Fantasy Fallout: Ryan Fitzpatrick back in as NYJ starter with Geno Smith injured
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Here are the fantasy implications of the knee injury suffered by New York Jets QB Geno Smith in Week 7:
Sources: Based on initial MRI, belief is that #Jets QB Geno Smith tore his ACL. Incredible. Players in the locker room are learning about it
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 24, 2016
The Memory Remains
The Jets' most recent attempt to have Smith serve as their starting QB lasted only slightly longer than their 2015 plan. Smith suffered a suspected torn ACL midway through the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens, just a few drives into his first game starting over QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Smith went 4-for-8 for 95 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown pass to WR Quincy Enunwa.
Smith added one rush for seven yards before being replace by Fitzpatrick. Back at the helm of the Jets' offense, Fitzpatrick proceeded to have what could be called his best game of the season. He finished the game going 9-for-14 for 120 yards and a touchdown. He didn't throw a single interception while completing 64.3 percent of his pass attempts.
Smith is dropable in all but 2QB dynasty formats, where he's still worth holding due to an expected starting opportunity in 2017. Fitzpatrick can be of value in all 2QB formats, but he's nothing more than a rare streamer for standard rosters.
Nothing Else Matters
Not much changes throughout the Jets roster. We already had a six-game view of what the Jets offense looked like with the 2017 version of Fitzpatrick, and it was far from pretty. WRs Brandon Marshall and Enunwa are the only two worth in owning in any format with no one else even worthy of occasional daily fantasy consideration.
RBs Matt Forte and Bilal Powell will continue a near-even split in the backfield, with both serving as a quality pass catcher. The Jets will continue to be a premiere target for opposing defenses in both season-long and daily fantasy formats.
Sad But True
Owners in competitive, deeper leagues such as keeper or dynasty formats may want to look ahead to the future and QB Bryce Petty. A second-year player, Petty has yet to attempt a pass in the NFL, but the fourth-round pick of the 2015 draft is next in line if the coaching staff is forced to turn away from Fitzpatrick yet again.
Former Penn State standout Christian Hackenberg is a longshot to see an NFL snap this season, and should remain untouched.