C.J. Beathard

Week 16 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Trevor Lawrence entered the NFL concussion protocol following the Jaguars' loss to the Ravens in Week 15. At the time of writing, it is uncertain whether he will be able to play, making it likely that C.J. Beathard will take the reigns for this all-Florida clash with the Buccaneers. Beathard hasn't started a game in the NFL since 2020 and is the proud owner of a 59.5% career completion rate, along with 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 30 career games.

The Bucs have been more than generous towards fantasy quarterbacks this season, ranking 31st in aFPA to the position. But it is so hard to get excited about the Jaguars offense with Beathard under center that it sinks the fantasy appeal of everyone, including what little there would be for Beathard. If you need to start him this week, that fantasy title you were hoping for in 2023 is likely slipping through your fingers.

Week 9 vs. Oakland Raiders

C.J. Beathard struggled against a tough Cardinals pass defense last week, throwing for only 190 yards and a touchdown in a narrow loss. Beathard didn’t turn the ball over for the first time as a starter this season, but with only one game over 300 yards passing this season, it’s hard for fantasy owners to feel encouraged moving forward.

This week, Beathard faces a Raiders defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this year. Still, even in a good matchup it’s hard to trust him. If you need a bye week replacement or streaming option this week, he has upside, but he’s a much more attractive QB2 than a QB1.

Update:

Beathard is battling an injury and may not be a go against the Raiders. He's a risky bet anyway, so fantasy owners should look elsewhere in case he's playing hurt or winds up on the inactive list.

Week 7 vs. Los Angeles Rams

C.J. Beathard made a game of it against the Packers last week, and he even had some luck throwing the ball downfield. Mr. Checkdown posted 245 yards, two touchdowns and a pick, and averaged 10.6 yards per pass attempt - the second-highest in his pro career.

Beathard has some long-term upside as a spot-starter, but it’s hard to trust him against the Rams this week. The Rams allow the ninth-least fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this year, and Beathard may struggle. Fantasy owners should view him as a low-level option in leagues that use two quarterbacks, or maybe as a bye-week option in deep leagues.