Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images. Pictured: Taylor Heinicke
The last time Taylor Heinicke started a game, he impressed many observers by keeping the Washington Football Team one possession away from potentially beating Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 playoffs.
He may now get an extended look to prove himself even more.
Heinicke is slated to start for Washington this week on Thursday Night Football at home against the New York Giants after Ryan Fitzpatrick hit the IR with a hip injury. Fitzpatrick is expected to miss an extended period of time, although the exact timeframe is unknown.
With waivers due this week, has Heinicke shown enough to matter in fantasy football leagues?
After replacing Fitzpatrick on Sunday, Heinicke completed 11-of-15 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers. He rushed three times for another 17 yards, but Washington ultimately fell short on the scoreboard, 20-16.
Washington is a 4-point favorite this week against the Giants, with the number actually going up despite the Fitzpatrick injury. It opened with Washington as a 3-point favorite.
Fitzpatrick was QB20 according to The Action Network consensus fantasy rankings, which means only teams in deep or two-quarterback leagues need to replace him.
Is he worth the add or are there other quarterbacks still more valuable than he is entering Week 2?
Samantha Previte Fantasy Football Analysis
I would rather have Jameis Winston, Teddy Bridgewater, Jared Goff and maybe Tyrod Taylor over Heinicke, assuming we’re talking about replacing Fitzpatrick in a two-quarterback or superflex league. All four offer more upside.
The injury hurts receivers Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel (when healthy) the most. In looking at the game log, it seems like Heinicke actually targeted Logan Thomas three times, so I think his value remains fairly neutral with the QB switch.
Running backs Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic could see more work on the ground and in short-yardage situations as the Football Team moves toward a more pass-conservative offense with Heinicke.
