Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has started for eight different NFL teams during his 16-season career — the most of any quarterback. In 2020, he started in seven games for the Dolphins, preparing the way for the team’s No. 5 overall 2020 NFL Draft pick Tua Tagovailoa to take over. Can Fitzpatrick elevate a Washington passing game in need of dependable quarterback play and be of value at his current ADP and fantasy football outlook?
Ryan Fitzpatrick’s fantasy outlook for 2021
Fitzpatrick threw for 2,091 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in his seven starts in Miami. The 38-year-old quarterback’s arrival should lead to a higher completion percentage and more pass attempts of 20+ yards with Washington. Fitzpatrick has averaged 277 passing air yards per game since 2017 (air yards indicate how far a pass travels in the air before it is caught). Moreover, Fitzpatrick recorded 2 rushing touchdowns in 2020. He is now tethered to a rebuilding Washington offense.
The Football Team ranked 29th in total yards per game (320.6) and 25th in passing yards per game (221) and points scored per game (21.1). Washington struggled offensively in the first season under head coach Ron Rivera. They had three quarterbacks start in the regular season: Dwayne Haskins, Alex Smith, and Taylor Heinicke.
Fitzpatrick signed a one-year deal with Washington worth $10 million. It is worth mentioning that the team tendered quarterback Kyle Allen as an exclusive rights free agent. Nevertheless, Fitzpatrick will be the starter with Heinicke as the primary backup.
Washington’s has a plethora of offensive playmakers
Rivera and offensive coordinator Scott Turner will lean more on the passing game with Fitzpatrick under center. Washington has the offensive weapons to be more multi-faceted in 2021.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin will open the season as Fitzpatrick’s No. 1 receiver. He has caught at least 1 reception from six different quarterbacks during his first two NFL seasons. Despite this, McLaurin has developed into one of the most talented receivers in the league.
Washington also acquired receiver Curtis Samuel during free agency. Turner has a history with Samuel from their time with the Panthers. There, he used Samuel as a receiver and a runner, which could repeat in Washington.
Tight end Logan Thomas will also be another receiving weapon for Fitzpatrick. He broke out in Washington last season despite inconsistent QB play.
Furthermore, Fitzpatrick has explosive running back Antonio Gibson in the backfield. Gibson is expected to be used more as a receiver in Washington’s passing attack in 2021. Running backs coach Randy Jordan is confident Gibson can maximize the additional targets. As a reminder, he accumulated 44 receptions for 834 yards and 10 touchdowns in two seasons at Memphis, with more receptions than rushing attempts (33) in 19 collegiate games.
Washington’s offensive line is solid
Washington will rely on three new starters on their offensive line in 2021. In fact, the left side of the offensive line has been completely redone. Last season, Washington’s offensive line was a pleasant surprise and a solid run and pass-blocking unit. They should have another solid unit and even better depth this year.
Fantasy projection
Washington’s offense will be more fast-paced than many expect. In fact, all of the offenses in the NFC East have upgraded this offseason. Even with a stout defense, Washington will want to play offense with urgency this year.
Fitzpatrick is projected for around 550 pass attempts, 4,000 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 2021. Additionally, he could accumulate roughly 50 rushing attempts for 220 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Ryan Fitzpatrick’s ADP
Fitzpatrick is readily available in the 14th round of fantasy drafts when you review redraft ADP data from Fantasy Football Calculator. This trend is similar in pay-to-play fantasy formats, such as the National Fantasy Championship. There, Fitzpatrick has an ADP of 184.32. However, his ADP in PPR formats on Sleeper is 191.1.
Should you draft Fitzpatrick in 2021?
Absolutely, you should draft Fitzpatrick at his current ADP. He can be viewed as a mid-range QB2 with QB1 upside in certain matchups. Fitzpatrick should return value as a workable late-round quarterback in fantasy football drafts.