Miami’s interior line is a work in progress as Zach Sieler anchors the push and rookies Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips absorb the NFL pace. Run defense has struggled against Jets and Bills, but second-half steadiness hints at growth.

McDaniel leaves the door open for Wilkins while banking on the rookies. For fantasy, track snap splits and rotation vs the Panthers—early-season growth could stabilize the run defense and boost weekly ceilings for the Dolphins.

Miami’s defense has yet to create turnovers, sits last in passer rating allowed and near the bottom in the run game, all pointing at a front seven that hasn’t lived up to last season’s disruptive reputation. With a young, makeshift secondary and higher pressure to produce, the Dolphins need their front seven to set the tone against a Jets squad capable of scoring in bunches. If Monday night at Hard Rock ends in defeat, the calls for change could intensify, putting McDaniel under renewed scrutiny.

Anthony Weaver spoke in grave, calm tones about a simple, old-school creed: defense wins with violence at the point of attack. The Dolphins’ DC urged edge-setting, relentless pursuit, and violent takeaways to reverse a start that’s yielded 30 points per game with no turnovers. The message mirrors a Dan Campbell-era grit, even as Mike McDaniel’s system lingers, and it hints at Weaver’s potential as an interim leader who can ignite a physical, finish-first defense.

Last season’s No. 4 ranked defense provides context for the appeal, while this year’s struggles underscore the urgency. The emphasis on trust, discipline, and aggression is designed to flip momentum, especially against a schedule that includes Buffalo. For fantasy managers, the shift raises hopeful potential for sack, turnover, and fantasy-point spikes from Miami’s playmakers.

Miami faces a short-week test as Aaron Brewer contends with a new hip injury while the rest of the offense eyes early returns from Jaylen Wright and Darren Waller. Waller practiced on the edge; Wright was doubtful but close to suiting up. Melifonwu’s calf complicates safety depth, but Davis/Trader Jr. should split reps. Up front, Savaiinaea must elevate his game on the right side with Borom and Smith anchoring. Special teams mistakes linger from the Patriots game, shaping week-to-week risk and fantasy upside against Buffalo.

Injury updates, depth-chart gymnastics, and coaching comments drive the Dolphins’ Week 4 outlook. Expect tighter protection and more secondary rotation if Melifonwu sits. Washington’s Antonio Gibson and Brenden Schooler serve as cross-team reminders of how special-teams and big plays swing games. execute and scheme adjustments become critical for fantasy relevance in a short week.

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.