"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 they face, rather than putting the emphasis behind a player's long-term projection.
Note that 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 4 streaming analysis.
Lions QB Jared Goff vs. SEA (45% Rostered)
Goff has a fantastic matchup against the Seahawks this week. The Lions' 27.5-point implied team total is the second-highest on the board, increasing Goff's touchdown upside.
Additionally, with running back D'Andre Swift out, the Lions may opt to be a bit more pass-heavy. Goff is an ideal play if you're a bigger favorite this week as he has a high floor.
If you're looking for a riskier play that presents a higher ceiling but a lower floor, Marcus Mariota is not a bad option against the Browns. His dual-threat ability opens the door for more upside.
UPDATE: I’m swapping Goff to Marcus Mariota due to Amon-Ra St. Brown and DJ Chark being ruled out with injuries.
Packers TE Robert Tonyan vs. NE (29% Rostered)
Tonyan has seen his playing time increase in each game since his return from an ACL injury, and he is clearly one of Aaron Rodgers' most trusted options.
The tight end has a healthy 23.3% target per route run rate this season, in addition to being an even stronger candidate for targets in the red zone.
Not only is Tonyan worth streaming this week, but he also has appeal as a long-term solution if you have issues at the position.
Lions K Austin Seibert vs. SEA (3% Rostered)
As noted above, the Lions' high implied team total should offer Seibert plenty of opportunities for points this week.
While Seibert did miss two kicks last week, one was a 48-yarder off the upright and the other was a 54-yarder. Unless those kicks get him cut – something to monitor – I'm not too concerned about his accuracy.
Seibert is a slightly below average kicker and he opens the week as my K3.
UPDATE: Seibert has been ruled out with a groin injury. I’m pivoting to Cade York (CLE), who is my K8 this week.
Giants DEF vs. CHI (11% Rostered)
The Giants were finally able to get Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari active in Week 3, and if Leonard Williams can return to action, the Giants will have a defensive line at full health for the first time this year.
While the Bears aren't a pass-heavy team, Justin Fields has taken 10 sacks and thrown four interceptions on the year. The Giants' defense is a high-floor streaming option and it opens as my DEF4.
However, it's important to remember that defensive scoring is highly volatile, and I don't anticipate that the Giants will actually finish the week as a top-four defense due to the statistical improbability that achievement entails.
Nonetheless, this is a good add to make if you're in need of a defense.
