he’s available. Myles Gaskin got on the field late and looked like the better runner of the two, but it’s unclear how involved he will be going forward and if he does not get any passing work he probably is not worth adding.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- DeVante Parker: 10 targets, 7 receptions, 159 yards, 2 TDs
- Allen Hurns: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 33 yards
- Albert Wilson: 5 targets, 5 receptions, 32 yards | 2 carries, 31 yards
- Mike Gesicki: 7 targets, 5 receptions, 79 yards, 1 TD
Today DeVante Parker looked like the player fantasy owners have been waiting for his entire career. Parker was dominant, making high-point catches over outmatched defensive backs and showing great footwork to stay in bounds to score his first touchdown. He doesn’t get to play the Eagles secondary every week, but he is the top option in this offense and deserves to be in starting lineups unless it is a really bad matchup. Mike Gesicki made a really nice catch for his touchdown, going up over a defender in the back of the end zone, and is a perfectly viable starting tight end for fantasy teams. Albert Wilson appears to be getting healthier as he looked explosive on a play out of the wildcat formation and showed off some nice elusiveness on a short catch. He’s a dangerous weapon when he’s healthy, so he could be worth a flier if you have space on your bench for him.
- Dan Adams