De'Von Achane leads backfield scoring in return -- but doesn't take over backfield

The final numbers from Sunday's blowout win over the Commanders suggest Dolphins RB De'Von Achane took over the backfield in his second return from a knee injury. The rookie tallied a 17-73-2 rushing line, leading the team in carries, yards, and TDs. And he ranked third among Dolphins in receptions (3) and receiving yards (30). Raheem Mostert trailed at 11-43-1 rushing, catching his lone target for 8 yards. But usage looked very different before and after halftime. According to Pro Football Focus, Mostert played 19 of Miami's 29 offensive snaps in the first half, compared with Achane's 12. Mostert hit halftime with a 9-3 carry lead and 1 target to Achane's 2 -- and Miami leading 31-7. Mostert played just 4 more snaps after the break, compared with Achane's 23. The rookie scored both of his TDs in that span. Mostert's TD came in the first half. So what's the takeaway? Expect both RBs to remain plenty involved and carry weekly TD upside. The remaining four matchups in most fantasy schedules don't look good for RB scoring (10th-worst schedule in the league by our adjusted fantasy points allowed). But the slate looks even worse for passing points. So consider Mostert and Achane weekly starting options the rest of the way. Jeff Wilson Jr., meanwhile, garnered only 4 carries even in a blowout victory. He's safe to drop in most fantasy formats.

Dolphins RB De’Von Achane tallied 10 carries for 56 rushing yards and a TD in Week 18 vs. the Bills. The rookie also caught one pass and added 5 yards as a pass-catcher in Sunday night’s contest. Though injuries to Achane’s shoulder, knee, and toe limited him to 11 games in 2023, the speedster was able to finish as the RB5 in PPR points per game (17.3) and lead the league with a gaudy 7.8 yards per carry (YPC). To put that number into context, consider that Achane’s 7.8 YPC ranks first among all RBs with at least 100 carries over the past 20 seasons combined. The next closest player in that span is former Chiefs great Jamaal Charles’ 6.4 YPC in 2010. Injury concerns aside, there’s no dismissing the game-breaking, big-play capability that Achane demonstrated with the Dolphins this year. He won’t turn 23 until October of 2024 and should be considered as one of the most valuable, albeit volatile, dynasty RB assets moving forward.

Dolphins RB De’Von Achane (toe) returned to a limited practice on Thursday. He played through this toe issue last week and should be ready for this weekend's showdown vs. the Cowboys.

Dolphins RB De’Von Achane (toe) missed practice on Wednesday. Achane was questionable with a toe injury ahead of Week 15, then played into the fourth quarter of a blowout win. We’ll see if he’s able to get on the field tomorrow in preparation for a marquee showdown with Dallas. For now, our Week 16 RB rankings find Achane in RB2 range.

Dolphins RB De'Von Achane (toe) is active for today’s game vs. the Jets. He only got in a limited practice on Friday, so it’s safe to assume that he’ll be playing at far less than 100% today. Miami could really use Achane with WR Tyreek Hill out, though. Consider the rookie a risk/reward RB2 play in fantasy lineups.

Dolphins RB De'Von Achane (toe) is listed as questionable for this weekend’s game vs. the Jets. He only got in a limited practice on Friday. HC Mike McDaniel called Achane’s availability an “unknown” on Thursday, so the rookie is seemingly in legitimate danger of missing this one. We’ll get Miami’s inactives around 11:30 am ET on Sunday.