Fantasy Fallout: Jets' offense should return to 2015 form with Fitzpatrick's re-signing
Here are the fantasy repercussions following the news that QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will re-sign with the New York Jets:
Fitzpatrick's re-signing is music to the ears of WRs Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Marshall set a career-high with 14 touchdowns in 2015, while Decker caught 12 scores -- just short of his career-high of 13. Both of these players can be expected to post similar production as they did in 2015.
Marshall can be trusted as a low-end WR1 or a very high-end WR2. He will likely be drafted in the second-round in standard 12-team leagues. Having caught 100 passes six times over his career, Marshall is an absolute beast in PPR formats.
Decker relied so heavily on touchdowns to be a consistent fantasy producer last season, but his large frame and ability to high-point the ball make it realistic that he could catch double-digit touchdowns again. He can be drafted as a low-end WR2 or a strong FLEX option somewhere in rounds 6-8.
As for Fitzpatrick, he will once again be playing with a chip on his shoulder under a one-year contract. It's hard to imagine him replicating his 31 touchdown passes from a season ago, but 25 TDs with 3,500 yards seems to be a reasonable floor given his familiarity with Chan Gailey's spread offense dating back to their years together in Buffalo.
The issues surrounding Fitzpatrick have always been his accuracy and touch. His 59.6 completion percentage from 2015 was his lowest since 2010, and he is no stranger to the interception. The Amish Rifle threw 15 interceptions last season, and has averaged that very number per season since becoming a full-time starter in 2010.
In standard 10- or 12-team leagues where only one QB is required, there is no need to draft Fitzpatrick. Even if you take Tom Brady and need someone to start for the first four weeks of the season, you can do better than Fitzpatrick and his tough first-quarter schedule: vs. Cincinnati, at Buffalo, at Kansas City and vs. Seattle.
Even in two-QB or super FLEX leagues, Fitzpatrick is nothing more than a late-round pick. The quarterback position is arguably the deepest it has ever been.
It's always tough to trust ageing running backs, but RB Matt Forte has been remarkably consistent over his career. The re-signing of Fitzpatrick might help his value, as he will see far-less eight-man fronts and more trips to the red zone than Geno Smith would have provided. If you're going to gamble on the 30-year-old, you're better off doing so in PPR leagues.
Perhaps the only thing that will hold this offense back from replicating it's success in 2015 is the offensive line. Left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson was an anchor on the Jets' O-line for 10 years, but he is now retired. Center Nick Mangold has also been a consistent player, but he is creeping up into his mid-30s now. Oft-injured LT Ryan Clady was signed to replace Ferguson.
Overall, retaining Fitzpatrick is a boon for the Jets' offense. Though not a flashy passer, the veteran is a quality starter with a higher floor than the alternative, and he'll be able to take advantage of the stable of skilled playmakers at his disposal.