As fantasy owners begin to eye their Week 3 roster changes, the name Rishard Matthews is about to become very popular. The wide receiver first got his name in the headlines when he demanded a trade following the additions of Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker in the offense. However, the Miami Dolphins held on the player and were rewarded with a Week 2 performance of 115 yards of offense. While Matthews did not find the endzone, he did lead the team in receiving and could be a name on the rise.
According to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor via the Palm Beach Post, Matthews will retain his starting role in the team's offense as the coach told the media, "He's earned it. We've been upfront about how well he's performed." This is welcomed news for the receiver who has made it clear he intends to allow himself to be buried on the depth chart. A performance like he had in Week 3 will certainly make it so that does not happen as Matthews is now the favorite to run alongside Jarvis Landry.
"Our (wide receivers) group has been getting along and we definitely like healthy competition, and that's what's been going on. As long as we go out there and win, that's what matters," Matthews said, via the Miami Sun-Sentinel.
The rise of Matthews comes while the production of Stills and Parker has been quiet. Through two games, Matthews has 10 catches on the season while Stills has three and Parker as one. Stills was popular in the preseason. He was thriving at the right time and looking poised for a big role in the offense. However, Lazor credits Mathews' consistency for the reason he is seeing so much playing time. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been thrilled with what the receiver has been doing as he is the clearly the favored option outside of Landry.
"He has had a heck of a camp. We came in together, so I've spent a lot of time with him and seen him grow over the past four years," Tannehill said, via the Miami Herald. "I would say that over the last six months I have seen the most growth from him. He is growing as a man, growing as a player, and developing his game in all aspects. His consistency is at an all-time high."
Owners would be wise not to give up on players like Parker just yet. The rookie missed all of training camp and the preseason following foot surgery and is just now getting back into the swing of things with the offense. As he gets more experience his targets will certainly go up. Stills has work to put in if he wants to maintain being active.