Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, TB) - Week 3 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has entered full-on Fitz-Magic mode, shredding the defending Super Bowl champions in Week 2 for 402 yards and four touchdowns. Miraculous hot streaks are practically an annual occurrence for Fitzpatrick, and while it’s foolish to expect this type of production to last Fitzy is fine as a hot-hand or matchup play. Furthermore, Fitzpatrick may keep the starting QB job for the Bucs after Jameis Winston returns. The Tampa Bay brass must know that Winston is their future not Fitzpatrick, but after a 2-0 start with two huge upsets it’s hard for Tampa Bay to justify benching him for Winston.

Fitzpatrick is proving that Tampa Bay has more weapons than just Mike Evans too. He has shown more chemistry with DeSean Jackson in two games than Winston did all last season. Fitzpatrick is also benefiting from development of young talent such as Chris Godwin and O.J. Howard. It is also painfully apparent that Tampa Bay cannot run the football. Peyton Barber looked atrocious as the primary ballcarrier and Jacquizz Rodgers’ track record suggests he isn’t up to the task either. This is going to be a throw-heavy team by necessity and Fitzpatrick could continue to benefit in Week 3 against a Steelers team that was carved up by Patrick Mahomes through the air for six touchdown passes and 326 yards.