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Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright was a popular late-round sleeper in preseason fantasy football drafts. The speedster was set to begin his NFL career behind De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, both of whom have injury histories and concerns. And after Week, 1 the Miami duo is already banged up. Mostert (chest) won't play in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, while Achane (ankle) is a game-time decision.
This means wheels up for Wright, right? Well, no. Wright was a healthy inactive in Week 1, and veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. led the team in rushing yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars. We're only a week into the NFL season, and we already have a confusing backfield situation.
Should you pick up Jaylen Wright or Jeff Wilson Jr. ahead of Week 2? Let's dive in.
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Jaylen Wright Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlook
While it wasn't ideal to see Wright as a healthy inactive in Week 1, it's not the end of the world. In fact, Achane was a healthy scratch last year in Week 1. The idea of drafting Wright this preseason was he could enter Miami's lineup if one of Mostert or Achane got hurt, and that remains the case. Both are now hurt.
#Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that RB Raheem Mostert (chest) is out Thursday night vs the #Bills. As for RB De'Von Achane (ankle), he’s a game-time decision. “We’ll see.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2024
If Wright enters Thursday Night Football as one of the top two Miami backs, he's immediately worth flex consideration in leagues of all shapes and sizes.
Jeff Wilson Jr. Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlook
In Week 1, Wilson needed just five carries to lead the team in rushing (26 yards). Most of his work came near the end of the game, which makes you wonder if that was caused by Mostert's chest injury and/or ineffectiveness. While Week 1 indicates Wilson is ahead of Wright on the depth chart, the opening week of the NFL season is often deceiving.
Either way, he has more fantasy value than expected, as most believed he'd be phased out of the offense altogether.
Should I Pickup Jaylen Wright or Jeff Wilson Jr. For Fantasy Football?
While Achane's status will affect the fantasy outlooks for Wright and Wilson, both players are now attractive waiver wire options. Unfortunately, the Dolphins aren't going to disclose what the plan in the backfield is whether Achane plays or not, so we have to use educated guesses.
Wilson is likely the "safer" option to pick up and is more likely to see touches behind Achane, but he doesn't have the one-play-touchdown upside Wright has. Miami also traded up into the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft to select Wright, so it would be a surprise if he doesn't see opportunities given the circumstances.
ONE SNAP.
ONE PLAY.
TOUCHDOWN @VOL_FOOTBALL. pic.twitter.com/SRREQmbxHF— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 18, 2023
While some fantasy managers like to opt for "safety", you should always shoot for upside. Wright has more upside right away and moving forward, so he should be the preferred waiver wire add -- even if you don't start him on Thursday.
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