Be wary of drafting Ryan Fitzpatrick in fantasy football

When it comes to his Fantasy Football value, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick of the New York Jets is someone you should stay far away from if considering drafting him.

For weeks leading up to draft day, fantasy football players spend weeks reading training camp articles and studying strategies like there is no tomorrow. They hope they can assemble the perfect team to defeat friends, family and co-workers. Just like in real football, finding the right quarterback is crucial to a team’s success. While I have confidence in Ryan Fitzpatrick on the field, I don’t have as much confidence in him for fantasy.

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In 2015, Fitzpatrick ranked 11th among quarterbacks in fantasy points. Some of the names that Fitzpatrick finished ahead of included Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck, Joe Flacco, Tony Romo and Brock Osweiler.

Five of those seven quarterbacks did not play the entire regular season. All of them are expected to have a much better year this time around. There is also no reason to suspect that any of the quarterbacks that finished ahead of Fitzpatrick would statistically drop off.

Reasonably, Fitzpatrick will have a season very similar to last year. Fantasy owners would probably agree Fitzpatrick is not a QB1 in most leagues.

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With all of the depth and upside at the quarterback position, Fitzpatrick isn’t very desirable in a standard eight team league.

In leagues with 12 or 16 teams, I would actually say he could be a steal.

Leagues with more teams require getting the most out of your later draft picks and Fitzpatrick could shine.

If Fitzpatrick does have a season similar to last year, that could be great for teams with not as much depth.

In leagues with eight teams and more depth on rosters and in free agency, Fitzpatrick’s value is limited.

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Maybe I’m overvaluing younger players like Carr and Winston. Maybe it’s just my reluctance of any quarterback of the Jets regardless of who’s wearing the uniform. When my draft rolls around, there is a strong chance that Fitzpatrick will not be on my roster. I would also suggest the same advice to fantasy football owners everywhere.