Fantasy Upside
The addition of Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was released by the Titans, gives the Texans a veteran quarterback with starting experience to use as a potential backup or placeholder for a rookie drafted in May. This after the team traded Matt Schaub to the Raiders. Schaub was benched in favor of Case Keenum last season. Keenum remains an option as a possible starter as would any rookie drafted early. Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, started nine games for the Texans last year in place of an injured Jake Locker and completed 62 percent of his passes while throwing 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. ... Fitzpatrick's biggest positive is starting experience. He's proven to be fully capable of successfully running an NFL offense -- at least for some period of time.
Fantasy Downside
The problem throughout his career has been the down games with turnovers being an issue. It's hard to imagine the Texans being patient if the problem arises again.
Bottom Line
Even if he's not a high-end NFL starter, Fitzpatrick is capable enough as long as he's on the field. He certainly has a better chance to utilize the team's key skill players than Keenum or rookie Tom Savage. The problem for fantasy owners is uncertainty about role -- or holding onto the starting job for the full season if he opens the year that way. Fitzpatrick isn't a viable fantasy option outside of the deepest formats.