The Dolphins were 6-1 last season when rookie Ryan Tannehill recorded a 90-plus quarterback rating. The key to him achieving that goal Sunday in Cleveland will be keeping him clean.
The Browns boast an improved and more aggressive pass rush under new defensive coordinator Ray Horton, which could prove troublesome for Tannehill. The Miami offensive line finished tied for 14th in the NFL in sacks allowed a year ago with 37.
If the protection is strong, look for Tannehill to find some success against a Browns secondary that lacks depth and struggled mightily in third down situations in the preseason. The Browns are woefully short beyond cornerback Joe Haden and strong safety T.J. Ward. If top threat Mike Wallace is blanketed by Haden, Tannehill will set his sights on Brian Hartline against cornerback Buster Skrine, who committed nine penalties last year despite limited duty.
Based on the numbers, Tannehill might want to target Hartline anyway. Wallace has just six catches for 77 yards with no touchdowns in his last three games combined against the Browns. Hartline, however, enjoyed his finest performance of 2011 against Cleveland with four catches for 87 yards.
Despite a weak Browns secondary Tannehill is still among the least palatable options as a Fantasy quarterback this week. He is not listed among the top 24 quarterbacks by any of the CBSSports.com senior Fantasy writers.