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The 2025 NFL season took a dramatic turn when news broke that Tyreek Hill had suffered an injury that could sideline him for multiple weeks. Hill, one of the most explosive wide receivers in football, is also a cornerstone of countless fantasy football rosters. His absence doesn’t just affect managers who drafted him—it has ripple effects across the Miami Dolphins offense and even beyond. Two players whose fantasy stock could be significantly impacted are Jaylen Waddle and Darren Waller.
Let’s break down how Hill’s injury changes the outlook for these players and what fantasy managers should expect going forward.
Tyreek Hill’s Role in the Dolphins Offense
Before diving into the impact, it’s worth revisiting how central Tyreek Hill is to Miami’s game plan. Hill has been averaging over 9 targets per game this season, with a league-leading yards-after-catch ability that stretches defenses and creates space for teammates. His speed forces opponents to play deep coverage, opening lanes underneath for slot receivers, tight ends, and running backs.
When Hill is on the field, opposing defenses are often forced to double-team him, which creates one-on-one opportunities for Jaylen Waddle and others. Without Hill, defenses will no longer need to dedicate that extra safety, meaning Waddle will face tougher coverage but also more opportunities as Miami’s new WR1.
Jaylen Waddle: From WR2 to WR1
No player benefits more directly from Hill’s absence than Jaylen Waddle. Already a proven star, Waddle has thrived as a complementary deep threat and reliable possession receiver. With Hill sidelined, he becomes the primary target for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
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Target Volume Boost: Expect Waddle’s target share to jump into double digits each game. In past games without Hill, Waddle has averaged nearly 11 targets, compared to his usual 6–7.
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Fantasy Ceiling: Waddle’s upside skyrockets, making him a potential top-10 fantasy wide receiver as long as Hill remains out.
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Defensive Pressure: On the flip side, defenses will key in on Waddle, meaning his efficiency could dip. Fantasy managers should prepare for some tougher matchups, especially against elite cornerbacks.
Bottom line: Waddle is now a must-start WR1 in all fantasy formats, with league-winning potential if he maintains high volume.
Darren Waller: An Indirect Beneficiary
At first glance, you might wonder: what does Tyreek Hill’s injury have to do with Darren Waller? The answer lies in game flow and opportunity.
With Hill out, Miami’s offense may not be as explosive, which could shift the dynamics of fantasy matchups. If the Dolphins score fewer points, their opponents—like the Giants, where Waller plays—may find themselves in closer, more competitive games instead of shootouts.
But there’s another angle: teams that face the Dolphins without Hill may focus less on defending the deep ball and more on covering the middle of the field. That trend could indirectly boost tight end production across the league, including Waller’s, as defenses adjust differently against Miami.
Moreover, in fantasy leagues, managers scrambling to replace Hill’s production might look toward tight ends like Waller, who has been trending upward with his red-zone involvement.
Fantasy Football Outlook
Here’s how to approach each player in light of Hill’s injury:
✅ Jaylen Waddle
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Stock: Skyrocketing
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Role: WR1 with heavy target share
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Recommendation: Start every week, trade for him if possible, as he could dominate while Hill is sidelined.
✅ Darren Waller
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Stock: Slight boost
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Role: High-end TE1 with increased relative value as WR depth takes a hit across fantasy leagues
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Recommendation: Reliable starter; could see an uptick in usage as managers adjust lineups.
❌ Tyreek Hill Owners
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If you roster Hill, stash him on IR if possible. Don’t drop him—his game-breaking upside is worth holding onto for the fantasy playoffs if he returns.
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Consider trading for short-term wide receivers like Tank Dell, Chris Godwin, or George Pickens to bridge the gap.
Sleeper Candidates to Watch
Hill’s absence also opens the door for secondary receivers and running backs in Miami:
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Cedrick Wilson Jr. or Braxton Berrios could see more targets as depth receivers.
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Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane may also benefit from an increased emphasis on the run game.
While these players aren’t every-week starters yet, they’re worth monitoring on the waiver wire for managers desperate for wide receiver depth.
Conclusion
Tyreek Hill’s injury is a crushing blow to both the Miami Dolphins and fantasy managers, but it also creates opportunities. Jaylen Waddle immediately steps into a WR1 role with huge fantasy upside, while Darren Waller gains indirect value as the fantasy landscape shifts.
Smart managers will adjust quickly, capitalizing on Waddle’s breakout potential and seeking creative ways to fill the gap left by Hill. As always in fantasy football, staying proactive and flexible can turn a setback into a winning advantage.
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