New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles announced Wednesday that the team has decided to bench starter Ryan Fitzpatrick for backup quarterback Geno Smith, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Fitzpatrick heads to the bench with a league-leading 11 interceptions through six weeks.
Ryan Fitzpatrick benched for Geno Smith, impacting fantasy owners
The New York Jets have decided to make a quarterback change. We break down the fantasy impact.
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Drama has followed Fitzpatrick since the preseason. The 12-year veteran held out signing his contract until the night before training camp started while disputing with the team. Fitzpatrick’s 2016 performance is a complete turnaround from throwing 31 touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards a season ago.
Smith gets his first start since Week 14 of the 2014 season, in Fitzpatrick’s absence. Smith played the fourth quarter of the Jets’ Week 6 dismantling from the Arizona Cardinals. He was 4-of-6 passing for 31 yards and an interception.
The Jets are looking to get their second win of the season against Baltimore Sunday.
Fantasy Impact: This quarterback change is long overdue. Fitzpatrick has been terrible this season. Smith is certain to be an upgrade from Fitzpatrick but still, no one should be expecting much from Smith. Also, the Jets will also likely utilize Brice Petty and Christian Hackenberg at some point this season.
This has the biggest effect on fantasy owners who own Jets receivers. Brandon Marshall and Quincy Enunwa stand to hurt the most transitioning to Smith as the new starter.
