Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa completed 20 of 26 passes for 205 yards and 4 TDs in Sunday's surprising win over Atlanta. Miami's 34 points set a season high.
What They're Saying
One potential difference-maker for Miami? OC Frank Smith, who for the first time moved from the coaches’ booth to the sideline.
“Frank is a problem-solver, a solution man,” HC Mike McDaniel said via the Sun-Sentinel. “He invested in the players. They respond to him.”
2025 Fantasy Football Impact
Atlanta entered this game without a couple of key defenders, including CB Billy Bowman and EDGE Jalon Walker. But Tua was simply on point from the start.
He completed 77% of his passes and spread his scores to four different receivers. First, he hit De’Von Achane on a flat route at the goal line. Later, he made one of his best throws to Malik Washington on a rollout dart right at the pylon.
Jaylen Waddle scored the third TD, his first since Week 5 at Carolina. Off a play-fake, Tua threw a beautiful in-breaker with anticipation. Waddle did the rest, turning on the burners to outrun Atlanta’s defense.
Tua’s final score went to Ollie Gordon, who took a executed screen to the end zone from 20 yards out.
Credit Miami's O-line for a strong day. The Falcons fired off a 48.1% blitz rate -- second-highest among Week 8 defenses, per Next Gen Stats. Yet they pressured the QB at the 11th-lowest rate (29.6%).
We're skeptical that Tua can become a reliable fantasy option down the stretch. The pass catching corps remains thin, while Tua still provides nothing as a rusher.
Still, there's certainly some superflex value in the veteran. He'll rank in QB2 range for a Thursday night matchup vs. a Baltimore squad that's gotten healthier on defense.