Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, MIA) - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: In the season of the running-quarterback (shouts Lamar Jackson!) Ryan Fitzpatrick has found his way to enter (at least for now) the history books. Fitzpatrick just became the Dolphins leading rusher this past Sunday running for 33 yards on four attempts. More important to his fantasy score of 25.3 points were his 279 passing yards on 23 attempts, and the two touchdowns he threw for. Miami couldn’t get the W, sure, but the Fitzpatrick-Devante Parker connection might win some fantasy owner his league next week.

You read it right. Fitzpatrick has been Miami’s savior/doomer since he was put at the helm of the team. In his last five games, Fitzpatrick has passed for more than 214 yards in each, topping at 365 in Week 13 against Philadelphia. The veteran is averaging 25 completions for 285 yards per contest, has thrown 7 touchdowns in his last five games, and rushed for another one in that span. His high-volume passing, combined with his late scoring prowess, the renaissance of Parker (69-plus receiving yards in five of his last six, with four combined TD), and his rushing upside all make Fitzpatrick a really interesting play for the championship weekend.

The Dolphins face Cincinnati next weekend in what could be a terrible game. Both teams might try to lose, but I don’t believe Fitzpatrick will sell himself at this point. Same as with most quarterbacks still available for free, if you happen to be facing the championship game this weekend with a no. 1 quarterback in place already, Fitzpatrick should be a perfect complementary piece in a 2QB league. If you play in a deep league and have no more options, he’s a risky play but should offer a floor around 20 FP with upside to get to the 30 if all goes nicely. The Bengals are bad against the position (22nd-best) so he shouldn’t have much trouble racking up points.