Typically, NFL teams do not have high regard for running backs aged 30 and above. The general thought is that they don’t have the same acceleration they once had, making them easier to tackle. However, the Miami Dolphins’ Raheem Mostert is defying the odds with what he’s doing this season.
The former Purdue standout is having his best campaign in nine NFL seasons. While the Dolphins still have four games left in the 2023 regular season, Mostert already has career highs of 183 carries and 924 rushing yards. His first 1,000-yard season is within reach, barring any injury.
Durability has been the most significant factor in his recent success. After playing just nine games during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he suited up in 16 games for Miami last season. Mostert hasn’t missed a game this season, making him a massive part of their success.
Aside from racking up yards and averaging a respectable five yards per carry, his 18 total touchdowns make him a valuable asset to the Dolphins offense. His 16 rushing touchdowns tie him with Ricky Williams for most in franchise history.
Meanwhile, his 18 touchdowns are the most by any NFL player in the season when they were 31 or older. As the 2023 postseason draws nearer, he has picked up the pace by having at least 85 rushing yards in four of their last five games.
Most TD scored over last 40 seasons for player in age-31 season or older
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) December 12, 2023
2023 Raheem Mostert 18
1995 Jerry Rice 17
2004 Muhsin Muhammad 16
1993 Jerry Rice 16 pic.twitter.com/AihaBgq1kM
Mostert also collected six touchdowns during that stretch. He also scored a rushing touchdown in ten of their 13 games through Week 14. The nine-year NFL veteran added 22 receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns.
These numbers made him a reliable source of fantasy football production. He only had two games wherein he went below double-digit points in PPR. He had 23 points against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14 and 12.1 versus the Washington Commanders the week before. His season high is 45.2, recorded when the Dolphins dropped 70 points on the Denver Broncos in Week 3.
What he’s doing is highly impressive, considering he is older than Joe Mixon, Ezekiel Elliott, and Melvin Gordon. He thrives in Mike McDaniels’ system, and his talent gives Miami a balanced offensive attack.
-Lance Fernandez