Start Tua Tagovailoa As A Fantasy QB1? Why Dolphins QB Comes With Risk In Week 9

Editor's note:Tua Tagovailoa will not start the Dolphins' game against the Texans in Week 9, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday morning.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a finger injury to his throwing hand in practice this week and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Texans (1 p.m. ET).

If he's active, can fantasy football managers trust starting Tagovailoa as a QB1 in Week 9? Our expert thinks so, although recommends avoiding him if you have one of these specific alternative options at your disposal.

Start Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa In Fantasy?

by Sean Koerner

Tua Tagovailoa is a low-end QB1, but risky play for Week 9.

I had the Dolphins quarterback ranked as high as QB7 earlier this week, considering he has a dream matchup against the Texans. However, he has dropped to QB10 after suffering a finger injury and losing wide receiver DeVante Parker to Injured Reserve.

Tagovailoa is expected to play through the finger injury on Sunday, but it makes him a very risky play in fantasy football.

If you had Colts running back Jonathan Taylor go off on Thursday Night Football like I did, or you're a big favorite in your head-to-head matchup, you just need a decent game from your quarterback slot. If that's the case for you, I would recommend a safer option like Raiders' Derek Carr or Vikings' Kirk Cousins over Tagovailoa this week.

That said, Tagovailoa does offer a ton of upside in this matchup, so roll the dice on him if you want.

Verdict: Tua Tagovailoa is a risky low-end QB1

Need More Start vs. Sit Advice?

Consult our expert's real-time fantasy football rankings for standard, PPR and half-PPR scoring here.