As the Miami Dolphins prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, both teams find themselves at a crucial juncture in the season. The Dolphins, with a record of 6-7, visit the Steelers, sitting slightly ahead at 7-6, with playoff aspirations still alive for both squads. The matchup is set to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN.
One of the players to watch during this game is Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. With the Dolphins’ offense being heavily influenced by rookie running back De’Von Achane, who boasts a 45.3% rush-play rate, questions arise regarding Waddle’s production potential in this game. PrizePicks projects Waddle to achieve 63.5 receiving yards.
Waddle’s recent performances show he averages 6.7 targets, 3.7 receptions, and 47.3 receiving yards over his last three games. He tends to thrive against zone coverage but faces a significant challenge against the Steelers, who employ man coverage at one of the highest rates in the league. In recent encounters with teams that feature strong man coverage, Waddle has only managed to average 48.5 receiving yards.
Monday’s game script could further complicate Waddle’s ability to rack up yards. The Steelers rank well defensively, allowing minimal expected points added per dropback while being more vulnerable to rushing attacks. With Achane leading the way for the Dolphins’ ground game, expected projections show him set for 79.5 rushing yards. Additionally, Miami’s offensive line ranks 27th in pass block win rate, facing a formidable Steelers pass rush that stands third in the league.
Waddle’s projected stats for the game include 7 targets, a maximum of 23.5 yards for his longest reception, and a fantasy score of 13. The nature of the game could dictate a slower pace, ultimately impacting his opportunities. As fans look ahead to this AFC showdown, the effectiveness of the Dolphins’ offense against the Steelers’ defensive strategy will be crucial in determining the outcome of the matchup.
As the season heats up, Monday night’s clash not only holds significance for playoff contenders but also provides an intriguing narrative centered around Jaylen Waddle’s performance and adaptability against one of the toughest defenses in the league.