Week 9 at Jets
Bortles has been a solid performer this season, throwing multiple touchdown passes in all but two games. The Jets have only allowed multiple scoring passes in three games this season, though one came last week at Oakland when they permitted four TDs through the air to go along with 333 yards. Still, the Jets are fifth in points allowed to opposing QBs this season and that is no fluke. There are better options out there.
Week 7 vs. Buffalo
Bortles continues to put up big points, throwing for 331 yards and three scores last week. He also threw three interceptions, but given the other numbers, who cares? With his early production and the team's propensity to fall behind, Bortles is turning into a borderline fantasy starter each week. This week, he gets a Buffalo defense that has already allowed 13 passing touchdowns and at least 243 passing yards in four of six games. There are worse starts this week.
Week 6 vs. Houston
Bortles continues to put up big numbers each week, throwing for 303 yards last week, his first 300-yard game of the season. He added four TD passes as well - a career high - and scrambled for 21 yards. Bortles is dealing with a shoulder issue, but he should be good to go this week against a Houston defense that has allowed nine passing touchdowns. The Jaguars are banged up in the backfield as well. Look for Bortles to continue his strong fantasy play this season.
Week 5 at Tampa Bay
Bortles threw for a season-high 298 yards last week and added a TD pass as well. He's now been over 242 yards in each of the past three weeks and has multiple TD passes in two of the past three weeks. Bortles also ran for 31 yards last week, giving a little extra value. Tampa has allowed eight TD passes this season, six of which have come at home. Bortles should be a borderline starter this week or a decent bye-week pickup.
Week 4 at Indianapolis
Bortles struggled as expected last week at New England, but some garbage-time yards pumped up his numbers to a respectable 242 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. The Colts haven't exactly lit things up defensively this season, allowing five TD passes despite playing some less-than-stellar quarterbacks thus far. Bortles might not be your first choice at quarterback, but he'll be better than a lot of other quarterbacks in a game in which he should have to throw quite a bit.
Week 3 at New England
Bortles looked much better last week against Miami than he did in the opener, throwing for 273 yards and a pair of scores. He also ran twice for 27 yards, giving him a solid performance. This will be his first road test of the year, and it's a big one. The Patriots are big favorites in this game and that's fine. Even in a blowout, Bortles should be able to put up some yards in garbage time. New England is allowing nearly 300 yards per game and has given up four passing TDs. Bortles is a nice sleeper pick this week.
Week 2 vs Miami
Bortles struggled last week, throwing for just 183 yards with one TD and two interceptions against Carolina. He also ran four times for 26 yards, but it was another middling effort. This week, he gets Miami's tough defense at home. The Dolphins did a good job last week at Washington, allowing 196 passing yards and one score. Don't look for a big game out of Bortles this week, either.
Week 1 vs. Carolina
Bortles made some strides in the preseason and should be poised to build on his rookie season as he and his young receiving corps now have a season under their belts. Both the Panthers and Jaguars will try to run the ball a lot in this game, but there will be opportunities to take some shots. Bortles won't be a top QB play this week, but with his scrambling ability, he should have a decent week.
Fantasy Upside
Blake Bortles threw for more than 2,900 yards and rushed for another 400 in 14 games in his rookie season. He should only continue to improve as his ability to read defenses gets better.
Fantasy Downside
Bortles only threw 11 TD passes last season. For him to have any real fantasy value, he's going to have to double that total in 2015 while also improving his yardage totals.
Bottom line
Bortles has some talent, but he also has a very young supporting cast as. There are going to continue to be some growing pains here. Bortles should be a little more consistent this season and a jump to 3,500-plus total yards and 18-20 total touchdowns is possible. He's got a very low ADP - 16th round - so he can be had for free.
Blake Bortles Week 17 vs. Texans
Blake Bortles seems to have bottomed out in his rookie season. He threw for a season-low 115 yards last week, though he did throw a TD and the team won, so he'll take it. But he's averaged just 174 passing yards in the past five games. He now faces a Houston defense that leads the NFL with 34 forced turnovers. No thanks.
