Another defensive back, another strong name. The Miami Dolphins were struggling to plug the gaps in their secondary all offseason, and the injury to safety Reshad Jones did them no favors in-season. Free agent transplant Isa Abdul-Quddus has helped them plug some of those holes, however, as a free safety, in-the-box tackler at points, and a slot corner in the mold of Malcolm Jenkins or Micah Hyde. His 6.4 fantasy points per game ranks 36th among all defensive backs, and he has played 83% of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps. He’s a strong option going forward for high-floor production from a player who will continue to find ways onto the field.
Plus, he doesn’t have too shabby of an outlook for Week 9, either. Sure, New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick only ranks second now in interception rate, but there’s still a decent chance that Fitzy tosses another few ill-advised passes this week. Abdul-Quddus may be waiting on the other end of one. Even if he doesn’t, the Jets have given running back Matt Forte an average 30.5 touches per week over their last two games. IAQ has a good floor for production.
Abdul-Quddus is available in 95.0% of ESPN IDP leagues. We project him for 4.28 tackles, 0.12 interceptions, 0.38 passes defended, and a total score of 5.54 fantasy points in Week 9.