Is Odell Beckham Jr. Or Malik Washington The Fantasy Football WR3 For The Dolphins?

August 18, 2024

Who will be the WR3 for the Miami Dolphins in 2024? Lance Fernandez takes a look at Odell Beckham Jr. and Malik Washington to determine Miami's WR3 this season.

Odell Beckham Jr. and Malik Washington are in different stages of their football career. Beckham is entering his 11^th season in the National Football League and will be playing for his fifth team in six seasons.

Meanwhile, Washington is a sixth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft after becoming first-team All-ACC last season at Virginia. While both are at opposite ends of their careers, their role with the Miami Dolphins is the same: supporting their top wideouts, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Who among Beckham and Washington is Miami's rightful WR3 for fantasy football? Does the edge go to the two-time second-team All-Pro veteran or the rookie from Northwestern and Virginia?

Malik Washington Fantasy Football Outlook

Washington had a breakout season during his lone season with the Cavaliers, finishing with 110 catches for 1,426 yards and nine touchdowns. Meanwhile, his 13 yards per reception average last year is the second-highest mark in the last five college football seasons.

Miami Dolphins (2024)

Preseason, Week 1.

Z reverse off GH Counter action

I believe Malik Washington will be a big addition to the Dolphins offense. He was huge for UVA last year after transferring in. Tough, compact but physical receiver with big play ability.#NFL #GoFins pic.twitter.com/81pfl7DZmi

— Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) August 16, 2024

His speed is desirable, as proven by his 4.47 40-yard dash during the 2024 NFL Combine. If he pans out for the Dolphins as he did in Virginia, the Dolphins will have an unstoppable receiving trio for Tua Tagovailoa.

Odell Beckham Jr. Fantasy Football Outlook

The three-time Pro Bowler hasn't been the same since suffering ACL injuries in consecutive seasons. The first instance occurred in 2020, limiting him to seven games. He recovered well enough to become a valuable contributor to the Los Angeles Rams during their Super Bowl run.

Unfortunately, another ACL injury during Super Bowl LVI forced him to miss the 2022 season. The Baltimore Ravens gambled on him via a one-year, $15 million contract last year, but it didn't pay off. Beckham finished the year with only 565 yards and three touchdowns.

pic.twitter.com/B76IbHYKXT#Dolphins Odell Beckham Jr showing love to the kids #OBJ

— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) August 17, 2024

While there's no pressure for him to deliver like he once did, the Dolphins would still want solid numbers from Beckham. However, his availability is in question because he's still not running routes for Tagovailoa due to an undisclosed injury.

Who is the Dolphins' No. 3 Wide Receiver?

The veteran should have the advantage because the Dolphins want to see what Beckham offers. It's not that Washington isn't capable of complimenting Hill and Waddle. However, unlike Beckham, who fights for relevance, Washington's NFL career lies ahead.

The interesting question to ask, though, is how long Beckham can hold on to the WR3 spot before Washington takes over. The transition could happen soon, especially if the Dolphins decided to part ways with Beckham.

However, there are better options at WR3 than Beckham and Washington for fantasy football purposes. Monitoring their weekly performances is the best approach for these two wideouts. Both are potential waiver wire adds after the season starts.

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