"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 of the top streaming options at those three positions, as well as tight end — a position I don't recommend streaming week-to-week — 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 emphasis on a player's long-term projection.
Note that most of these players are rostered in fewer than 50% of Yahoo! leagues, but that these recommendations do not mean that they are the best streamer play for your league — be sure to check my up-to-the-minute rankings to see who the best available player is in your league.
Read on for my Week 15 streaming analysis.
Patriots QB Mac Jones @ Raiders (18% rostered)
The Patriots' top two running backs wide receivers are questionable for this week, so we will have to check in with Jones’ updated rank later in the week. Nonetheless, he opens as my QB12.
This is a great matchup against a Raiders defense that ranks dead last in DVOA against the pass and was just beaten by Baker Mayfield, despite Mayfield having less than 48 hours to learn the Rams' playbook.
We have also reached the time of year when weather could impact games more frequently, but Jones will be playing indoors, so weather won’t be an issue. Check my updated rankings later in the week to see who the top available QB is in your league.
Jets TE Tyler Conklin vs. Lions (26%)
Assuming Evan Engram and David Njoku aren’t available, Tyler Conklin is likely the top option on your waiver wire at this position.
He continues to run a route on approximately 70% of the Jets' drop backs with a more efficient passing attack led by Mike White. This situation could change based on White’s status, so check my updated rankings later in the week to see if this is still my recommendation.
Vikings K Greg Joseph vs. Colts (20%)
The Vikings have the second-highest implied team total of the week and play indoors, so Joseph should see plenty of scoring opportunities. He serves as a safe play this week with quality upside. Joseph opens as my fourth-ranked kicker this week.
Broncos Defense vs. Cardinals (44%)
Denver should be able to tee off against Colt McCoy this week and the Cardinals have the second-lowest implied team total. They open the week as my third-ranked defense.
