So, will the Fitz MAGIC continue into Monday Night Football when the Buccaneers play the Steelers in prime time?
I say Yes!
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB, Ryan Fitzpatrick, has now had two consecutive 400+ yard, 4 TD games in the first two games of the 2018 NFL season. In the game vs the Saints, at first I thought this was just a one time thing that definitely won't happen again. Boy was I wrong! You know why? Because the Buccaneers are playing to their strengths. With out a reliable run attack due to a lacking O-line and no work-horse RB they are playing to their strength and letting Fitzpatrick air it out to his receivers who also happen to be one of the best receiving corps in the NFL! They've got Mike Evans, who has been Mr Reliable for the Bucs since his rookie season (2014); DeSean Jackson, the experienced veteran with tremendous speed; and two second year guys: WR Chris Godwin and TE OJ Howard who are both really coming into their own and making the most of their opportunities so far this season.
To give you an idea of how hot the Buccaneers passing offense is right now here are their combined receiving stats for the first two games of the 2018 season:
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick- 819 yards, 8 TDs, 1 INT
WR Mike Evans - 17 receptions/19 targets , 230 yards, 2 TDs
WR DeSean Jackson- 9 receptions/9 targets, 275 yards, 3 TDs
WR Chris Godwin- 8 receptions/10 targets, 97 yards, 2 TDs
TE OJ Howard- 5 receptions/6 targets, 150 yards, 1 TD
With the Steelers allowing Patrick Mahomes 6 TD passes at Heinz field, and the Buccaneers lack of a running game, it's hard for me not to say that Fitzpatrick and company will have another great game this Monday Night. Basically, if you have any of them in Fantasy football start them this week and prepare to reap the benefits!
However, if Fitzpatrick fizzles in this game, be ready to pick up QB Jameis Winston off the Waiver Wire next week because there will be no QB controversy once the magic is gone.