Skip to content

Kenny Stills maintains functional fantasy appeal in Miami

Dennis Schneidler / USA TODAY Sports

Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.

Here are the fantasy implications of WR Kenny Stills re-signing with the Miami Dolphins:

Last season was a breakout year for Stills, who finished with 726 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns. He started all 16 games and became a deep touchdown favorite of QB Ryan Tannehill during the second half of the season.

Stills recorded a touchdown in six of Miami's closing eight games, easily making him a consistent source of fantasy points for those who streamed him down the stretch. His 398 receiving yards through those eight games, though, wasn't impressive. It equated to just 49.7 yards per game.

Going into 2017, Stills will retain WR4/5 status in standard fantasy leagues. He won't be as impactful in PPR formats because of a career 2.6 receptions per game. In My Fantasy Leagues, Stills will likely go off the board between Rounds 10-13. His second-half charge should push someone to draft him closer to Round 10, but their investment could prove disappointing.

His value is higher in these best-ball formats due to his reliance on the occasional big game. He's not a reliable option in weekly head-to-head matchups.

In three seasons prior to 2016, Stills totaled 11 scores with a single-season-high of five back in 2013. Standing 6-foot-1 and roughly 200 pounds, Stills is not a classic red-zone threat in terms of size, catch radius or jump-ball ability. Instead, he relies on long-bombs and his quick speed to reach paydirt. Another nine-touchdown season seems unlikely.

If Stills can cement his rapport with Tannehill, another 700 yards and roughly six scores could be in the cards. A pedestrian start to 2017 like 2016 would set the stage for a frustrating campaign, however. Assuming he doesn't catch fire in the second-half once again, Stills' performance out of the gate should be closely monitored.

Daily fantasy players can at least look to his speed and big-play potential on a weekly basis in tournament formats.

DeVante Parker's ascencion held in check

Parker, Miami's first-round selection in 2015, will, unfortunately, see his development stifled once again with the return of Stills. Had Stills left South Beach, Parker would jump into the WR2 role, behind Jarvis Landry. With Stills returning, he can expect to remain in a quasi WR2/3 role, where he also serves as a fantasy WR4/5.

In this established trio, Parker can still expect to be a valued part of the offense. Last year, he posted 744 yards and four scores on 56 receptions. His 3.7 receptions per game bested Stills' 2.6 mark.

Parker projects for numbers much like last season, barring any significant injury to Landry or Stills. He'll be a closing round selection in some seasonal leagues and all My Fantasy Leagues.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox