WE. BACK. BABY! The NFL kicks off tonight, and if you’re reading this, you’re as excited as I am! You also probably lost Travis Kelce and can’t believe you are about to stream a tight end in Week 1. It’s rough, but I’ve got you covered. Here are my Top 5 Streaming options from our Week 1 QB, TE, and Defense rankings.
A Quick Note: You will notice that I do not cover Kicker streams. We leave that to the experts, so check out Linda’s rankings.
Accountability
After this week, this will be the section where I celebrate victories or, more often, lament defeat. When dealing with players available in at least 50% of leagues, there are almost always more losses than wins. I am changing the process a little this year.
I previously focused on weekly rankings, which sounds cool but doesn’t mean much for your fantasy team. This year, it’s all about how many points the streams score. Last season, the QB12 averaged 18 points per game, the TE12 only 8 per game, and the DEF12 hit 6 per game. A win is when we beat those numbers, with the ultimate goal being that my top three picks combine for more than 32 points. We want to beat the 12 because, in a basic 12-person league, you want your stream to be startable each week. It’s a higher standard, and it’s going to be a fun season.
Note: As the season progresses, around Week 4, I will start comparing to this season’s stats.
Week 1 Streams of the Week
Reminder: All picks were available in over 50% of ESPN leagues after waivers had run on Wednesday.
2nd Reminder: You can find our Consensus Rankings here!
Quarterback
Stream of the Week – Derek Carr vs. TEN
It’s a new team for Carr, and seeing what he does outside of Las Vegas will be interesting. Last year, he was the QB17 but really only had Davante Adams as a target. He has Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, Rashid Shaheed, and Juwan Johnson in New Orleans. None are as good as Adams, but they are a much better overall group. The Saints also get Tennessee at home in Week 1. The Titans’ defense gave up the 4th-most points to QBs last year and didn’t improve in the offseason. Carr actually beat them for 24 fantasy points in Week 2 last season. He should be able to repeat that and more to open the 2023 campaign.
Other Options
- Jared Goff @ KC
- Jordan Love @ CHI
- Sam Howell vs. ARZ
- Bryce Young @ ATL
Tight Ends
Stream of the Week – Juwan Johnson vs. TEN
As mentioned above: Tennessee’s defense=Not Good. They also allowed the 5th-most points to fantasy TEs last season. Johnson seems primed for a breakout with Carr, who loves throwing to his tight ends. Last year, Johnson was the TE14 on just 65 targets. He also scored seven touchdowns on that low volume, and that endzone prowess is why I love him this week. The Titans allowed six TE touchdowns last year, but all six came in three two-TD games. Johnson could walk out of Week 1 with two tuddies and won’t be a streaming option for long.
Other Options
- Gerald Everett vs. MIA
- Tyler Conklin vs. BUF
- Luke Musgrave @ CHI
- Hayden Hurst @ ATL
DEF/ST
Stream of the Week – Washington Commanders vs. ARZ
Arizona might be the worst team in the league this year, and Washington drew the Golden Ticket for Week 1. It sounds like the Cardinals will start Josh Dobbs just weeks after he was traded from the Browns. Dobbs might know the system, but this is a very different team from Cleveland. The Cardinals gave up the 10th-most points to DEF/ST last year and are worse in 2023. The Commanders ranked as the No.9 fantasy defense and likely improved, especially with Chase Young back and healthy. Let’s call it four sacks, two takeaways, and a defensive TD. I won’t be surprised if Washington is the top defense after Week 1.
Other Options
- Jaguars @ IND
- Vikings vs TB
- Packers @ CHI
- Broncos vs LV
Be sure you’re following Ryan on Twitter! Also, you can find our Week 1 rankings here and the rest of our Week 1 content here!