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NFL Week 4 Monday Night Football Preview & Fantasy Implications: Patriots vs. Dolphins

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Tonight's battle should provide some clarity as to who the second best team is in the AFC East behind the New York Jets.  

The Miami Dolphins have looked average offensively (20th in passing; 15th in rushing), while the New England Patriots offense has been impressive (minus a complete meltdown in the second half of the Jets game) leading the league in scoring.  Good thing the Patriots have a dynamic offense because their defense is putrid; Scott Bacula's Fighting Armadillo' s from "Necessary Roughness" could probably hang "half a hundred" on the Patriots.  

You never have to worry about the Patriots offensive players (unless you've rolled the dice with one of their running backs) and this year you need not worry about the players going against New England.  You should start everyone tonight and I'd expect a bonanza.  

On a personal note, what happened to Ricky Williams? Is he back in a tee-pee smoking the good stuff and practicing yoga poses?  My guess is he's killed a few fantasy teams already–as he was undoubtedly drafted by many as a #2 RB/Flex option and has done nothing to merit that ranking.  Hopefully he rejuvenates, like Shonn Greene did this weekend.

Tom Brady has never had too much trouble with the Miami Dolphins and there is nothing about this particular squad that should scare him.  

Also, Wes Welker who has been doubted his whole life has to love sticking it to his former team.  Over the last 3 years he's averaged around eight catches and 100 yards per game against the 'Phins. 

Randy Moss is a bit of an enigma–his fantasy stats look respectable through three games mainly because of the touchdowns, but truthfully his nine catches for 139 yards and three TDs are what he's capable of in a single game.  Randy please come through so my high pre-season ranking of you doesn't look so foolish.  If you are starting the Patriots Defense, may God have mercy on your fantasy soul.

As mentioned earlier, the Dolphins have been mediocre on offense and at this point their only fantasy worthy player isBrandon Marshall.  Ronnie Brown has been so-so,(at least he's putting up 5+ yards a carry) and doesn't seem to have any lingering effects of his injury.  Ricky Williams seems to be basking in the glow of his 30 for 30 "Run Ricky Run" special and isn't running with much purpose.  Chad Henne stands to have a good game against that porous New England Defense.

The Patriots Offense is good enough to overcome an above average Miami Defense and the Miami offense is good enough to overcome a poor Patriots defense, so it looks like a good game to start everyone.  If you are down in your fantasy match-up take heart, I think your opponent will be the one with chest pains by the end of the game.  

Written exclusively by Chris Summers for www.thefantasyfix.com. Chris is an attorney, who lives and breathes sports in sunny California. Look for more of his great insight weekly.

Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Football Advice, Monday Night Football, Week 4, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, AFC East, AFC, Chris Summers, Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Benjarvus Green-Ellis, Randy Moss, Chad Henne, Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Brandon Marshall
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