Ryan Tannehill: Rookie QB Is Smart Fantasy Pickup Following Breakout Performance

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill was not an attractive fantasy football option until his breakout performance against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Now things are different. Tannehill threw for 431 yards on 26-of-41 passing. He only had one touchdown, and did throw two interceptions, but the rookie signal-caller stood tall against the Cardinals daunting defense.

According to ESPN, Miami's QB is owned in just three percent of standard-scoring leagues. Chances are, he will be available to you on this week's waiver wire.

Tannehill isn't going to be mistaken for Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees anytime soon, but he's only getting better. His increasing maturity shows with every game, and he's gaining a rapport with the Dolphins receiving corps.

Scoop him up now, before someone else does. His next two games come against Cincinnati and St. Louis, both of which are poor to mediocre pass defenses. If he can stand up to the test against a red-hot Cardinals unit, he will be just fine against the other two.

Miami is still struggling as a team, but the cupboard is not completely bare. Wide receiver Brian Hartline proved himself a capable No. 1 target with a 12-catch, 253-yard performance on Sunday. He was also on the receiving end of an 80-yard bomb from Tannehill.

Davone Bess also had seven catches for 123 yards.

Tannehill also has Reggie Bush to lean on in the backfield and a solid defensive unit. Both put the first-year player in position to succeed.

The Dolphins aren't going to make the playoffs this year, but Tannehill has this team playing football. Two straight overtime losses show that this team can be competitive, despite not being there quite yet.

On the season, Tannehill has 1,046 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions. He's still learning the position, and finding the consistency necessary to play it, but he's a capable fantasy backup against the right defense.

This time of year is where you're learning a lot about your fantasy squad. Elite QBs have risen to the top, but reasonable backups can be hard to come by.

Adding Tannehill is smart. He has nowhere to go but up, and he's already heading in that direction.

The Dolphins couldn't beat the undefeated Cardinals on Sunday, but his admirable effort shows the progress he's making every Sunday.