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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Music Credit: Solo D, “DolfansNYC Anthem”

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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Music Credit: Solo D, “DolfansNYC Anthem”

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!

Subscribe to the DolfansNYC Podcast on iTunes and automatically download every episode.

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Music Credit: Solo D, “DolfansNYC Anthem”

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!

Subscribe to the DolfansNYC Podcast on iTunes and automatically download every episode.

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Music Credit: Solo D, “DolfansNYC Anthem”

“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!!

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!!

I’m Sorry… How did we do in Week 2?  Pretty, pretty good.  If the Jets and Patriots had both somehow found a way to lose, it would’ve been a perfect week all around. 

Start ‘Em:

David Garrard, Jax QB:  Garrard has thrown 15 TD passes and nine INTs in his last nine home games, compared to just four TDs and a whopping 9 INTs in his last nine road contests.  He’ll face the Eagles, who gave up 335 passing yards to the legendary Shaun Hill, in Jacksonville this week.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, and I'll never recommend you again.

Darren McFadden, Oak RB:  McFadden has averaged 152 total yards per game in 2010 and has been powerfully running over defenders.  Where was this last year when I drafted you, Darren?  McFadden is a must-start in all leagues — he faces a Cardinals defense that was shredded for 186 yards and 3 TDs by Falcons backup RB Jason Snelling last week.

Dez Bryant, Cowboys WR:  Did you know that the Houston Texans have allowed the most passing yards (822) through the first two weeks than any team in NFL history?  Joey Galloway (yes, he’s still alive) burned their secondary for a 62-yard catch on Sunday.  Just imagine what the speedy Bryant can do.

Bench ‘Em:

Eli Manning, Giants QB:  The Titans haven’t faced any real NFL QBs yet – Jason Campbell, Dennis Dixon, Charlie Batch — but they’ve still allowed only one TD pass and caused six fumbles in two games.  Manning could be in for another long day.

Brandon Jackson, Packers RB:  Jackson salvaged a terrible game with a TD for fantasy owners, but FB John Kuhn finished with more rushing yards on fewer carries.  Against a Bears defense that has allowed the fewest rushing yards in the league (56 on 1.4 yards per carry), neither Packers RB is even a worthy flex play.

Jets Wide Receivers – This isn’t just a ‘homer’ pick.  Take out a late-game miscue against the Bills, the Dolphins are allowing less than 90 yards per game to WRs.  Play Braylon E-DWI-rds at your own risk.

Think ‘Em:

Sam Bradford, Rams QB - I’d never advocate playing a rookie quarterback on one of the worst teams in the league, but the Redskins have allowed over 390 passing yards per game through the air (Matt Schaub threw for a ridiculous 497 last week) and the second-most fantasy points to QBs.

Keiland Williams, Redskins, RB – Despite scoring a pair of TDs on Sunday, Clinton Portis has averaged 3.1 yards per carry on the year and is always on the injury report.  Backup Larry Johnson had two carries for negative seven yards (how is that even possible?) and has since been released.  While Williams is yet to carry the ball, he could end up being the Redskins’ starter before too long.  

Golden Tate, Seahawks WR – The rookie WR was cut in a lot leagues after being inactive in Week 1, but he made his presence felt last Sunday with a 52-yard catch and a 63-yard punt return.  He’s expected to have a bigger role going forward and certainly has more potential than Mike Williams (still can’t believe he’s a starter in the NFL).

I think we’re done here.  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’d like to be included in an upcoming video.  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!

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