Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin declined to publicly endorse Ryan Tannehill as the team's starting quarterback for Week 4. While Tannehill has struggled so far this season behind an offensive line still getting used to one another, does backup Matt Moore really offer the team a better chance at success? And if he does, what does that mean for Mike Wallace's fantasy value?
Wallace has gotten off to a great start this season, reaching double digit fantasy points in every game. This is a far cry from the boom-or-bust fantasy numbers owners have become accustomed to seeing from Wallace. The sixth-year receiver has hauled in at least five receptions in each game and has two touchdowns and 211 yards on the year. He leads the Dolphins in targets and receiving yards.
Wallace's average yards per reception is 12.4 this season and 15.9 for his career. The speedy receiver lives off of the deep ball, and Tannehill possesses an exceptionally strong arm.
Moore, surprisingly, has actually fared better on deep balls than Tannehill in his career, although both could improve in that area. In situations of 10+ yards to go, Moore has thrown 13 touchdowns with a 58% completion rate. Tannehill has thrown eight touchdowns with a 56% completion rate in similar situations.
Still, there is a reason why Moore went undrafted. Tannehill may have his struggles but he has more raw talent than Moore and a better familiarity with Wallace. Starting Moore would inevitably lead to more conservative game plans which would hurt the deep threat's chances of coming down with a long grab. Fantasy owners should hope Tannehill plays well enough to keep his job and that he keeps feeding Wallace as often as he has been. Regardless of who starts this Sunday, a cushy matchup against the Oakland Raiders will keep Wallace in the good graces of fantasy owners.
