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Malik Willis
QB · MIA

Malik Willis

Position QB
Team MIA
Bye Week 6
PPR Rank #120

Malik Willis

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: MIA.

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: MIA (Miami Dolphins)
  • Bye week (2026): 6
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 120

2026 Outlook

Projected starting QB for the Miami Dolphins in 2026 after signing a three-year, $67.5M deal ($45M guaranteed). Late-round bet on rushing upside in a rebuilt offense under new OC Bobby Slowik. Matthew Berry's Fantasy Life (Freedman) flags him as a worthy upside dart — Willis revitalized his career as a Packers backup with 12.3 AY/A and 12-174-3 rushing across three starts in 2025. The Dolphins drafted five potential pass-catchers (WRs Chris Bell, Caleb Douglas, Kevin Coleman; TEs Will Kacmarek, Seydou Traore) to give him weapons.

Sports Illustrated's August 2026 evaluation argues Willis can be fairly assessed as a franchise QB despite Miami's thin receiving corps (post-Jaylen Waddle trade). The article compares his situation to Drake Maye's 2024 Patriots (weak WR group but solid evaluation framework) and Josh Allen's 2018 Bills rookie year — both developed into elite QBs despite poor pass-catching support. Willis has advantages over those predecessors: De'Von Achane is a more explosive back than either had, and his offensive line is solid (All-Pro center, former first-rounders). The real evaluation comes from the "eyeball test," not stats, per GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and HC Jeff Hafley (per How Badly Do the Miami Dolphins Need to Upgrade the Skill Positions?).

Willis signed a 3-year, $67.5M deal ($45M guaranteed, essentially 2+1 with a team option) — reasonable value that lets Miami move on inexpensively if needed, and viewed as superior value to Aaron Rodgers' identical annual cost ($22-25M/year) with higher upside. External evaluators graded his signing as "B," praising his 78.7% completion rate and 6 TDs with zero interceptions across 11 Packers appearances (per Grading the biggest NFL quarterback free-agent signings of 2026). Comparatively, Willis' 134.6 passer rating and dual-threat rushing profile (6 rushing TDs, 261 rushing yards on 6+ YPC in limited Packers action) position him as the better long-term bet versus an aging Rodgers ranked 33rd in 2025 dropback success rate (per Rodgers contract vs Willis deal: value comparison). New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan intends to draft QBs annually, suggesting Willis is a bridge rather than a long-term solution. The offense is based on Kyle Shanahan's system, where Willis has prior familiarity from Green Bay; he averaged 9.2 yards per attempt there but played just 302 snaps in sheltered, run-heavy schemes. (per Actually, the Miami Dolphins' Offseason Moves Make More Sense Than You Think)

Week 2-3 protection concerns: Through two games, Willis has been sacked nine times—already matching the most a Miami QB has been sacked through three games since Jay Cutler in 2017. This alarming rate signals either offensive line struggles or Willis' tendency to hold the ball under pressure, creating early-season durability questions. The sack rate undermines his projected upside despite his rushing ability, as frequent pressure limits his ability to execute downfield (per NFL Week 3 picks, predictions, schedule, odds, fantasy tips - ESPN). Week 3 nightmare: Achane knee injury: Compounding Willis's early woes, De'Von Achane suffered a knee injury on the Dolphins' first offensive drive of Week 3, limping off the field and walking to the locker room. This removes Willis's safety valve and primary receiving weapon, leaving him dependent on unproven rookies (Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman) and journeymen (Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert) in an already-difficult passing situation. The injury represents a worst-case scenario for Miami's 2026 season and Willis's fantasy viability (per De'Von Achane limps off field with knee injury on Dolphins' first drive).

Fantasy sleeper with rare gap between ADP (QB21) and upside (top-12). Willis pairs bottom-of-board ADP with genuine top-12 upside driven by his legs: since 2014, 91% of QBs with 100+ rushing attempts finished as top-12 fantasy scorers. His scrambling ability averaged 8.9 yards per scramble as a Packer—second among projected 2026 starters only to Justin Herbert. Passing sample is small but strong: he ranks 1st among 79 qualifiers in EPA per play and completion percentage over expected. His Week 17 audition (18-of-21, 288 yards, 60 rushing yards, 2 TDs) suggests the ceiling everyone can picture. Stacking him with DE'Von Achane creates obvious upside at a price nobody else wants to pay. (per Fantasy football sleepers: 4 undervalued quarterbacks flying under the radar in 2026)

At May OTAs, Slowik praised Willis's arm talent and mobility, noting he "can spin the ball all over the field," but reinforced the offense's core philosophy remains run-first, 50-50 run-pass on first/second down. Slowik's approach prioritizes keeping the defense off-balance over pass-volume optimization, which may cap Willis's ceiling despite his rushing ability (per Dolphins OC Bobby Slowik: Malik Willis 'can spin the ball all over the field', Fantasy Football: Now that the coaching carousel has stopped spinning, here's how Matt Harmon views each new play-caller). Key note: Jaylen Waddle's trade to Denver removes Willis's primary returning receiver target, leaving him dependent on rookie pass-catcher development and De'Von Achane checkdowns.

Fantasy outlook: Willis projects as QB20+ due to weak receiving corps and run-heavy approach, but offers QB9-style upside if he grows into the system and rookies develop quickly. His rushing ability (averaging 44.8 yards per game in career starts) provides a fantasy floor, but ceiling limited by pass-volume constraints under Slowik (per Fantasy Football Impact: Broncos Trade for Jaylen Waddle).

ESPN roster context (Aug 21): Miami ranks last (32nd) in ESPN's overall roster rankings; Willis enters with just 155 NFL pass attempts while the Dolphins rebuild under Jeff Hafley with one of the league's shakiest supporting casts. (per 2026 NFL season: Ranking the best, worst positional groups - ESPN)

Early season struggles (Sept 30): Through three weeks, Willis has not justified his $67.5M contract investment. The Dolphins are 0-3, having lost star RB De'Von Achane to a torn ACL in Week 3, and Willis continues to be the QB of a historically thin roster. Already sacked nine times in the first two games—matching the highest sack total for any Miami QB through three games since Jay Cutler in 2017—Willis' mobility hasn't fully compensated for the weak receiving corps (Malik Washington, journeymen) and now the loss of Achane's receiving volume. Expert opinion holds Willis is positioned as the QB of what may be the worst team in the NFL; his weak skill-position support (Malik Washington, third-round rookie Chris Bell recovering from ACL injury, journeyman Jalen Tolbert) combined with an unproven offensive line leaves him facing a long rebuilding timeline. The Dolphins' Year Zero rebuild has proceeded more grimly than anticipated, with Willis positioned as a bridge QB in a bottom-five roster facing potential single-digit win seasons. (per 0-17 watch for Dolphins: The case for and largely against a winless season in Miami)

Week 6 outlook — development vs. expectation (Oct 14): Through five weeks, Willis remains one of the 32 worst-performing starting QBs in the league. National power rankings consensus flags multiple concerns: (1) Willis is 30th in adjusted EPA per play and 29th in success rate, indicating consistent inability to generate separation for receivers or extend plays effectively; (2) he "has to prove he can elevate his teammates" rather than hiding behind checkdowns or scrambles, per Frank Schwab's analysis; (3) garbage-time statistics mask the scope of Miami's deficits—Willis was 1-for-7 for 22 yards with a minute remaining in the first half against Cincinnati, throwing two INTs and losing a fumble. However, offensive context matters: Ralph Vacchiano's analysis notes Willis is one of the "worst-playing QBs in the league" but flags a critical truth—the Dolphins' defense has been "OK" under Hafley, meaning the fundamental roster construction remains broken around Willis, not Willis alone. Mike Florio's sardonic "32" power ranking and analysis that "Maybe Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley should have waited a year" reflects consensus doubt about the timeline and Willis's fit despite limited sample size (per Dolphins Week 6 Power Rankings Roundup: Race for No. 1 Pick Starting to Form).

Run-first scheme with elite RB/OL creates rushing upside (Aug 21): Slowik's philosophy emphasizes forcing defenses into base defense via heavy personnel and run-first concepts. The Dolphins' athletic O-line (LT Patrick Paul, LG Kadyn Proctor, C Aaron Brewer) combined with elite RB De'Von Achane creates "cutback lanes galore" and potential triple-option-ish dynamics. Willis, as a run threat himself, benefits from this scheme by opening backside lanes while creating "fun moments" for fantasy on the ground. The projected passing volume may remain constrained, but the rushing ceiling—both for Willis and Achane—figures to be significant (per One reason for optimism for NFL's bottom dwellers: Youth movements, scheme changes, more).

At OTAs (May 19), Willis is focusing on scheme fundamentals and building chemistry with new teammates. Head coach Jeff Hafley (his former Packers defensive coordinator) is managing Willis's leadership expectations to let him focus on player development. Willis forms the league's fastest QB-RB duo with De'Von Achane, who was extended to stay in Miami. Connection to new WR targets (Jalen Tolbert, Caleb Douglas, Kevin Coleman) is developing but still in early stages. OC Bobby Slowik's emphasis on fundamentals and teaching (rather than complexity) matches Willis's learning style from Green Bay — Slowik has praised Willis's energy and coachability. Receiver corps is heavily rookie-based and learning the scheme together, so chemistry-building will be ongoing through training camp (per Main thing for new Dolphins QB Malik Willis at OTAs is just keeping things simple).

Jaylen Waddle's trade to Denver (May 22) removes Miami's top returning receiver target. Willis now relies on rookies (Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman) plus off-season pickup Jalen Tolbert to develop familiarity. Slowik is focused on building depth and versatility across the board rather than relying on one star. Willis acknowledges the challenge: "It's all reps" (per New Miami Dolphins QB calls trade of Jaylen Waddle 'unfortunate').

Sports Illustrated's March 2026 "Risers and Fallers" analysis positions Willis as a clear RISER: he signed a 3-year, $67.5M deal to move from "clear backup to clear starter," and the article notes "fantasy owners are salivating over his rushing upside, which should sustain him as a viable fantasy option even if he doesn't improve as much as a passer as the Dolphins are hoping" (per 2026 Fantasy Football Risers And Fallers: Malik Willis, Alvin Kamara And Four More - Sports Illustrated).

Fantasy projection (per April analysis): Willis is 23rd QB drafted in early NFFC; expected to lead NFL in rushing yards with ~3,000 passing yards and ~13 passing TDs. "Justin Fields (2022-23) with better accuracy but weaker weapons." High ceiling tied to receiving-corps development, floor limited by weak weapons and potential one-dimensionality when chasing scores. (per Miami Dolphins 2026 Fantasy Football Preview: Sleepers, Busts & Breakout Candidates)

July 30 training camp update: Early practice observation flags Willis' inconsistency in camp. On Practice 2, he completed 7 of 12 attempts with 2 INTs; one INT came on a perfectly thrown pass that receiver Tutu Atwell misplayed (bobbled into defender's hands), the other on a back-foot throw under pressure. Willis had another near-INT when Tyrel Dodson stepped in front of a receiver before dropping the ball. Despite the turnovers, context matters: rookie receivers are still learning routes and timing with a new QB. Overall passing game struggled with all QBs on this day due to six pre-snap penalties and offensive sloppiness under HC Jeff Hafley's system. (per Training Camp Practice 2 Observations)

September 2 sleeper evaluation: Sports Illustrated flags Willis as an absolute steal being drafted as QB21. Despite weak weapons compared to rookie QBs like Drake Maye (2024 Patriots) and Josh Allen (2018 Bills), Willis has superior supporting cast: De'Von Achane provides elite rushing support, and the offensive line includes an All-Pro center with former first-rounders. His passing ability shines in limited sample—18-of-21 (86%) for 288 yards and a touchdown in his Packers start last season—while his rushing threat (averaging 44.8 yards per game in starts) ensures top-12 upside even if passing development lags (per 5 Breakout Fantasy Football Stars That No One Is Talking About)

FantasyPros consensus identifies Willis as a league-winning late-round bet at QB20 ADP with QB9 upside. His Packers film shows a 31-for-40, 490-yard line with 2 TD passes and 2 TD rushes across two starts where he attempt at least 15 passes; in a full-season workload, some analysts see him outproducing more heralded rookies like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. The challenge: translating abbreviated, game-managed snaps in Green Bay's run-heavy system to Miami's cleaner scheme with depleted receiving weapons. (per 15 Early Overvalued & Undervalued Players (2026 Fantasy Football))

Rushing quarterbacks like Willis who approach 100 rushing attempts almost always flirt with QB1 production. The biggest fantasy appeal is the rushing ceiling in superflex leagues or best ball formats, where Willis offers legitimate upside at modest draft cost. In standard redraft leagues, weekly volatility from Tennessee-like situations makes him tougher to rely on. (per 12 High-Upside Fantasy Football Draft Picks (2026))

Willis is viewed as a blueprint for young QB development. His path from reliable backup to earning a starting opportunity demonstrates the trajectory available to dual-threat QBs who prove themselves in limited opportunities—a pattern echoed in second-year players like Jalen Milroe who will look to Willis as an example of how to transition from backup to starter through consistent work and opportunity seizure. (per 2025 NFL Draft: 9 Top-100 Picks to Watch in Year 2 - PFF)

Willis's rushing floor is supported by empirical data: among 32 QB seasons with 500+ rushing yards (2016-2025), the minimum fantasy points per game is 17.27, and 19 of 30 qualifying seasons produced 20+ points per game. Willis averaged 44.8 rushing yards per game in six career starts. In Packers starts with 60%+ snap share, he ran for 44 and 60 yards (2 rushing TDs combined), and in 2024 Packers starts, produced 41 and 73 yards with 1 rushing TD. Passing metrics show efficiency: tied for 4th in EPA per play (2024 Packers, 50+ plays), 1st in EPA per play in 2025 Packers action. (per 3 Late-Round Fantasy Football Sleepers to Target (2026))

A key concern for Dolphins pass catchers: Willis's historical pass volume has been suppressed by run-heavy schemes in Tennessee and Green Bay. In his career starts, Willis played in systems where the team passed just 36-37% of the time, well below league average. Even with negative game script forcing Miami to pass more, the offensive philosophy prioritizes establishing the ground game, which may limit receiving options for developing rookie wideouts. With scrambles eating an additional 13.4% of dropbacks and sacks another 12%, often a quarter of Willis's dropbacks don't turn into pass attempts at all (per Fantasy Fallout: Malik Willis Signs with the Dolphins).

CBS Sports draft prep (Sept 2): Willis identified as a legitimate breakout candidate and potential late-round sleeper. In a wide-open QB market with thin starting options, Willis is positioned as a serviceable low-end starter in standard leagues and "great second option" for 2QB/superflex formats. His lethal rushing upside (averaging ~45 yards per game) combined with his strong arm gives him viable fantasy upside despite Miami's challenging receiving situation (per 2026 Fantasy football draft prep: Top NFL experts reveal rankings, tiers, best 150 picks - CBS Sports)).

August 29 starter confirmation: Miami dealt QB Quinn Ewers to Jacksonville for draft capital, solidifying Willis as the uncontested starter. The move signals front-office confidence in Willis and removes any uncertainty around depth-chart competition (per Dolphins trade backup QB Quinn Ewers to Jaguars). This creates a devastating scenario for pass catchers: even if Willis becomes an efficient passer, the volume may never support multiple fantasy-relevant receivers.

August 30 roster cutdown: Packers traded Kyle McCord to Miami as Willis's backup and first-time starter insurance. McCord, a young backup with starter upside, adds depth to a Dolphins QB room previously dependent on Quinn Ewers (now Jacksonville) and Malik Willis. The move confirms Willis as the clear, unquestioned Week 1 starter with no competition for reps (per NFL roster cuts tracker 2026: The biggest names cut or traded).

SportsLine sleeper ranking (Aug 28, 2026): The SportsLine model that called Tetairoa McMillan's rookie breakout ranks Willis as a league-winning late-round QB sleeper. Model positions Willis above more heralded QB options like Sam Darnold, Kyler Murray, and Bo Nix in its 2026 projections, highlighting his rushing upside as a differentiator. With an ADP around QB21, Willis carries QB9 potential per the model's 10,000-simulation approach, particularly in formats where rushing QBs with 100+ attempts have historically finished as top-12 scorers 91% of the time (per Fantasy football rankings 2026: Top breakouts from model that nailed Tetairoa McMillan's huge season)).

The Dolphins landed the league's second-toughest schedule per strength-of-schedule metrics. Willis will face Patrick Mahomes (KC), Drake Maye (NE), Jared Goff (DET), Caleb Williams (CHI), and Josh Allen (BUF) at home. HC Hafley has managed expectations, emphasizing the need to build foundation and culture first before playoff expectations. (per Miami Dolphins drop 2026 schedule. See Malik Willis at Hard Rock Stadium).

July 14 breakout candidate projection: USA Today's fantasy breakout ranking elevates Willis as a high-upside late-round QB target. His 3-start Packers sample (612 passing yards, 3 TDs, 174 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs) extrapolates to 3,468 passing yards and 17 TDs with 986 rushing yards and 17 rushing scores over a full 17-game season—elite dual-threat production. While Willis may see efficiency decline in Miami's offense compared to Green Bay's run-heavy system, his rushing floor remains high and positions him as a QB streamer with potential to develop into a consistent weekly QB1 if he wins early-season games and gains confidence in Slowik's scheme (per Ranking top fantasy football breakout candidates for 2026).

At OTAs (May 12-13), the coaching staff is aligned on Willis's potential in the mobile QB wave. OC Bobby Slowik praised Willis's talent and arm ("can spin the ball all over the field"), but emphasized getting to know him personally—"he's fun to coach" and energetic. Passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo (formerly Eagles OC with Jalen Hurts) sees Willis fitting the league trend of mobile QBs succeeding, noting "when guys are playing like that, you don't want to take that away." Slowik is cautious about overusing the run game but sees read-option threat with De'Von Achane forcing defenses into "11 on 11" rather than play calling on 10. QB coach Bush Hamdan highlighted Willis's work ethic (first in, last out) and leadership—"he's got this natural knack of knowing exactly who he is and his ability to bring people together." (per Dynamic, Athletic QB Malik Willis Excites Dolphins Offensive Coaches)

At Phase 3 OTAs (May 22-23), Hafley made clear the coaching staff isn't asking Willis to be a vocal leader yet—they want him focused on learning Bobby Slowik's scheme, building chemistry with teammates, and becoming the best player he can be. This managed approach reduces some pressure on Willis early, though it also signals the team is being cautious about his development. Willis acknowledged leadership "needs to be earned" over time through on-field execution, not forced. Slowik described Willis as having an "infectious personality" and being "fun to coach," reinforcing a learning-first approach focused on fundamentals rather than scheme complexity. Willis even paid for his offensive line's expensive dinner, showing the personal touch he's bringing to team chemistry (per Dolphins want Malik Willis focused on offense, not leadership, for now).

At June minicamp, there's "zero question" Willis is the Week 1 starter over backup Quinn Ewers. While Ewers performed well and was familiar with the offense from his rookie season, the arm talent and athleticism gap between the two was clear. Willis significantly outperformed Ewers in zip, arm strength, and mobility assessments (per Ten Things We Learned During Dolphins Minicamp - Sports Illustrated).

The Willis/Achane pairing creates the conceptual centerpiece of Slowik's offense. Slowik's key framework: "the threat of it makes it 11 versus 11, as opposed to 11 on 10," meaning linebackers must account for Willis on the keep, not just the give. Off-schedule plays (scrambles, broken coverage) are where Willis's mobility shows most value—not designed QB runs, which remain rare in modern NFL offenses. Slowik emphasizes 50-50 run-pass balance and core tenets (keep defense off balance) regardless of QB talent. The offense's upside is tied to Willis's ability to survive pressure and force second reactions from the defense when plays break down. (per Bobby Slowik's statement make the Dolphins' new offense easy to picture and Dolphins OC Bobby Slowik: Malik Willis 'can spin the ball all over the field')

Willis's performance directly impacts the fantasy outlook of Miami's 2026 rookie receivers. His play in previous stops (strong in Green Bay, mixed in Tennessee) will determine whether early-career targets go to first-round picks Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell or elsewhere (per Two Dolphins rookies earning some respect from fantasy football expert - Yahoo Sports).

Chris Bell activation (August 17): With Bell activated off the NFI list ahead of preseason games vs. Giants and Falcons, Willis gains an additional receiving weapon for 2026. Bell's activation removes the four-game Reserve/NFI suspension risk that had loomed over the Dolphins' receiver room. Now Willis has two capable rookie receivers with complementary skill sets: Bell (body size, alpha traits) and Douglas (speed, vertical catch radius). This pairing—combined with Willis's rushing ability—creates a more complete offensive package than the limited preseason film suggested. The real test comes in preseason execution: whether Willis can build chemistry with both rookies and whether they can reduce drops and execute route concepts (per Breaking Down the Significance of the Big Chris Bell News).

From a career perspective, Willis's deal is strategically smart for Miami but comes with real personal risk: the Dolphins are explicitly building around a future QB (via annual draft strategy) while asking Willis to prove it with one of the NFL's weakest offensive rosters. Post-Waddle trade, top receiving options are Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, and TuTu Atwell—a far cry from the elite weapons Willis faced in Green Bay. Offensive line concerns (24th in pass block win rate in 2025) add pressure on Willis to escape upfield rather than sit in pocket, which fits his skill set but increases injury risk. Contract structure ($67.5M, movable after year 2 with $7M dead cap) signals Miami won't hesitate to move on if Willis struggles, making 2026 a true prove-it season rather than a patient developmental arc. (per Malik Willis Is a Smart, Though Hopefully Short-Term, Signing for the Dolphins and Malik Willis Could Be Stuck With the Worst Roster in the NFL)

Despite signing Willis to a $67.5M deal, Orlovsky urged Miami to still consider drafting Ty Simpson as a developmental QB. Both have different skill sets—Willis more mobile and erratic under pressure, Simpson a pocket passer—that could mesh with new coach Jeff Hafley's scheme. If drafted, Simpson would serve as backup mentee behind Willis, learning Hafley's (Packers) system. This suggests even Dolphins brass expects Willis as a bridge solution rather than long-term starter, supporting the "draft QBs annually" philosophy of GM Jon-Eric Sullivan. (per Dolphins' Tua replacement plan not done yet as Miami urged to draft top QB despite Malik Willis trade)

QB competition with backup Quinn Ewers is minimal — Willis's $45M guarantee and coaching staff's commitment make him the clear Week 1 starter. Per Sports Illustrated's mailbag (May 31), the Dolphins are expecting Willis to succeed; it would take "dramatic circumstances" like Ewers lighting it up and Willis stinking up the joint for a change. (per Dolphins Sunday mailbag: What Could Lead to Ewers Starting?)

CBS Sports QB impact ranking (July 27): CBS Sports ranked Willis's Dolphins acquisition as #5 (lowest-ranked of the five) most impactful QB change in 2026. Analysts express skepticism about Willis's 2026 outlook, noting unclear expectations: not to win the Super Bowl, not to make the playoffs, not even to win games. Willis will operate behind what may be the league's worst receiving corps post-Waddle trade (Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell, Greg Dulcich). He does have elite RB De'Von Achane to checkdown to, but overall the situation lacks weapons compared to his Green Bay comfort zone. Willis showed competence in limited Packers starts (18-21, 288 yards, 1 TD in one game; two wins in 2024 starts), but his ceiling is capped by weak supporting cast and underlying org questions (Dolphins explicitly plan to draft QBs annually, signaling Willis is a bridge). Fantasy projections: 3,096 passing yards, 25 TDs, 17 INTs. (per Ranking QB changes by expected impact: Can Kyler Murray get Vikings back to the playoffs?)

Fantasy sleeper profile (August 1): The Big Lead identifies Willis as a rare fantasy football sleeper pairing bottom-of-board ADP (QB21) with genuine top-12 upside. His rushing ability is the key: since 2014, 91% of QBs with 100+ rushing attempts finished as top-12 fantasy scorers. Willis averaged 8.9 yards per scramble as a Packer—second among projected 2026 starters only to Justin Herbert. His passing sample is small but strong: he ranks first among 79 qualifiers in EPA per play and first in completion percentage over expected. His Week 17 Packers audition (18-of-21 for 288 yards plus 60 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs) shows his ceiling. Stacking him with RB De'Von Achane creates obvious upside at a price nobody wants to pay. (per Fantasy football sleepers: 4 undervalued quarterbacks flying under the radar in 2026)

Week 1 waiver perspective (Sept 7): FanDuel's pre-Week 1 waiver-wire rankings flag Willis as a strong streaming play against Las Vegas in Week 1. Despite Miami's weak passing game, Willis' rushing floor (averaging 30.1 rushing yards per game in his career) with dual-threat upside provides "decent floor and enticing ceiling" in a league where dual-threat QBs create scheme advantages. His ability to run off-schedule in Slowik's system makes him a worthwhile late-round stash for managers looking to gain 2-3 weeks of streaming value before evaluating longer-term viability based on rookie receiver development (per 10 Best Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Adds Heading Into NFL Week 1).

Week 1 waiver wire stash (Aug 31): Roto Street Journal identifies Willis as one of the top quarterback waiver targets heading into Week 1, emphasizing his dynamic rushing ability and legs. The article highlights his confidence heading into the season: "Legs, legs, legs. Willis looks to be one of the best, or at least most dynamic, rushing quarterbacks in the game." Though capped at the QB8-12 range in ceiling by Miami's weak receivers, Willis' rushing ability can support 20+ points per game weekly, making him a viable low-rostered option (47% owned at time of publication). His exceptional speed and playmaking represent the kind of week-winning upside that defines late-round waiver wire targets (per Fantasy Football Week 1 Waiver Wire: Potential Post-Draft League-Winners to Put on Your Radar).

Pre-Week 1 streaming choice (Sept 7): FanDuel's waiver-wire analysis flags Willis as a strong streaming play against Las Vegas in Week 1. Despite Miami's weak passing game, Willis' rushing floor (averaging 30.1 yards per game) with dual-threat upside provides "decent floor and enticing ceiling" in a league where dual-threat QBs create scheme advantages. His ability to run off-schedule in Slowik's system makes him a worthwhile late-round stash for managers looking to gain 2-3 weeks of streaming value before evaluating longer-term viability based on rookie receiver development (per 10 Best Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Adds Heading Into NFL Week 1).

Sept 8 waiver wire top QB pick: Fantasy Alarm highlights Willis as the top QB waiver recommendation for Week 1, citing his rushing upside as a critical differentiator in a deep QB market. The article emphasizes Willis's elite rushing profile (averaging 45 yards per game in career starts) and dual-threat ability in Slowik's Shanahan-style scheme, recommending 0-5% FAAB for leagues seeking a late-round QB with top-12 potential. The waiver analysis notes that rushing QBs who approach 100 attempts historically finish top-10 over 90% of the time, making Willis's floor solid despite Miami's weak receiving corps (per 2026 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 1: MarShawn Lloyd, Ja'Kobi Lane Top Picks).

Willis remains a strong pre-Week 1 option for managers seeking streaming value despite Miami's weak offensive situation. FanDuel reaffirms his dual-threat upside in the Vegas matchup, where his rushing ability (30.1 yards per game career average) can sustain fantasy relevance even if the passing game stalls. His 2026 ceiling hinges on rapid receiver development and his ability to execute Slowik's scheme, but his floor as a rushing QB provides downside protection at late draft cost (per 10 Best Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Adds Heading Into NFL Week 1).

Preseason week 1 (Aug 15): Willis opened preseason strongly for Miami, leading a 14-play touchdown drive in the opening game. He completed 4-of-5 passes (80%) for 45 yards and added 9 rushing yards on 2 attempts. Coach Jeff Hafley praised his performance as "extremely composed and very accurate" with "awesome" huddle leadership. Achane noted the contrast with Tua, saying "it's different when you got a QB that's dual and can make plays." Willis showed comfort inside and outside the pocket with solid protection from the offensive line. (per Malik Willis draws positive reviews from Jeff Hafley, De'Von Achane)

Sports Illustrated ultimate sleepers (August 7): SI ranks Willis as a QB2 sleeper due to his rushing projection. Analysis notes his six-start career average of 45 rushing yards per game, which projects to 760+ yards over 17 games. Since 1972, QBs with 700+ rushing yards finish top-10 over 70% of the time and never worse than QB15. Weak receiving corps limits his passing upside, but rushing floor keeps him fantasy-viable as a late-round bargain (per Building The Ultimate 2026 Fantasy Football All-Sleepers Lineup).

Early receiver development focus: Willis is building immediate chemistry with TE Greg Dulcich, a fellow 2020 draft classmate who previously connected with Willis at the Senior Bowl. Dulcich finished 2025 strong with the Dolphins (26 catches, 335 yards in the final nine games) and has been re-signed as a breakout candidate. Their pre-existing rapport at the Senior Bowl—where Dulcich praised Willis's arm talent and football IQ—suggests quick on-field coordination heading into training camp (per Former walk-on Greg Dulcich could be top target for Malik Willis in Dolphins reclamation project).

Rushing ceiling in sleeper context (August 6, 2026): Late-round sleeper analysis highlights Willis's elite rushing potential despite Miami's weak pass-catching group. Expert observation: Willis has a non-zero chance to set the record for most QB rush attempts in a season (current record: Lamar Jackson, 176 in 2019). While the Dolphins' passing weapons are thin, Willis's scrambling ability and willingness to take off create a rushing floor that supports fantasy relevance in worst-case passing scenarios. His rushing production alone (44.8 yards/game in career starts, 4 rushing TDs) positions him as a late-round QB gem if he approaches 100+ rushing attempts. USA Today's sleeper article notes Miami might have the worst pass-catching group in the league, but the rushing upside creates ceiling potential for late-round value (per 12 fantasy football late-round sleepers to target in 2026 drafts).

July 15 sleeper profile: FantasyPros highlights Willis as an electric runner—in six career starts, he averaged 44.8 rushing yards per game with four rushing TDs. He showed considerable passing improvement over his Green Bay stint: 78.7% completion rate and 10.9 yards per pass attempt across 11 appearances/three starts, with six TD passes and zero interceptions. However, the Dolphins present a challenge: Willis will face one of the league's weakest pass-catcher groups, which may suppress passing efficiency gains he made in Green Bay. His rushing ability should keep him fantasy-viable even if passing numbers disappoint, providing a solid floor in late-round QB selections (per 20 Fantasy Football Sleepers Experts Love to Draft (2026) - FantasyPros).

Dynasty sleeper update (August 22): Reportedly having a strong training camp with real belief he's grown as a passer over the past two seasons under a respected QB-developing head coach. Brings real rushing production to the table, averaging 44.5 rushing yards per game and scoring four rushing touchdowns across six career starts (approximately 8.5 fantasy points per game from his legs alone). Young receiving corps around him raises questions, but several teammates are having strong camps. Dynasty analysts rank Willis well above broader public consensus, believing his current contract situation supports a real 2-3 year window as the team's starter. (per 10 Dynasty Fantasy Football Sleepers to Target (2026) - FantasyPros)

SportsLine 2026 model (August 28): The proven SportsLine model that predicted Tetairoa McMillan's rookie breakout has run 10,000 NFL season simulations and identified Willis as a key 2026 breakout. At ADP No. 151 overall, SportsLine's rankings slot him above Sam Darnold, Kyler Murray, Bo Nix, and others being drafted earlier. Model projects Willis as a sneaky late-round pick capable of strong QB2 performance with ceiling potential of much higher. His rushing ability (averaging 44.8 yards per game in career starts) provides the floor while late-game game script from a weak team creates upside for passing production. The model's confidence validates Willis as a late-round sleeper value heading into draft season. (per Fantasy football rankings 2026: Top breakouts from model that nailed Tetairoa McMillan's huge season).

Week 5 chess match: Cincinnati’s Jordan Battle publicly noted Willis’ pre-throw tap/handle tell ahead of the Dolphins game — useful for IDP/streaming context if Miami adjusts. (per Bengals' Jordan Battle reveals subtle Malik Willis tell ahead of Week 5 matchup against Dolphins)

Role / Depth Chart

Presumed Week 1 starter. The skill group around him is sparse — Tyreek Hill released, Jaylen Waddle traded to Denver — leaving De'Von Achane as the main returning weapon plus the rookie pass-catcher class.

Injury Status

Healthy.

Recent News

Open Questions

  • How does Slowik adapt his Shanahan-tree route concepts to Willis's run-first skill set?
  • Can Willis average 50+ rushing yards per game in a bottom-tier offense to maintain QB2 floor?

Sources

  • Freedman's Favorites 10 players to target for 2026 fantasy football
  • Dolphins reboot with Hafley HC, Slowik OC, Duggan DC for 2026 draft

Coaches shaping Malik's role

Jeff HafleyHead CoachBobby SlowikOffensive CoordinatorKevin PatulloPassing Game CoordinatorRyan DownardDefensive Backs / Passing Game CoordinatorBush HamdanQuarterbacksMatt ApplebaumAssistant Offensive LineZach YenserOffensive Line

What the Experts Are Saying

Fantasy Football TodayWeek 6 Fantasy Football RANKINGS & Tiers: QB, RB, WR, & TE + Starts & Sits | 2026 Fantasy Football
Fantasy Points Fantasy FootballRanking ALL of the Week 6 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets
Establish The RunEVERYTHING to Know Before Week 5 Fantasy Football: Team-by-Team Breakdown