Don’t Be Surprised If Malik Willis is a Top-10 Fantasy QB This Season

The NFL season is often unpredictable, but certain trends in fantasy football can be more apparent than others. One such trend is the emergence of teams that defy expectations and become top-10 fantasy options at quarterback and running back.

The Miami Dolphins are one team to watch. Despite being underdogs in their Week 1 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, they showed signs of potential. Rookie running back De’Von Achane was not favored due to his circumstances, but he has already proven himself valuable. Achane’s performance in Week 1 was disappointing, averaging only 3.3 yards per carry against the Raiders. However, this is not a new development for him - he fared worse in two games last season.

Achane’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield sets him apart from others. He already has four receptions under his belt, making him a valuable target in the passing game. The Dolphins’ running game, spearheaded by Achane, is not flashy but can make all the difference in fantasy football. Quarterback Malik Willis is also a legitimate runner who can impact the fantasy scene.

Willis’s ability to run and pass effectively makes him a top-10 QB contender. He doesn’t need to rush for 1,000 yards or double-digit touchdowns to produce valuable fantasy points. As seen with Justin Fields last season, a quarterback’s ability to run the ball significantly elevates their fantasy value.

The Dolphins’ passing game is another factor that could contribute to their success in fantasy football. Rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas has already shown promise with 94 yards in receiving, which bodes well for Willis and highlights Achane as a valuable target in the passing game.

Other teams have achieved this feat before - last year’s Bills, Rams, Lions, and Jaguars all had top-10 fantasy QBs and RBs. It’s hardly surprising if other teams follow suit. The Dolphins may be among them, especially with their unlikely duo of Achane and Willis.

The Minnesota Vikings also caught attention in Week 1, as Carson Wentz led a comeback against the Green Bay Packers in relief of Kyler Murray. While this was largely due to Justin Jefferson’s dominant performance, it raises questions about the Vikings’ quarterback situation. Will they stick with Wentz or return Murray to health?

Wentz has had durability issues throughout his career, but his performance suggests he still has value as a fantasy QB. If he can maintain this level of production, he may be worth considering not just as a one-week streamer, but also as a bye week fill-in.

The Vikings’ quarterback situation is complex, and it’s unclear what the future holds for either Murray or Wentz. However, if Wentz can continue to perform at his current level, he may earn himself a spot among top-10 fantasy QBs for the season.

As we head into Week 2, these teams - and their respective quarterbacks and running backs - will be worth keeping an eye on. The Dolphins’ unlikely duo of Achane and Willis has already shown promise, while Wentz’s performance suggests he may have more to offer than initially thought.