By The Stream Master General, Ryan Weisse
Hitting the middle of the season is where streaming gets really fun and really complicated! With bye weeks starting to affect all teams, the waiver wire becomes a battleground for those desperately trying to fill holes and fight for a playoff spot. Sometimes, it’s better to just let the others fight for guys and wait. If you’re new to streaming or new to this article, I’m here to help. All the players listed below are available in 50% or more leagues (Yahoo or ESPN) AFTER waivers have run. So you get the best options without blowing FAAB or your waiver priority. It’s a win/win. Waivers were disrupted a little this week with the NFL having a Tuesday game, but the great majority of these players should be at your disposal if you need a one-week hero.
Accountability
Well, all three of my SOTW picks did pretty well last week, with Teddy Bridgewater finishing in the top-12 and my TE and DEF each scoring 7 fantasy points. Unfortunately, Ebron missed the top-15 and caused me to lose a water bet (video will be Tweeted out soon) but all in all, not a bad week for the SOTW. However, the rest of my QB and TE picks did not fare so well. I continue to kill it with DEF, hitting on 68% of my picks thus far and my Best of the Bunch score, a compilation of my best pick each week, is looking great at every position.
Streams of the Week Recap 2020
| QB | TE | DEF | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Week Wins | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Season Wins | 32 of 78 | 28 of 80 | 51 of 80 |
| SotW - Last Week Rank/Score | QB17 / 20 fantasy pts | TE8 / 14 fantasy pts | DEF2 / 12 fantasy pts |
| SotW - Season Rank/Score | QB17 / 287 fantasy pts | TE10 / 146 fantasy pts | DEF1 / 157 fantasy pts |
| Best of the Bunch - Season Rank/Score | QB1 / 474 fantasy pts | TE3 / 241 fantasy pts | DEF1 / 214 fantasy pts |
**Best of the Bunch is my best pick each week, regardless if they were SOTW or not**
** Updated thru Week 16**
Quarterbacks
SOTW – Kirk Cousins (vs ATL)
Stream of the Week gets kind of easy when a low-rostered QB plays Atlanta in back-to-back weeks. Last week, Teddy Bridgewater was the QB11 against the Falcons, now, it’s Kirk Cousins’ turn. The Falcons give up 345 yards and three TDs on average to opposing QBs. To no one’s surprise, that equates to still giving up the most fantasy points to the position too. Cousins was the QB17 last week against Seattle, still throwing for 249 yards and two TDs. If he hits on that 3rd TD that Atlanta typically gives up (or even a 4th), he will be top-10 in Week 6. Waivers are weird this week but as of Wednesday, Cousins was available in 67% of Yahoo league and 78% on ESPN.
NOTE: Atlanta had a rash of positive COVID tests on Thursday and this game is now in jeopardy. I guess we can’t have nice things!
2. Gardner Minshew (vs DET)
3. Andy Dalton (vs ARZ)
4. Ryan Tannehill (vs HOU)
5. Daniel Jones (vs WAS)
Tight Ends
SOTW – Irv Smith Jr (vs ATL)
This basically ties into my QB SOTW, Cousins should go off this week and I think Smith might benefit. He has been a disappointment thus far in 2020 but did see five targets last week against Seattle, catching four balls for 64 yards. If he can repeat that and add a TD, he’ll be a top-5 TE in Week 6. The Falcons allow the 2nd most fantasy points to TEs on the season but gave no points to Carolina’s TEs last week. This is a gamble but I think it pays off. Unsurprisingly, Smith is available in 95% of leagues on both Yahoo and ESPN.
NOTE: Atlanta had a rash of positive COVID tests on Thursday and this game is now in jeopardy. I guess we can’t have nice things!
2. Eric Ebron (vs CLE)
3. Jordan Akins (@ TEN) – If he misses this game, pivot to Darren Fells again
4. Jimmy Graham (@ CAR)
5. Trey Burton (vs CIN)
DEF/ST
SOTW – Miami Dolphins (vs NYJ)
The Dolphins are playing the Jets, so of course, they are my Stream of the Week. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Miami put on a masterful performance against the 49ers last week and will find the going much, much easier against the Jets. New York decided to fire Le’Veon Bell instead of Adam Gase so there is even less firepower on this offense to worry about. Basically, Jamison Crowder is going to go off but the Dolphins will slow everyone else to a stop. Like Irv Smith, Miami’s DEF has not been reliable yet in 2020, so they are available in over 90% of leagues on both platforms.
2. Cincinnati Bengals (@ IND)
3. Denver Broncos (@ NE)
4. New York Giants (vs WAS)
5. Carolina Panthers (vs CHI)
Looking for more great Week 6 content? Check out Josh’s Confidence Plays and Kyra’s DFS Kash Grabs. We also have our new DFS Matchup Report to help you make lineup decisions!
