RADIO
Ben Roethlisberger and Ryan Fitzpatrick kind of look alike, don’t they? Think about it—if Big Ben would just grow his beard out a little bit—okay, quite a bit, actually—he and Fitzpatrick could almost look like distant cousins.
While a crazy thought, the looks of both Roethlisberger and Fitzpatrick play a very small role in their Week 13 fantasy value—like actually none whatsoever, to be completely honest. That said, both of the aforementioned quarterbacks are pegged to put up some big numbers this weekend. Here’s what you need to know:
Yes, Roethlisberger had a concussion last week at Seattle, but that doesn’t seem to account for much these days in the NFL. Each of his past three games, Roethlisberger has managed to score at least 23 fantasy points in standard leagues, and it’s unlikely that trend stop now—especially, with the ageless wonder that is Matt Hasselbeck and the Colts coming to town.
Additionally, if last year’s fixture between the two teams is any indication of what could take place on Sunday, Roethlisberger is in for a treat. A year ago, Roethlisberger destroyed the Colts’ defense, passing for 522 yards and six touchdowns for a jaw-dropping 56 fantasy points.
Though it’s unlikely Roethlisberger duplicate such a performance, seeing as how Indianapolis has allowed six of the last nine opposing quarterbacks to score at least 20 fantasy points, odds are high that Roethlisberger put up some solid numbers. Remember, he’ll be throwing to both Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. Simply put, if you’re a member of the Colts’ coaching staff, there’s cause for concern.
But what about Fitzpatrick? He’s not a superstar like Roethlisberger and he and his Harvard degree won’t be delving into the finer points of quantum mechanics and general relativity on the field, so why can so much be expected of him this week? Well, for starters, Fitzpatrick has the shortest road game of any quarterback this week. He and the Jets are basically staying home to play Eli Manning and the struggling New York Giants.
Also, historically speaking, Fitzpatrick has always played some of his best football in MetLife Stadium, bringing in at least 22 standard fantasy points in three of his past four games in Rutherford, New Jersey. Believe it or not, Fitzpatrick’s fantasy defense gets even better.
Reports Jamey Eisenberg of CBSSports.com, “Overall, Fitzpatrick has scored at least 22 fantasy points in four of the past six games he's been able to finish, and the Giants have allowed three of their past four opposing quarterbacks to score at least 21 Fantasy points, including Brees, Tom Brady and Kirk Cousins.”
Additionally, the Giants defensive backs have only produced one interception in the past three games. With little risk of turnovers, Fitzpatrick should be able to keep his streak of stellar play in New Jersey alive rather handily. So, regardless of fantasy format, consider starting Roethlisberger, Fitzpatrick or both this weekend to see some great point production.
