"Streaming" quarterbacks, defenses and kickers has been a fantasy football strategy I've successfully used for years. I've parlayed that success into weekly recommendations for those three positions as well as tight end — a position I don't recommend streaming week-to-week, though still offer recommendations for fantasy players who may need a short-term rental.
Note that these players are rostered in fewer than 50% of Yahoo! leagues as of writing on Tuesday, 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.
49ers QB Trey Lance vs. HOU (12% Rostered)
Jimmy Garoppolo fractured his right thumb and tore his ulnar collateral ligament in the same thumb during Thursday Night Football, putting his Week 17 availability in doubt. All signs point to Trey Lance getting the start against the Texans, and his rushing upside alone makes him a low-end QB1 option this week. Taysom Hill is available in 58% of leagues, so he would be the next-best option if you cannot get Lance. Beyond those two, there are no other QBs that are a must-add this week. Check my updated rankings later in the week to decide which available QB ends up being the best option.
Bears Defense vs. NYG (17%)
The Chicago Bears square off against Jake Fromm, who was so bad in his NFL debut that Mike Glennon replaced him in the second half. The Giants have nothing to gain by playing Glennon, so expect them to let Fromm get the start again this week. I have the Bears currently ranked as my No. 3 DST.
Titans K Randy Bullock vs. MIA (10%)
It's a pretty rough week for streaming kickers. Most of the top options play outdoors, so we will want to monitor the weather closely this week. At time of writing, Bullock is my top streaming option. But I would wait to make my final decision at kicker later in the week by consulting my updated rankings, where I will be factoring everything in — including the weather.
I originally had Michael Badgley as my top streaming option this week, but the Carson Wentz news dropped him from my K5 to K17. This goes to show how much other factors impact my kicker rankings and serves as a perfect reminder to always check my rankings close to games before making any start/sit decisions.
Raiders TE Foster Moreau at IND (22%)
Moreau will be a low-end TE1 if Darren Waller misses his fifth straight game, making him my top streaming option should Waller sit. If Waller returns to action, however, pivot to whoever is available in your leagues and ranked the highest in my updated rankings.
