Week 6 Streamers (QB/TE/DST)
Each week I will provide QBs, TEs and Defenses that are owned in less than 60% of league who I predict will have start-worthy performances.
Quarterbacks:
Brian Hoyer vs. Jax (ESPN 16.6%)
Hoyer has been the king of the streaming quarterback. Since taking over the starting job in week 3, he has finished inside the top 10 of ESPN standard leagues. Although his performances were against soft defenses, he has proven to be a reliable fantasy option, having at least 300 yards and 2 TDs. And this week is no difference. The Bears travel to Jacksonville with match up against another sub-par defense. Also Blake Bortles’ interception issues will lead to better field position for the Bears offense. Hoyer should be fine start this week.
Alex Smith @ OAK (ESPN 23.4%)
If Hoyer is the new king of the streaming quarterback, then Alex Smith is the OG. Smith has always been reliable plug-and-play option in the right match ups. This week is one of those weeks. Oakland so far has had the worst pass defense (yes, worse than New Orleans). They have allowed 330 yards per game along with 12 TDs to the opposing quarterback. Smith has a nice opportunity to produce big. Smith is on pace to have career highs in both passing attempts and passing yards. With the game projected to be tied as the highest scoring of the week (48.5), Smith should finish the week as a QB1.
Tyrod Taylor vs. SF (ESPN 55.1%)
Like most of the streaming quarterbacks, it’s all about the match ups. And that is the exact reason why I like Taylor as a low end starting option. So far through the season Taylor has surprising been the 15th best fantasy quarterback, averaging almost 15 points a game. I know 15 points is not going to win you a week, but he has been somewhat consistent, scoring at least 14 points the last 4 weeks. This week he faces the 49ers defense, a unit that has allowed the 5th most points this season. I prefer the two players listed above, but Taylor should be a good low end QB1 with upside.
Tight Ends:
Charles Clay vs SF (ESPN 13.8%)
With Sammy Watkins likely out for an extended period of time, Clay should be the number 1 option in the passing game in Buffalo. He had 5 receptions and over 70 yards last week and the match up this week is even better. Like I mentioned above, the 49ers defense is one of the worst. They have allowed the 11th most yards this season to opposing tight ends. With the additional targets he will be seeing, Clay is a safe streaming tight end.
Jesse James @Mia (ESPN 20.6%)
Although I am not a huge fan of James as a TE1 for the rest of the season (as some may say) I do like him as a low end streaming candidate this week. With Jesse James only receiving about 3.5 catches and 25 yards per game, he is dependent on a touchdown to have a relevant week. It is no secret that Big Ben is substantially better at home than on the road, but that shouldn't be a problem this week with the Dolphins allowing the 10th most fantasy points to tight ends. Adding in the fact that the Steelers are seven point favorites and the game is tied for the highest projected over/under (48.5), James should have plenty of opportunities to score a touchdown once again.
Defenses:
Titians vs. Cle (ESPN 5.9%)
The Titians defense has surprisingly been very solid this year. They are ranked 10th in yards allowed this season, being 9th vs. the pass and 14th vs. the run. They are also top 10 in both sacks (12) and interceptions (6). But what really makes the Titians an enticing pick up is the opponent they are going against. The Browns are one of the most turnover prone teams is the league (8th most) and have been 24th in points scored per game. On top of that, we have no idea who will be active at QB this week.
Steelers @ Mia (ESPN 37.4%)
Although the Steelers defense is not great, they are one of my favorite units to start this week. They have a juicy match up against the 1–4 Dolphins. Last week Miami was destroyed by the Titians; with the Titians forcing two interceptions. Adding the fact that the Dolphins have one of the worst offensive lines in football (23rd, based on Pro Football rankings), Steelers are definitely worth a pick up.
