Lamar Miller - Week 9 vs. San Diego
Lamar Miller hasn't been amazing, but he's been above serviceable. In his last three games he's averaging 91 total yards and has scored two touchdowns. We'd like to see him get more touches. He's only reached 20 touches once this season. He might be able to have more production with the ball in his hands more often.
He'll get a favorable matchup this week against San Diego. The Chargers started off the season strong against the run, but injuries to the defense have made them a prime matchup. In their last three games the Chargers have allowed over 110 rushing yards to backs (123 avg) and three touchdowns.
Miller should be viewed as a RB1 in both standard and PPR formats.
Lamar Miller - Week 8 vs. Jacksonville
Lamar Miller is headed for a career year. He's on pace for over 1,000 rushing yards, easily passing his 709 career best set last year. He's also finding the end zone with ease as he's scored in three consecutive games.
He'll face a Jaguars defense that was favorable to running backs early in the season, but lately have been quite tough. The Jaguars have only allowed one rushing touchdown to a back over the last five games. They're also allowing an average of 70 rushing yards per game to backs during that stretch.
Having said all of that, Miller is a good bet to score and will get plenty of touches in the Dolphins' backfield. He should be viewed as a RB1.
Lamar Miller - Week 7 vs. Chicago
Knowshon Moreno's return party didn't last long as he's been placed on injured reserve. This is now Lamar Miller's backfield alone. He did well last week against Green Bay compiling 93 total yards and a touchdown.
This week he'll go up against a Bears defense that has been surprisingly tough against the run. The Bears are allowing the 10th fewest rushing yards per game this season.
Miller is still a bet to enough touches and is a borderline RB1 option.
Lamar Miller - Week 6 vs. Green Bay
Lamar Miller is no longer the only guy in Miami's backfield. Knowshon Moreno could return this week, and OC Bill Lazor said he will split carries between the two.
Miller is having a good year running the ball as he's averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He ran in two touchdowns in Week 4 before the team's bye. What's concerning is Miller isn't getting a lot of carries. His max on the season is just 15.
He will get a favorable matchup agains the Packers this week. He can be used as an RB2, but it remains to be seen exactly how things shake out with Moreno back in the picture.
Lamar Miller - Week 4 vs. Oakland Raiders
Lamar Miller is having a strong start to the 2014 season. With Knowshon Moreno out of the lineup due to injury, Miller was able to rush for 108 yards in Week 3. Through the first three games Miller is averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
The problem with Miller this season is that he's not getting a lot of carries. The Dolphins have been blown out the last two games, meaning the offense had to rely on the passing game a lot more.
This week Miller will face the Raiders. Oakland has been the second-worst run defense this year, allowing 158.7 yards per game. If Miller gets his touches he should take advantage of the Raiders' poor run defense. He should be viewed as a RB1 in a very favorable matchup.
Lamar Miller - Week 3 vs. Kansas City
Lamar Miller's starting job appeared to be taken away from newcomer Knowshon Moreno, but Miller got it right back when Moreno injured his elbow in the first quarter of Week 2's game. Miller hasn't looked terrible this season. In Week 1 he carried the ball 11 times for 59 yards (5.4 ypc) and caught a touchdown. In Week 2 he ran 11 times again, but for 46 yards. He also caught two balls on five targets.
We should mention that Miller also injured himself in that Week 2 game (ankle). He should be ready to play in Week 3, though. He'll get the start with Moreno's injury and will likely be relied on heavily as there isn't much depth behind him.
Miller heads into Week 3 in a somewhat favorable matchup against the Chiefs. Kansas City hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown so far this season, but they have allowed 210 yards on 40 carries to RBs (5.25 ypc).
Miller should be viewed as a high RB2 in Week 3. He gets a favorable matchup and will be the team's bell cow.
Lamar Miller - Week 2 vs. Buffalo
Lamar Miller's spotlight was taken away in Week 1 by fellow running back Knowshon Moreno. Moreno was in on 61 percent of the team's offensive snaps to Miller's 38. Miller was able to score on a receiving touchdown, but Moreno's big performance should be worrisome for owners.
Miller didn't look bad in Week 1. He carried the ball 11 times for 59 yards (5.4 ypc) and added 19 yards through the air on four receptions. His downfall will be losing touches to newcomer Moreno.
Week 2 provides a favorable matchup for Miller. His timeshare with Moreno knocks him down to a RB3 or flex option this week.
Lamar Miller - Week 1 vs. New England
The Miami Herald's Armando Salguero predicted Miami would start Knowshon Moreno over Lamar Miller in the season opener, but the team's depth chart says otherwise. Miller is still on top of his position, but that doesn't guarantee anything.
Miller hasn't shown much in his two seasons with Miami. In 228 carries he's only scored three touchdowns and finished last season not scoring in the final 12 games.
The Moreno praise should be worrisome for Miller owners. As of now Miller should be viewed as a RB3 or a flex option.
Fantasy Upside
Lamar Miller was the Dolphins’ rushing leader a season ago. That doesn’t mean much considering he had just 709 rushing yards. But most of his struggles could be blamed on the Dolphins’ offensive line. Miami made improvements like bringing over Branden Albert and drafting Ja’Waun James in the first round of the draft.
Reports out of camp have Miller taking the first-team reps in practice. Expect the third-year rusher to get the start for Miami.
Fantasy Downside
While Miller is expected to become the starter in Miami, he has Knowshon Moreno breathing down his neck. Miami signed Moreno after a successful season in Denver. The veteran back finished as a top five back a season ago.
Miller struggled a lot a season ago. He played in all 16 games, but only managed to average 44 yards a game. He also struggled to find the endzone scoring only twice all season. He was outscored by Bucs’ running back Bobby Rainey who only started six games.
Bottom Line
An improved offensive line could help Miller in his third year. Also, new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor could mean positive things ahead. Lazor told the Miami Herald that Miller “can play the role of LeSean McCoy” in the offense (Lazor spent 2013 on Chip Kelly’s staff).
The arrival of Moreno is a little concerning, but Miller is expected to be the main back in Miami. Stay cautious with him because he is coming off of a poor season, but he does have potential for a good year.
