Miami aims to rebound at home vs New England after a 33-8 loss in Indianapolis. Five fantasy storylines drive the matchup: can Miami finally generate a pass rush against Drake Maye; will the makeshift O-line hold up with Daniels on IR and Jackson banged up; can the offense reconnect on big plays from Hill and Waddle; avoid a costly special-teams miscue from Brenden Schooler; and can Tua Tagovailoa return to efficient, turnover-light form. The game will shape the early-season fantasy landscape.

Miami's right side is in flux as Austin Jackson lands on IR and James Daniels joins him, forcing a reshaped O-line for at least four games. Borom steps in at right tackle with Kion Smith sliding to right guard; Strange, Brunskill or Lamm may inherit later opportunities. Waller remains in the lineup with a two-TE look, and Wilson Jr. plus Patterson get practice-squad elevations to stay ready. Cornell Armstrong moves up to fifth cornerback as Bonner sits, while Wright is doubtful and Waller stays active.

Depth and tempo become the x-factors: the Dolphins will lean on internal depth, situational protection schemes, and occasional run-game adjustments against a brutal early schedule (Patriots, Bills, Jets, Panthers). The earliest Jackson or Daniels could return is Week 6 vs Chargers, giving Miami a light at the end of the tunnel as Eichenberg works off PUP. Fantasy angles hinge on who seizes the opportunistic reps along the line and how the TE and RB options are deployed in the shift.

The Week 2 headline pits the Miami Dolphins against the New England Patriots in a tight AFC East duel, with Miami aiming to rebound after a rough opener and New England hoping for a better road showing. Miami fights through injuries on the right side of the line (James Daniels and Austin Jackson out) while New England is without standout corner Christian Gonzalez, setting up a Hill-Waddle onslaught against a thinner secondary. Despite the home-field edge for Miami, most experts expect the Patriots to prevail, closing the week with a Patriots win, 27-10.

Dolphins guard James Daniels is on IR for at least four weeks after Week 1, forcing interior-line shuffles. Cole Strange joins the 53-man roster, with Kion Smith stepping in Sunday and likely starting Week 6 vs. Chargers. Daniel Brunskill, Kendall Lamm, and Larry Borom provide veteran depth as Miami weighs immediate replacements.

Daniels’ absence tests Miami’s run and pass protection; the early-lottery option is Smith, who has limited starting experience. Strange Could stabilize the right side if he settles in; otherwise Brunskill or Lamm may be asked to anchor the interior while Miami hopes to hold the line until Daniels returns Week 6.