Acclaimed football analyst Michael Lombardi joins us to break down why he wasn’t high on the Dolphins prior to the beginning of the season; address the team’s biggest problem areas; and give his thoughts on Dolphins fans in New York.  A former NFL executive, Michael’s exceptional work can be found on the NFL Network, Showtime’s “Inside the NFL,” and NFL.com.

Stay tuned for a quick edition “What’s Your Fantasy – Week 5″ at the conclusion of the interview.

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Sam Madison, one of the greatest defensive players in team history, joins us to reflect on his Dolphins career; discuss the qualities that make a great NFL cornerback; and give his thoughts on playing and living in New York. A four-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro selection with Miami, Madison also helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLII over the New England Patriots and currently works in broadcasting as a member of The Finsiders.

Stay tuned for “What’s Your Fantasy – Week 4″ at the conclusion of the interview.

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You probably wish you'd started me in your fantasy league.

I’m Sorry… I’ll admit that I was completely wrong about Cam Newton, and in effect, Steve Smith.  I still have no idea how a quarterback who completed 42% of his passes against second-tier defenses in the preseason can up his completion percentage to 63% and throw for over 400 yards in two straight games, but consider Newton as a top-10 QB option for the rest of the year and obviously continue to ride Smith’s hot streak.

Players to Start:

Ryan Fitzpatrick is a borderline must-start against the New England Patriots, who’ve allowed opposing QBs to throw for nearly 400 yards and two TDs per game.  The Bills will almost surely be playing catch-up all game, which should allow Fitzy to continue posting great fantasy numbers.

Ben Tate has now put together back-to-back 100-yard rushing games, and faces New Orleans in what projects to be a shootout.  Arian Foster, who missed practice today, may still get some carries, but Tate is a rock-solid number two RB against a Saints defense that has given up 18 fantasy points per game to opposing RBs.

Mike Williams (Bucs) had just one catch for -4 yards last week.  It might be hard to trust him every week, but he’ll go up against a Falcons defense that was just shredded by Jeremy Maclin for 13 catches and 171 yards.  Start Williams as a number two WR and expect a nice bounce-back performance.

Players to Bench:

Joe Flacco struggled mightily against the Tennessee Titans, completing just 15-of-32 passes for 197 yards, one TD and two INTs.  While he has Ray Rice on potentially long screen plays, Flacco shouldn’t be in starting lineups against a Rams defense that has allowed less than 200 passing yards per game.

Felix Jones dislocated his shoulder last week, and even though he finished the game in a harness, there’s a good chance he won’t carry a full load against the Redskins.  He’s a poor flex option even if he ends up starting this week.

Reggie Wayne has retained much of his value despite Peyton Manning’s absence, but it’s very hard to trust him – or rather, Kerry Collins – against the Steelers.  Pittsburgh has allowed just 84 yards per game to opposing WRs, reducing Wayne to more of a flex option or third WR this week.

Players to Think About:

Rookie Blaine Gabbert, who completed 5-of-6 passes for 52 yards against the Jets last week in relief of Luke McCown, will make his first start against a mediocre Carolina Panthers defense.  Gabbert wasn’t sharp in the preseason (50% completion), but as we’ve seen before, rookie QBs are worth stashing on your roster.

All signs are pointing to Mike Vick (concussion) playing this week, but if he has a setback, second-year QB Mike Kafka would likely get the start over Vince Young.  Kafka completed an impressive 7-of-9 passes for 72 yards in relief of Vick against the Falcons, and with DeSean Jackson and Maclin to throw to, he could make for a sneaky spot-starter.  At the very least, Kafka is worth a speculative roster add considering Vick’s notorious injury history.

Dexter McCluster will see an increased role in the Chiefs’ offense with Jamaal Charles’ season-ending knee injury.  He has both RB and WR eligibility in most leagues, and has averaged 47 rushing yards and nearly five catches per game this year.  Pick him up as a bye-week fill-in and possible future starter over the 54-year-old Thomas Jones.

With Miles Austin out with a hamstring injury, Kevin Ogletree is expected to draw the start against the Redskins.  Ogletree caught two passes for 50 yards last week, and could be in line for more targets if Dez Bryant also sits out with a bruised quad.  Keep an eye on WR Jesse Holley, as well, who caught three passes for 96 yards last week and may end up drawing the start opposite Ogletree.

That it’s for this week.  Remember to check DolfansNYC.com – the official home of Miami Dolphins fans in New York – for all of the latest team news, and send us an email if you’ve got any questions or comments.  And of course, stop by Third and Long on 35th Street and 3rd Avenue to watch the games with the rowdiest fans around.  Go Dolphins!

Broncos fans want Tim Tebow after three whole quarters.

With Week Two of the NFL season on the horizon, it’s time for another edition of “What’s Your Fantasy,” where I break down the players to start, bench, and think about for your fantasy football lineup.  On the heels of a solid opening week, my recommendations include rolling with one of the most maligned quarterbacks in the league; sitting last week’s top wide receiver; and picking up a couple of newly-minted starters.

As always, we’ve got music and a touch of humor for your listening pleasure. Go Fins!

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A Little fantasy sleeper.

We’re back with another fun season of “What’s Your Fantasy” (now via the podcast!), where I break down the players to start, bench, and think about for your lineup. My week one recommendations include playing a top-tier quarterback despite a tough match-up; benching last season’s receiving leader; and keeping a close eye on a Cleveland Browns backup (or two, if you count the bonus one on the right).

As always, we’ve got music and a touch of humor for your viewing listening pleasure. Go Fins!

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Officiating gaffes aside, I’m still here to bring you the players to start, bench, and think about for your lineup.  With six teams on byes and several key injuries, this is a week where playing the match-ups and scouring the waiver wire for hidden gems is as important as ever.  But first, as always, I need to make a quick apology for a bad call.

I’m Sorry…Matt Ryan had his best game of the year after I recommended benching him last week, but hey, my others picks turned out to be good calls for a change. 

Start ‘Em: 

A sign that your fantasy defense is having a great day...

Matthew Stafford, QB Lions – Stafford is ready to go after a shoulder injury kept him sidelined for five games, and gets to face off against Redskins, who give up the seventh-most fantasy points to QBs and rank 31st in passing defense.  Yes, Washington had four interceptions last week, but what team hasn’t picked off Jay Cutler four times?

Beanie Wells, RB Cardinals - Tampa Bay has allowed at least 100 rushing yards and 16 fantasy points to running backs in five straight games.  With Tim Hightower (more like Fumble-tower, hey-yo!) in the doghouse, Wells is a must-start #2RB this week.

Pierre Garcon, WR Colts - Take out Week 4 against the Raiders, when TE Zach Miller caught 11 passes for 122 yards, and the Texans have allowed opposing WRs to gain over 200 yards, two TDs, and 31 fantasy points per gave.  With Austin Collie and Dallas Clark out this week, Garcon is a top-10 option (as is, Reggie Wayne, obviously).   

Others to start:  Jon Kitna, QB Cowboys (vs. Bills); Jamaal Charles, RB Chiefs (vs. Bills);  Santana Moss, WR Redskins (vs. Lions)

Bench ‘Em:

Vince Young, QB Titans-  Young should be back in the lineup after sitting out the last game with a knee injury, and does have the un-benchable Kenny Britt at his disposal.  But the Chargers have given up the fewest fantasy points to QBs this season, and held Tom Brady to only 159 yards and one TD last week, making Young a very mediocre play.

Cedric Benson, RB Bengals – Benson has scored single-digit fantasy points in four out of six games this season, and goes up against a Dolphins defense that held Rashard Mendenhall to just 37 yards on the ground.   Consider Benson as a low-end #2RB this week, as “The T.Ocho Show” will be airing in Miami.

Lee Evans, WR Bills – Evans is coming off a three-TD week and has 11 catches for 192 yards over the last two games…which means he’s well overdue for a one-catch stinker.  This is more of a gut-call, but start him at your own risk against a Chiefs defense that has surprisingly given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to WRs.

Others to bench:  Sam Bradford, QB Rams (vs. Panthers); Michael Crabtree, WR 49ers (vs. Broncos)

Think About ‘Em:

Tarvaris Jackson, QB Vikings – No, I don’t actually think Brett Favre will sit in his rocking chair on any Sundays this season.  But even if the ancient one starts, Jackson could easily spell him at any time in the game and has top-tier talent around him.  If you’re in a bind, T-Jack is better bet than the likes of Troy Smith.

Donald Brown and Mike Hart, RB Colts – If Joseph Addai sits out against the Texans, Brown would be a solid #2RB and Hart could merit flex play consideration.  Houston has allowed at least one rushing TD in five straight games, and gave up 193 yards on the ground to the Chiefs in Week 7.

James Jones, WR Packers -  With Donald Driver still bothered by a quad injury, Jones caught four passes for 107 yards against the Vikings last week.  He’s a high-risk, high-reward #3WR against the Jets, who’ve given up the third-most fantasy points to WRs on the season but have Darrelle Revis back in the lineup.

That’s it for this week.  Remember to stop by Third and Long on 35th Street and 3rd Avenue on Sunday, as the Dolphins take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a must-win game.  Email your questions to dolfansnyc@gmail.com and all that good stuff.  Go Fins!

“What’s Your Fantasy” is here to get you set for Week 7. As always, I break down the players to start, bench, and think about for your lineup. This week, I finally get to shave my beard (hoorah!), recommend playing a Steeler against the Dolphins (boooo!), and answer a question sent in by a loyal viewer. As always, we’ve got music and a touch of humor for your viewing pleasure. Go Fins!!

Your long-awaited fix of “What’s Your Fantasy” is here for Week 6.  As always, I break down the players to start, bench, and think about for your lineup.   This week, I explain why I’m rocking such an awesome beard, recommend playing any Titans on your roster, and advise benching two running backs facing tough match-ups.  As always, we’ve got music and a touch of humor for your viewing pleasure.  Go Fins!!

We’re going to pretend Monday night didn’t happen and move on with “What’s Your Fantasy” for Week 5.  As always, I break down the players to start, bench, and think about for your lineup.   This week, I recommend benching the league’s leading passer – the same guy who couldn’t beat out Rex Grossman for a starting job not too long ago, by the way – and picking up a must-own player in the aftermath of the Randy Moss trade.  As always, we’ve got music and a touch of humor for your viewing pleasure.  Go Fins!!