Week 12 at Buffalo
Bortles threw two TD passes, giving him at least two in each of the past four games, but had just 202 yards through the air and also was picked off twice. One of those interceptions was his 10th career pick 6, which really hurts if you get negative points for those. That's the most of any QB since he entered the league in 2014. Buffalo has allowed more than 1 touchdown pass in a game just twice this season. That doesn't bode well for Bortles and company this week. He's not starter-worthy in any format this week.
Week 11 at Detroit
Bortles threw a pick six last week on Jacksonville's opening drive, so if that costs you points, oh well, because he rebounded to throw for 265 yards and two scores (his fifth consecutive game over 246 yards). He also has seven TDs in his past three games, including two last week. Detroit has given up 20 touchdown passes this season, so Bortles should have some luck in this game if he can get off to a better start, something that's been a major issue. He's a decent start this week against a soft Detroit pass defense.
Week 10 vs. Houston
Bortles again did nothing for three quarters but rallied to finish with 252 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw an interception but did run six times for a season-high 54 yards. But he can't continue to dig himself holes and bail the week out in the final 15 minutes. The Texans have allowed three TD passes in their three road games this season, which isn't a good sign for Bortles. Houston also has allowed less than 200 yards passing in two of its three road games. There are better options available than Bortles this week, though he did throw for 330 yards and three TDs at home against Houston last season.
Week 9 at Kansas City
Bortles had a season-high 337 passing yards and three touchdowns last week, adding four scrambles for 22 yards. Most of that came in the last 20 minutes or so of the game after it had long since been decided, but that doesn't matter in fantasy. Bortles is the classic garbage-time QB, with just four career first quarter touchdown passes, but he will be facing a Kansas City defense that has allowed 11 TD passes in its past four games and 13 overall. That said, Bortles' struggles are well documented this season. If you can live with the slow starts and frantic finishes, by all means, start him.
Week 8 at Tennessee
Bortles once again struggled in quarters 1-3 last week before finally waking up in the fourth quarter to finish with 246 yards passing, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also rushed five times for 33 yards to offset the picks, but owners can't continue to expect him to stink it up for more than half the game and then salvage the day with a big fourth quarter. Tennessee's pass defense has been good overall, but has shown some leaks in the last two weeks, allowing 336 and 353 yards and five total touchdowns to Cleveland and Indianapolis at home. Bortles just doesn't seem right at this time and there are far better options available.
Week 7 vs. Oakland
If there is something to jump start Jacksonville's struggling offense, it could be a game at home against the Raiders. Blake Bortles didn't do much for three quarters last week against Chicago before coming alive in the fourth quarter and finishing with 271 yards and a touchdown through the air. He also, however, threw an interception and fumbled. Oakland has allowed three or more TD passes in half of its games this season and has given up 298 or more passing yards in four of six games. Bortles isn't the best start out there given his struggles, but he should have to throw in what could be a shootout.
Week 6 at Chicago
Bortles comes off the bye with seven TD passes and two 300-yard games in his first four outings. He also rushed for a TD in London, giving him sold production in three out of four games, but he hasn't had a monster game just yet. Chicago's pass defense has been surprisingly good. The Bears have given up just six TD passes in their first five games and only one 300-yard effort. Maybe Bortles and company got some of their early season issues worked out, but this will be a tough test on the road. He's a middle-of-the-pack starter this week.
Week 4 vs. Indianapolis
Bortles' struggles with turnovers are killing the Jaguars. They aren't hurting you as much, unless you get a major penalty for interceptions, but he only threw for 194 yards and two touchdowns last week against Baltimore. He needs to be better and will get that opportunity against a soft Indianapolis defense at home. He threw for 250 yards and three touchdowns in a win at home against the Colts last season and the Colts defense has 340, 266 and 330 yards in its first three games. Bortles and company should bounce back this week.
Week 3 vs. Baltimore
Bortles threw for 329 yards and a pair of touchdowns last week, but he also threw a pair of interceptions and fumbled once as well. He has thrown for at least 320 yards in each of his first two games this season, but could find things a little more difficult against Baltimore. Then again, he did throw a pair of TDs in a win at Baltimore last year. Bortles needs to get off to faster starts, but what do you care if he's putting up his yards in garbage time? The only problem with that is that the Jaguars aren't always going to necessarily fall behind. Bortles should be a low-end No. 1 QB this week.
Week 2 at San Diego
Bortles picked up where he left off in 2015, throwing for 320 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay. Obviously, San Diego's pass defense was a bit of an issue last week at Kansas City, as the Chargers allowed 363 yards and a pair of TDs. Bortles and company should be champing at the bit to take their shot as well. Bortles might not be the top start this week, but he should be very good.
