"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.
Saints QB Jameis Winston @ ATL (46% Rostered)
Heading into Week 1 of last season, Winston’s top three wide receivers were Marquez Callaway, Deonte Harty and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. That's a far cry from Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry and Chris Olave, the top three he'll be opening this season with.
I like the idea of taking a flier on Winston early in the season because he’s capable of posting low-end QB1 numbers when he has enough talent surrounding him.
Chargers TE Gerald Everett vs. LV (24% Rostered)
With fellow Chargers TE Donald Parham expected to miss Week 1, Everett moves up to my TE11 this week. Today, he could end up being Justin Herbert’s No. 3 or 4 option, especially in the red zone.
Everett’s receiving yards have increased in each of his seasons in the NFL. I expect that trend to continue this year.
Colts K Rodrigo Blankenship @ HOU (22% Rostered)
The Colts have the fourth-highest team total this week, meaning Blankenship should see plenty of scoring opportunities. He’s my favorite streaming option at kicker and better-yet, he's widely available!
Bengals DEF vs. PIT (36% Rostered)
The Bengals are a solid streaming option for Week 1. We still don't know whether it’ll be Mitch Trubisky or Kenny Pickett under center for the Steelers, but it shouldn't really matter. Whoever it is should struggle behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league.
Trey Hendrickson and company should be able to take advantage of their opening matchup and provide a high floor for a defense that is available in 64% of Yahoo! leagues.
