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Fantasy Life Articles fantasy football takes on Malik Willis
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Fantasy Life Articles about Malik Willis.
50
Insights
31
Positive
9
Negative
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All Fantasy Life Articles insights about Malik Willis
PositiveProjectionNov 5, 2026
Freedman recommends starting Willis despite lack of solid floor because Dolphins are in favorable spot. This is their fifth week out of past seven not on the road, and Dolphins have fully amplified HFA (outside division/conference, on grass vs. turf, outdoors vs. indoors). Since Week 6 bye, Willis has played with promise (20.8 fantasy points per game, 419 yards passing, 4 TDs, 1 INT with 9-39-1 rushing). For the season, Willis is No. 4 QB in designed rush share (9%) and scramble rate (9%). Lions could be without four starters: EDGE DJ Wonnum (concussion), LB Jack Campbell (neck), CB D.J. Reed (hip), FS Brian Branch (concussion).PositiveProjectionNov 5, 2026
Matthew Berry ranks Malik Willis as QB13 for Week 9, placing him in the Love category for the Lions-Dolphins matchup.PositiveProjectionNov 5, 2026
Willis delivered 20.9 and 26 fantasy points in Weeks 5 and 7, showing signs of life. Between designed attempts and scrambles, he averages 5.2 totes per game. The Dolphins remain the most run-heavy offense (-9% DBOE) but have shown signs of life, scoring 23.7 PPG over their last three outings. The Lions are an improving defense but still the best matchup for QBs (+6.6 PPG); since Week 4, they rank 4th-best at +3.5 PPG. Willis projects for 16.9 points with a 23.2-point Xfinity Best ceiling, making him a high-end QB2 with mid-range QB1 upside in Week 9.PositiveProjectionNov 5, 2026
Willis projects to 16.9 fantasy points and QB14 in Week 9 projections despite being just outside the top 12 at the position. He has finished as a top-15 scorer in three straight games, including a QB4 finish vs. the Jets in Week 7, and remains one of the most effective rushers at quarterback. Against Detroit, which has allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing QBs this season and ranks 29th in EPA per pass attempt defensively, Willis is positioned as an intriguing streamer.NegativeProjectionNov 4, 2026
Malik Willis is mentioned as a Week 9 quarterback option with a current PPG of 15.2 and a projection of 16.9, showing a modest upside projection relative to his recent performance.PositiveProjectionNov 4, 2026
Willis has played with promise since the Week 6 bye (20.8 fantasy points per game, 419 yards passing, 4 TDs, 1 INT with 9-39-1 rushing) and ranks No. 4 QB in designed rush share (9%) and scramble rate (9%) for the season. The source upgrades him for Week 9 facing the Lions, who could be without four starters: EDGE DJ Wonnum (concussion), LB Jack Campbell (neck), CB D.J. Reed (hip), and FS Brian Branch (concussion). The Dolphins also have a fully amplified home-field advantage and will be in their fifth week out of the past seven not on the road. The source states: "I'd consider starting Willis in Guillotine Leagues this week."PositiveValueNov 4, 2026
The source identifies Willis as a viable streaming option for Week 9, noting the Miami offense has averaged 23.7 PPG and 62.7 plays/game over the last three games, with Willis averaging 20.8 PPG in that stretch. Willis faces the Lions in Week 9, who give up the biggest fantasy boost to opposing QBs at +6.6. The source suggests Willis may not be just a one-week rental, with favorable matchups ahead: IND (+1.5), BUF (+1.7), NYJ (+0.8). Willis is available in 80+% of leagues.NegativeUsageNov 3, 2026
Malik Willis is taking plenty of sacks (19 so far this year), which is very valuable for fantasy DST purposes; though he hasn't been particularly turnover-prone and isn't creating many big plays in the passing game, the Lions expect to have opportunities to create sacks and turnovers against Miami in Week 9.PositiveValueNov 3, 2026
Willis appears on the Week 9 streamer list for the second consecutive week, having scored 20+ fantasy points in two of three recent weeks with at least 208 passing yards and 2 TDs in each of the past two weeks, plus a rushing TD in Week 8. The Lions allow 297.7 passing yards per game to QBs (top in fantasy points allowed), and Josh Allen's Week 2 performance against them (69 rushing yards, 2 TDs) suggests a mobile QB can exploit their defense. Willis will need to keep pace as the Lions figure to score in bunches.PositiveProjectionNov 2, 2026
Willis is averaging 20.8 PPG over the last three weeks with Miami's offense showing signs of life and rising play volume. The Dolphins remain run-first (-9% DBOE), but Willis is a dual-threat archetype with a favorable four-week stretch (+2.6 PPG): DET (+6.6), IND (+1.5), BUF (+1.7), NYJ (+0.8). Willis UPGRADES to mid-range QB2 status and offers low-end QB1 upside. Willis is available in 80% of leagues.PositiveInjuryNov 1, 2026
Malik Willis is cleared to play for Miami.NegativeMatchupOct 31, 2026
Malik Willis posted 2.50 fantasy points against Minnesota's elite pass defense, representing his worst fantasy outing of the season and exemplifying how dominant the Vikings' front seven has been against opposing QBs.PositiveProjectionOct 30, 2026
Malik Willis led the entire league in Week 7 EPA/dropback (+0.64), showing improvement beyond just the run game. He avoided throwing a pick in two of three games and took two or fewer sacks in three of four. While New England is a tough matchup, the source recommends adding him for the upcoming run of soft matchups (DET, IND, BUF, NYJ). Ranked QB20 for Week 8.PositiveBreakoutOct 27, 2026
Willis passed for 208 yards, rushed for 37 more, and totaled 3 TDs against the Jets in his first game off a bye, suggesting he may have turned a corner. The source rage-drafted him on two teams due to ADP concerns and now sees Week 8 matchup vs. Patriots as a breakout opportunity; Patriots have been vulnerable on defense, allowing 308 passing yards and 2 TDs to Caleb Williams last week, and historically struggle when traveling to South Florida.PositiveProjectionOct 27, 2026
Willis posted 0.72 EPA/dropback in Week 7 following Miami's bye, marking only the second time all season he's had positive EPA (Week 2: 0.14 EPA/dropback, QB15). The source emphasizes Willis has extremely high upside due to his rushing ability and notes the Dolphins may have figured something out offensively. He's recommended as a priority add for managers in QB purgatory heading into Week 8.PositiveProjectionOct 26, 2026
Willis posted 0.72 EPA/dropback in Week 7, marking only the second time all season he's had positive EPA (Week 2 was 0.14 EPA/dropback, QB15). The source notes that every other week Willis has been an active detriment to the Miami offense, but Week 7 suggested the Dolphins may have figured something out offensively. Given Willis's extremely high upside from a fantasy perspective due to his rushing ability, the source recommends him as a priority add for those in QB purgatory heading into Week 8.NegativeProjectionOct 24, 2026
Malik Willis is consensus QB27 in Week 7 as a Chargers player under Mike McDaniel's offense, reflecting the broader dysfunction of the McDaniel-led Chargers organization which is 0-6 and producing abysmal fantasy rankings across all positions.PositiveMatchupOct 20, 2026
Malik Willis has the worst CPOE by a wide margin with just two passing TDs vs. four INTs; he's also taken 14 sacks, tied for seventh-most in the league. Despite his mobility, Willis is a prime streaming DST target for the Jets in Week 7 against Miami, with New York favored by 4.5 points in a 38.5-point total game.NegativeMatchupOct 6, 2026
Willis has a turnover in three of the first four games this season and has taken 11 sacks in four games, tied for seventh most among all QBs. The Dolphins are one of the least competent offenses in the NFL, making them a poor fantasy option.PositiveMatchupOct 6, 2026
Malik Willis has a turnover in three of the first four games this season and has taken 11 sacks in four games, tied for seventh most among all QBs. Miami is one of the least competent offenses in the NFL, making them a good target to stream a DST against; the source notes Willis's turnover-prone tendencies and sack vulnerability as reasons the Bengals defense should perform well against Miami in Week 5.NegativeProjectionSep 30, 2026
Malik Willis is included among the eight biggest downgrades in Freedman's Week 4 quarterback rankings, suggesting unfavorable betting factors, situational spots, disadvantageous defensive matchups, or decreased usage expectations.NegativeUsageSep 28, 2026
Willis saw a season-high 15% designed-run share in Week 3 after Achane exited. The source suggests using Willis more in the run game might be better than loading up on a player like Gordon, indicating the Dolphins may distribute rushing work across multiple options including the QB.PositiveProjectionSep 23, 2026
Willis is ranked No. 17 in Matthew Freedman's Week 3 QB rankings, indicating upgrade status for the week.NegativeMatchupSep 17, 2026
Willis faces San Francisco's elite defense in Week 2 after posting two turnovers and only one touchdown against the Raiders in Week 1. The source notes the 49ers' defense made last year's MVP look incompetent and questions what they will do to Willis. The source dismisses Willis as a viable fantasy option, calling him 'dolphin chum' when facing San Francisco.NegativeProjectionSep 16, 2026
Willis is ranked No. 20 in Freedman's Week 2 QB rankings.NegativeMatchupSep 15, 2026
Willis took five sacks and threw an interception in Week 1 against the Chiefs, demonstrating the type of weak quarterback play that makes Kansas City a favorable DST streaming option. The source expects the Chiefs to be heavy favorites against the Dolphins and Raiders in upcoming weeks, positioning their defense to capitalize on similar weak QB performances.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
Malik Willis is about to make someone (maybe two someones) fantasy relevant, and it looks like it'll be the two rookie wideouts from Miami (Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas). This quarterback situation creates a unique buying opportunity in the Dolphins' ambiguous offensive role without a clear, definitive No. 1 option.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
Malik Willis has a Week 1 projection of 15.8 PPG against the Raiders, up from a 12.3 PPG average; the source suggests the Dolphins matchup offers upside relative to season expectations.NegativeProjectionSep 9, 2026
Willis is ranked No. 16 in Freedman's Week 1 QB rankings.PositiveValueSep 8, 2026
Fantasy Life projects Willis for 3,070 pass yards (27th among QBs) but 671 rush yards (second behind only Jayden Daniels); the rushing work provides one of the stronger floors of any QB this year, making him one of the source's favorite QB targets if you were completely boxed out of the position in your draft.NegativeMatchupSep 8, 2026
Dolphins QB facing Raiders in Week 1 with an uncertain role ("we don't know what the Malik Willis experience is going to be"), but the matchup is favorable. Raiders defense allowed 211.6 passing yards and 17.7 fantasy points per game last season. Game Model projects Raiders winning 22-20 in a low-scoring battle between two teams potentially competing for the No. 1 draft pick; Willis will be involved whenever Miami scores.NegativeRoleSep 6, 2026
Malik Willis is the Dolphins QB who has to throw to someone, preferably Greg Dulcich. Willis potentially chipping away at Dulcich's workload with his legs is a concern, but the uptick in first downs will help brush aside regression.PositiveSleeperSep 5, 2026
Willis is ranked QB19 with ADP of 155.2, yet Jorge Martin expresses frustration that Willis is being drafted too late despite Fantasy Life staff consensus (including Matthew Freedman) identifying him as a target all offseason. In two late-season audition starts against the Bears and Ravens, Willis rushed for 104 yards on 19 carries with 2 TDs and completed 32 passes with only 5 incompletions for 409 yards and 2 scores, demonstrating growth from his raw Liberty days. On a rebuilding Dolphins team that will need his dual-threat playmaking to score points, Willis offers rushing upside and improved passing efficiency. Playoff schedule advantage: Dolphins host Weeks 16-17, with Championship Week in Miami against Josh Allen, making Willis a stash candidate for late-season fantasy runs.NegativeSleeperSep 3, 2026
Willis was once a popular sleeper but drafters have hesitated after Miami's underwhelming offseason performance and lack of skill-position talent. However, his running ability (averaging over four yards per carry throughout his career) can help fill the void. With the Dolphins' offensive line struggling, Willis will scramble at higher rates to keep drives alive, accumulating fantasy points. Zachariason suggests Goff as a safer alternative if Willis's lack of surrounding talent concerns you, but positions Willis as a viable late-round option for those willing to take the risk.PositiveProjectionAug 31, 2026
Malik Willis is positioned as a strong fantasy option for 2026 despite Miami's weak receiver room. Per Ian Hartitz analysis: Willis has averaged the position's fourth-most yards per scramble (8.9) over the past two seasons and nobody has averaged more yards per rush (10.6) on read options. Since 2014, 31 of 34 QBs (91%) with 100+ rush attempts in a season finished as top-12 fantasy QBs in fantasy points per game. At his current price, Willis is a plug-and-play option for QB injuries and absolutely worth a pick in 2QB/SF formats.PositiveProjectionAug 30, 2026
Matthew Freedman projects Malik Willis might be a better passer than expected, citing an elite 12.3 AY/A in his two years as the No. 2 QB for the Packers (albeit on limited playing time). Freedman notes Willis' rushing ability (12-174-3 in three starts with the Packers) might offset the impact of the probably putrid offense in which he'll operate.NegativeProjectionAug 28, 2026
Malik Willis was selected in Round 11 as the starting quarterback. The drafter identified him as a wild card, noting that if he achieves a QB1 finish, the late-round investment would pay off significantly.PositiveProjectionAug 27, 2026
Over the past two seasons, Malik Willis leads all quarterbacks in fantasy points per dropback. Willis also averages 44.8 rushing yards per game as a starter. Matthew Berry sees a clear floor there with Willis and a significant chance at upside.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Willis was the quarterback throwing to Caleb Douglas in the Dolphins' first preseason game, where Douglas had two targets for a 40% target share.PositiveProjectionAug 16, 2026
Matthew Freedman identifies Malik Willis as a must-draft player for 2026 fantasy football; Willis projects for 256.9 passing yards per game with 12.3 PPG.NegativeProjectionAug 14, 2026
Willis is the Dolphins' QB and is described as unproven but having flashed over the past few years when forced into opportunity, suggesting the Dolphins offense may not be a complete disaster despite the team's overall struggles.PositiveProjectionAug 13, 2026
Over the last three seasons, Malik Willis has the highest yards per attempt among all QBs; over the last two seasons, he leads in fantasy points per dropback. In his six career starts, Willis has averaged 44.8 rushing yards per game. Since 2020, there have been 21 instances of a QB averaging 35+ rushing yards per game, and in 17 of them the player finished as a top-10 QB in PPG that season. Willis is currently being drafted as QB23, suggesting significant undervaluation.PositiveBreakoutJul 31, 2026
Willis is positioned as a breakout candidate if he builds on impressive performances late in his Green Bay tenure; Matthew Berry notes that having Willis on the bench is comforting because he could become something early enough in the season that he won't want to drop him, and if he pops, those decisions during the fantasy playoffs are a great problem to have.PositiveMatchupJul 31, 2026
Willis's schedule offers multiple exploitable matchups; Weeks 1-2 feature Rams games (49ers in Australia, Giants at home), Weeks 9-10 see Dolphins hosting Lions and traveling to Indianapolis with both games seeing points scored, and Week 17 championship week offers Willis hosting the Chargers or potentially playing in Miami against Buffalo.PositiveProjectionJul 31, 2026
Willis is projected to be third in rushing yards at the position with 638 yards; Matthew Berry notes that if he gets even above-average passing numbers he could finish in the top 10 at the position, making him a complementary late-round QB option with different stylistic strengths than Stafford.PositiveSleeperJul 23, 2026
Matthew Berry wants some exposure to Malik Willis and his massive rushing ceiling, but has enough concerns about the Dolphins offense that he would prefer to do it in leagues where he's not locked in to starting Willis every single week.PositiveBreakoutNo date
Should be taken seriously as a fantasy option despite Miami's team situation being unserious, according to Matthew Freedman's updated targets.PositiveRoleNo date
Malik Willis is the Dolphins quarterback with Greg Dulcich as his likely No. 1 receiving option.NegativeProjectionNo date
Willis offers upside thanks to his rushing prowess and big arm, but carries significant volatility and inconsistency concerns, making him unreliable for dynasty purposes.PositiveProjectionNo date
Willis is Miami's new QB and has been targeting Dulcich early in camp; his ability to build on his limited starts in Green Bay could determine Dulcich's breakout potential.