Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, TB) - Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 26% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: The Buccaneers benched quarterback Jameis Winston after Winston threw four interceptions in a 37-34 loss to Cincinnati during Week 8. Ryan Fitzpatrick then came in and made up an 18 point deficit to tie the game, only for Cincinnati to kick and a game-winning field goal as time expired. Fitzpatrick went 11-for-15 passing for 194 yards and two touchdowns, good for a near-perfect 154.9 passer rating. It would seem likely that Tampa Bay turns to Fitzpatrick for their Week 9 date with Carolina, as head coach Dirk Koetter is desperate at this point in the season.

Despite Tampa Bay looking like a below-average team, this looks like a great situation for quarterbacks from a fantasy perspective. The Buccaneers’ defense is so bad that it benefits the passing offense. Tampa Bay will be playing in shootouts, playing from behind, and forced to throw in most of their games. There are also some great weapons at the skill positions for the quarterback. Mike Evans is a superstar, DeSean Jackson is a veteran deep threat, and O.J. Howard and Chris Godwin are emerging young talents. It’s rare that a quarterback so low-owned will have such a great opportunity. Carolina is the eighth-ranked pass defense, making this a poor matchup, but Fitzpatrick is still the preferred add in deep leagues.