The Washington Football Team signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick this offseason to a one-year deal. This season, Fitzpatrick is expected to be the starting QB over Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen, but should you draft him for fantasy football in 2021? Here are three reasons the journeyman quarterback should be drafted in most fantasy formats.
Ryan Fitzpatrick’s statistical body of work is solid
According to Pro Football Reference, Fitzpatrick is one of six quarterbacks who has surpassed 34,000+ passing yards and 2,600+ rushing yards in his NFL career. Furthermore, the veteran QB scored 20+ fantasy points in 12 of his last 14 starts with the Miami Dolphins over the last two seasons. He acted as a bridge for Miami’s No. 5 overall draft pick, Tua Tagovailoa.
The veteran quarterback has been a source of reliable fantasy production for his entire career. He’s finished as a QB2+ in 74% of his 163 active games. Fitzpatrick’s rushing ability is also underrated. He has the fifth-most rushing yards (2,621) among active quarterbacks, and therefore, could outperform his current ADP.
Fitzpatrick could finish as a top-15 fantasy quarterback
According to the ADP data at pay-to-play fantasy formats, such as the National Fantasy Championship, Fitzpatrick is the QB25. Meanwhile, Ben Roethlisberger, Trey Lance, Carson Wentz, and Justin Fields are some of the quarterbacks going ahead of him.
Fitzpatrick is a bargain when you dive deeper into his situation. The Football Team has no other viable candidates that could take the reins from him. He will be a vital component in head coach Ron Rivera’s plan to improve Washington’s offense.
Washington ranked 29th in total yards per game (320.6), 25th in passing yards per game (221), and points scored per game (21.1) in 2020. With Fitzpatrick under center, implications are that Washington will lean more on the passing game. This is a great thing for Fitzpatrick’s fantasy outlook.
Fitzpatrick is surrounded by playmakers
Fitzpatrick has multiple playmakers at every skill position. Based on our projections, his top three receiving options will be receivers Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel and tight end Logan Thomas.
In his first two NFL seasons, McLaurin has caught at least 1 reception from six different quarterbacks. Despite this, he has developed into one of the most talented receivers in the league. McLaurin has finished as a WR2+ in 45% of his 29 active games in PPR formats.
Samuel signed a three-year contract with Washington during free agency. The former Panthers receiver had a breakthrough season in Carolina last year. Samuel averaged 14 PPR fantasy points per game, finishing as a WR2 or better in 47% of his 15 active games.
Thomas will also be another receiving weapon for Fitzpatrick. He broke out in Washington in 2020 despite inconsistent QB play. Thomas caught 72 of 110 targets for 670 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns on 74% of offensive snaps. He finished as a TE1 in 56% of his games in PPR formats.
The presence of McLaurin and Samuel should open things up even more for Thomas in the middle of the field in 2021. Additionally, Running backs Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic should see plenty of targets as receivers out of the backfield.
Fitzpatrick will see adequate protection behind Washington’s solid offensive line. He could exceed 550 pass attempts this season.
Bringing it all together
Fitzpatrick is a bargain at his current ADP. He’s a mid-range QB2 with QB1 upside in certain matchups. Fitzpatrick is the quintessential backup or bye week fill-in in single quarterback formats. He is also a viable QB2 or QB3 in 2QB or superflex formats.
Washington appears to be prioritizing the passing game in 2021. All of the teams in the NFC East have high octane offenses or have positioned themselves that way via free agency and the draft. Washington’s stout defense will still impact games, but their offense will need to score as many points as possible against opponents this season.
Eric is a Senior Fantasy Analyst for Pro Football Network and a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers Association). You can read more of his work here and follow Eric on Twitter @EricNMoody.