Editor's note: The tight end recommendation was changed after the original pick, Colts TE Jack Doyle, was been ruled out. All rankings are as of Saturday night.
Streaming quarterback, kicker and defense has been a strategy I've used successfully for years.
Last season, I 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, though still offer recommendations for fantasy players who may need a short-term rental.
If you had followed all my recommendations between Weeks 1-16 of the 2019 season, here's the type of season-long production you would have gotten in return:
- Quarterback: QB6
- Tight end: TE18
- Kicker: K4
- Defense: DEF4
I'm continuing that series of weekly recommendations this season.
The Chargers defense (DEF4) was the highlight of last week's plays, though Rodrigo Blankenship (K18), Tyrod Taylor (QB31) and Eric Ebron (TE34) were duds. That said, Week 1 is the hardest to project — especially without a preseason to evaluate players and teams — so my projections will sharpen as the season goes on.
Without further ado, let's go streaming!
Note: All recommendations are available in at least 50% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues as of writing.
Week 2 Defense Streamer
Cardinals vs. Washington
Rank: DEF6 [Go To My Full Rankings]
The Cardinals defense could end up being the most improved in 2020.
Arizona should be able to get pressure on Dwayne Haskins, so I have the Cardinals projected for the fourth-highest sack projection at 3.1. Haskins avoided throwing an interception against the Eagles in Washington's 27-17 win, but in Week 2 he is a 6.5-point underdog and could be forced to drop back more.
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The chances of Haskins having at least one turnover against the Cardinals are high. I like the Cardinals as a widely available streaming play this week.
Week 2 QB Streamer
Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky vs. Giants
Rank: QB14 [Go To My Full Rankings]
You know it's a tough week for streamers when Trubisky is being nominated. He'll have a fairly short leash this season with Nick Foles as his backup, but it may force Trubisky to improve in Year 4.
He was lackluster for three quarters this past Sunday, but then led the Bears to a 21-0 fourth quarter to upset the Lions. One thing that was notable was how much better his supporting cast is this season. Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller will continue to be a solid WR duo. Darnell Mooney flashed his potential as Taylor Gabriel's replacement. And Jimmy Graham is an upgrade over the J.P. Holtz and Jesper Horsted TE committee the Bears had over the final eight games of 2019.
Trubisky looked good on his three carries for 26 yards, so I’m optimistic the Bears will encourage him to use his legs more this season. Plus the Giants should be more of a pass funnel defense this year, so I like this spot for Mitch.
Week 2 Kicker Streamer
Buccaneers K Ryan Succop vs. Panthers
Rank: K4 [Go To My Full Rankings]
The Bucs had a rough start to the season, but I expect them to bounce back against the Panthers. Tampa Bay should be in scoring position frequently.
Week 2 TE Streamer
49ers TE Jordan Reed at Jets
Rank: TE14 [Go To My Full Rankings]
George Kittle has been ruled out, which moves Reed up to my TE14. He's widely available considering he's rostered in only 5% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues, and is now my top streaming TE play this week.
Potential Long-Term Add: Bucs TE O.J. Howard (17%)
Rob Gronkowski looked like the broken down version we saw last in 2018. Howard split routes with Gronk at an even 50/50 split and has a reasonable chance to become their No. 3 target going forward.
Howard is worth a speculative add in deeper leagues.
