Week 6 – Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Indianapolis Colts
At Dallas last Sunday, Ryan Fitzpatrick regressed a bit, throwing for just 154 yards on 25 passes with his sixth interception of the season. In the previous two games, Ryan had averaged 278 yards and was facing a relatively weak Cowboys secondary. While Arian Foster was able to revitalize the running game in the loss, it was a disappointing day for anyone who started Fitzpatrick. With Foster healthy, the Houston QB will go back to being more of a game manager, witch should cut down on his turnovers, but will also limit his fantasy productivity. You are better off looking elsewhere for your starting QB, especially with Fitzpatrick facing a Colts team that is 12th in overall defense.
Week 5 – Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Dallas Cowboys
In the home win over the Bills last Sunday, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 268 yards and a TD. The running game was limited to just 37 yards, so Fitzpatrick, the aerial attack and the defense helped lead the Texans to victory. Ten of his passes went to Arian Foster and he again connected with DeAndre Hopkins for a score – the third time in four games that duo has produced points. Ryan was intercepted twice, however, and has thrown five picks the past two contests. This week at Dallas, Fitzpatrick will be facing a defense that did a good job of slowing down Drew Brees and the Saints for most of the game last Sunday. But, the Cowboys are giving up 380 yards per game and are now without CB Morris Claiborne, making Fitzpatrick a QB2 play this week.
Week 4 – Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Buffalo Bills
Playing at the Giants last Sunday, Ryan Fitzpatrick turned in his best overall performance in a Texans uniform, throwing for 289 yards and his fourth TD. He also ran for 34 yards and a score. However, he was picked off three times and much of his yardage came as Houston was playing from well behind. Ryan will be facing his former team this week, back at home. The Bills are allowing 267 passing yards per game, but only start Fitzpatrick if you’re in need of a QB due to the numerous teams on bye.
Week 3 – Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. New York Giants
In the blowout win over the Raiders last Sunday, Ryan Fitzpatrick was 14-19 for 139 yards and two TDs. In the first two weeks of the season he has only thrown the ball 41 times, but has three touchdown tosses and is not turning the ball over. Arian Foster and the running game have taken any pressure off of Ryan, as he’s been able to manage both wins. The Giants are allowing 241 passing yards per game, but Fitzpatrick is not going to throw for a lot of yards. Even against a porous defense, you’re better off starting another QB.
Week 2 – Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Oakland Raiders
In his Houston debut last Sunday against the Redskins, Ryan Fitzpatrick did a good job of managing the game, going 14-22 for 206 yards and throwing a 76 yard TD pass to DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans took a second quarter lead and pretty much relied on Arian Foster to bring home the victory. The Raiders gave up 221 passing yards to Geno Smith last week, so look for another mediocre outing from Fitzpatrick on Sunday.
Week 1 – Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Washington Redskins
Ryan Fitzpatrick will make his Texans regular season debut on Sunday. After playing in every game for the Bills in ’11 and ’12, he was a part of 11 games for the Titans last year. While the yardage totals during his nine-year career haven’t been that impressive, the Harvard grad has completed 60 percent of his passes as a pro. His top WR, Andre Johnson, has been battling some injuries, but will be fine for the opener. And, Fitzpatrick shouldn’t feel the burden of having to carry the load, as a mostly healthy Arian Foster is back at RB. If you happen to have Ryan on your roster, he’s likely a backup and you’re better off going with your starter in Week 1.
Fantasy Upside
The addition of Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was released by the Titans, gives the Texans a veteran quarterback with starting experience to use as a potential backup or placeholder for a rookie drafted in May. This after the team traded Matt Schaub to the Raiders. Schaub was benched in favor of Case Keenum last season. Keenum remains an option as a possible starter as would any rookie drafted early. Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, started nine games for the Texans last year in place of an injured Jake Locker and completed 62 percent of his passes while throwing 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. ... Fitzpatrick's biggest positive is starting experience. He's proven to be fully capable of successfully running an NFL offense -- at least for some period of time.
Fantasy Downside
The problem throughout his career has been the down games with turnovers being an issue. It's hard to imagine the Texans being patient if the problem arises again.
Bottom Line
Even if he's not a high-end NFL starter, Fitzpatrick is capable enough as long as he's on the field. He certainly has a better chance to utilize the team's key skill players than Keenum or rookie Tom Savage. The problem for fantasy owners is uncertainty about role -- or holding onto the starting job for the full season if he opens the year that way. Fitzpatrick isn't a viable fantasy option outside of the deepest formats.
