Week 10 at Cincinnati
In the win over the Titans two weeks ago, Brian Hoyer threw for 235 yards and two TDs. Since taking over as the starting QB, Brian has been pretty good, throwing 13 touchdowns versus only three interceptions this season. Hoyer has tossed for at least two scores in five straight, but will be facing a Bengals defense that has been fairly solid. He should only be started in two QB leagues or if you’re out of other options.
Week 8 vs. Tennessee
After falling way behind to the Dolphins last week, Brian Hoyer got to throw on pretty much every down and rewarded fantasy owners with a good statistical game. He finished 23-of-49 for 273 yards with three TDs and one INT. Surprisingly, it was Nate Washington and not DeAndre Hopkins who benefitted from all of the passes. In the past three contests, Brian is averaging 292 yards and has thrown eight touchdowns versus two interceptions. The Titans defense is No. 2 against the pass, but with Arian Foster out, look for the Houston offense to rely more on Hoyer and the aerial attack.
Week 7 at Miami
Now he’s the Texans starting QB, Brian Hoyer has turned into a more than just a serviceable fantasy option. In the win at Jacksonville last week, he threw for 293 yards and three TDs. Two of his touchdowns went to DeAndre Hopkins, who is on pace for a record-setting season. In the past three contests, Hoyer has thrown for seven scores with just one INT. As long as defenses keep allowing big things from Hopkins, Hoyer makes for a decent fantasy start, especially against a Dolphins defense allowing nearly 380 yards per game.
Week 6 at Jacksonville
After replacing Ryan Mallett in the loss to the Colts last Thursday, Brian Hoyer posted some impressive numbers. He finished 24-of-31 for 312 yards and two TDs, including the Hail Mary to Jaelen Strong right before halftime. Unfortunately, it was his interception in the final two minutes that cost the Texans a chance to send the game into OT. In the past two weeks, Hoyer has relieved Mallett and thrown for 544 yards and four touchdowns. His first stint as the team's starting QB lasted only three quarters, but Hoyer has been playing well as of late. Jacksonville’s defense has allowed 260 passing yards per game, so if you’re in need of a QB, Hoyer is a player who is likely available on the waiver wire.
Week 2 vs. Carolina
In his first game in a Texan uniform, Brian Hoyer was mostly ineffective, going 18-for-34 for 236 yards with one TD and one INT. While DeAndre Hopkins took the blame for not turning in on the pick, Hoyer was also sacked four times, losing a fumble on one of them. He was benched for Ryan Mallett in the second half and will start this week as the No. 2 QB.
Week 1 vs. Kansas City
After winning the starting QB job, Brian Hoyer will make his regular season debut in Houston. Despite pretty much being run out of Cleveland, Hoyer is coming off of a season in which he played in 14 games and led the Browns to a 7-7 record during those contests. He also threw for over 3,300 yards with 12 TDs and 13 INTs. Hoyer had three 300-yard games, but was held to under 200 yards in four of the final six games he started. Without Arian Foster, the Texans need Hoyer and his top target DeAndre Hopkins to have a big game, but there are much better starting fantasy QB options.
Fantasy Upside
Brian Hoyer came out on top in the Texans' QB competition as he was named the starter over Ryan Mallett heading into the team's third preseason game. As NFL.com suggested, Hoyer was the safe choice. Head coach Bill O'Brien apparently believes the 29-year-old can run his offense without making mistakes and making the call before that all-important third exhibition game gives Hoyer a chance to get up to speed in the preseason game that most mirrors regular-season action.
Fantasy Downside
Running the offense without mistakes seems like an optimistic view. Again, as NFL.com put it, "Hoyer put up one of the worst streaks we've seen from a starting quarterback down the stretch last season -- at one point throwing eight interceptions in a four-game stretch."
Bottom Line
While he doesn’t have a great arm and was among the league's worst QBs at points last season, Hoyer will provide HC Bill O’Brien and the Texans' offense with an experienced, veteran signal-caller to open the season. Should fantasy owners expect anything beyond that? No. He's a streaming or cheap DFS candidate on given weeks, at best. Owners shouldn't be surprised if he gives way to the stronger-armed Mallett at some point
Week 14 – Brian Hoyer vs. Indianapolis Colts
Week 13 was not kind to Brian Hoyer. The Browns were soundly beaten by Buffalo, in part because Hoyer threw two interceptions. Plus, Hoyer was benched in favor of Johnny “Football” Manziel. With Cleveland still in the midst of the playoff face, Hoyer is getting another start, much to the chagrin of many wanting to see Manziel ascend to the top spot. However, Hoyer has not been playing well and could easily be benched again. His fantasy value, never strong to begin with, has hit rock bottom.
Week 13 – Brian Hoyer at Buffalo Bills
Much to the chagrin of Johnny Manziel’s girlfriend, Brian Hoyer was allowed to finish Cleveland’s Week 12 tilt with Atlanta. And it turned out to be a good thing for the Browns, as Hoyer overcame three interceptions to lead Cleveland on a game-winning drive. He also threw for 322 yards, the second game in a row where he topped 300 yards. However, Hoyer failed to throw a touchdown despite the return of Josh Gordon. With Hoyer facing off against Buffalo’s pesky defense and his ongoing pattern of being a better real than fantasy player, Brian should not be a starter in even two-quarterback leagues.
Week 12 – Brian Hoyer at Atlanta Falcons
In a perfect world, Brian Hoyer would never throw 50 passes in a game. Unfortunately, that happened in Week 11 as Cleveland lost 23-7 to Houston. The Browns were playing from behind in the second half, forcing Hoyer to throw far more than he should. While Brian tossed a touchdown to Andrew Hawkins and totaled 330 yards, he only completed 20 of his attempts. Although we suspect Cleveland will try to lean heavily on their ground attack, two-quarterback league owners can gamble on Hoyer this week, as Josh Gordon is back and the matchup is right with a shaky Atlanta secondary.
