"Streaming" quarterbacks, defenses and kickers has been a fantasy football strategy I've successfully used for years.
I've parlayed that success into a series of weekly recommendations for the top streaming options at those three positions, as well as tight end, which can be of assistance in a pinch.
The concept behind streaming is that you add someone for a given week based on the matchup, rather than putting the emphasis behind a player's long-term projection.
I’m only highlighting players who are available in at least 40% of Yahoo! leagues. Please refer to my player rankings based on your league settings to see who is the best available player in your league.
QB Matthew Stafford
vs. Cardinals (57% rostered)
Stafford finished with 222 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions against the Eagles in Week 5. He could have had a bigger game, but the Rams only had the ball for 22 minutes. Philadelphia dominated time of possession and really lowered the play volume for Los Angeles' offense.
Cooper Kupp was incredible in his season debut, and the combination of him and Puka Nacua looks like it'll be lethal moving forward.
In Week 6, Stafford has a plus matchup against Arizona and opens the week inside my top 20.
TE Zach Ertz
at Rams (50% rostered)
Ertz continues to operate as the clear TE1 for the Cardinals. He logged his second straight week with at a routes run rate over 80%. He had two catches for 10 yards against Cincinnati, but he did find the end zone.
Ertz's underlying usage supports a projection of about four receptions this week, so he opens the week inside my top-10 tight ends.
K Blake Grupe
at Texans
There's no slam-dunk option at kicker this week, so we'll go with Grupe. The Saints' rookie kicker has been very good, making 11 of his 12 attempts this season, including three from 50 or more yards.
It's a week where we could see a handful of games deal with rain and/or wind. It's nice to know the weather won't be an option at the domed NRG Stadium.
Falcons D/ST
vs. Commanders
Facing Sam Howell elevates an opposing defense's projection for sacks and interceptions. Atlanta hasn't produced much of either this season, but this matchup could provide a decent boost. When streaming defenses, we don't have access to the top teams anyway.
It's also important to note that the Falcons open the week as a top-five defense this week, but defenses are very volatile. So, that shouldn't be translated as I think the Falcons will end up as a top-five defense in Week 6.
However, the Falcons check the boxes this week in a lot of the more stable and predictive metrics I'm looking for. They're a decent bet to finish in the top half this week as a result. (That's how I would manage expectations when it comes to streaming them this week.)
