Methodology
In this streaming article, I will provide you the best weekly options to stream quarterback, tight end, and D/ST. In each section, I’ll break down two streamers in detail, both of which will be under 50% owned, according to ESPN’s ownership percentage at the time of writing. Playing the matchups is a crucial feature of redraft fantasy football, and especially in a crazy 2020 season, active fantasy owners will have a massive advantage.
I also want to provide added value for each type of streamer this season. I’ll highlight any players from 50-60% owned in each section if they’re superior options to both of my streaming candidates at that specific position. Those players are “probably owned,” but they could be out there in 10-team or shallower formats. I won’t offer analysis on these players, just the names and matchups.
If neither of my two suggested streamers is under 25% ownership percentage, I will give a “super-deep” option. That feature should help those owners playing in deeper leagues with few waiver-wire options. Like the “probably owned” players, I’ll list the players without analysis. I realize that all leagues are different, and I want to accommodate all of my readers.
Quarterback
Streamer #1: Ryan Tannehill at Vikings, 34.4% owned
I recommended Tannehill as a Week 2 streamer against the Jaguars, and he delivered. Even without top receiver A.J. Brown, Tannehill completed 18/24 passes for 239 yards and four touchdowns. He hasn’t added as much on the ground this season, with only 14 and 12 yards in each game. However, Tannehill seems to have maintained his momentum from 2019 as a passer, much improved from his time in Miami.
The Vikings have been terrible on defense in the first two weeks, giving up 43 points to the Packers and 28 to the Colts. Their coverage unit has performed incredibly poorly, and I don’t expect this matchup to be any different. Tannehill has proven his worth. He’s a low-end QB1 if Brown plays and a borderline QB1 if Brown sits.
Streamer #2: Joe Burrow at Eagles, 45.2% owned
Despite playing the relatively tough Chargers and Browns matchups, Burrow has played well for fantasy owners through two weeks. In Week 1, Burrow saved his day with a rushing touchdown, but the Chargers shut him down through the air. However, Burrow found his passing stride in Week 2, throwing a whopping 61 passes. He completed 60.7% of those, and he threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns.
The Eagles’ defense performed poorly in their two losses against Washington and the Rams so far. The Rams run a similar offense to what the Bengals would like to play, and Jared Goff threw 267 yards and three touchdowns against them. Having watched Burrow’s game against the Browns, I believe that he’s the truth as an NFL quarterback. I would slightly prefer to go with Tannehill, but Burrow is a borderline QB1 in Week 3.
Super Deep Option: Gardner Minshew vs. Dolphins, 19.3% owned
Tight End
Streamer #1: Mike Gesicki at Jaguars, 48.1% owned
I don’t understand how Gesicki’s ownership percentage is so low. Perhaps some fantasy owners dropped him after his Week 1 performance against the Patriots, where he only caught three of five targets for 30 yards. Considering that the Patriots are a stingy defense, we may have overreacted to Gesicki’s stats.
In Week 2, Gesicki dominated the game, catching eight of 11 targets for 130 yards and a touchdown. He played well despite playing the Bills’ defense, which is not an easy matchup. Now, Gesicki gets an excellent Week 3 matchup against the lowly Jaguars. The Jaguars got torched by Titans’ tight end Jonnu Smith in Week 2, and I believe Gesicki is more talented than Smith. Therefore, Gesicki is a clear TE1 in Week 3.
Streamer #2: Jonnu Smith at Vikings, 38.6% owned
Speaking of Smith, he’s also a great streamer in Week 3. He put up four receptions on five targets for 84 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2, although he did that without A.J. Brown in the lineup. Whether Brown returns or not, Smith has four receptions in each of his games and at least five targets in both contests.
Volume is king at the tight end position, and Smith should continue to see significant opportunities. As I mentioned above with Tannehill, the Vikings are a porous defense, who should allow the Titans to succeed in their passing game. I don’t see the same reception ceiling in Smith that Gesicki offers, but I have Smith as a low-end TE1 for Week 3.
Super Deep Options: Logan Thomas at Browns, 10.4% owned, Dalton Schultz at Seahawks, 0.9% owned, Drew Sample at Eagles, 0.1% owned, Mo Alie-Cox vs. Jets, 0.5% owned
D/ST
Streamer #1: Chargers vs. Panthers, 27.2% owned
There’s no denying how amazing the Chargers’ defense has played through two weeks. They held the Bengals to 13 points in a Week 1 win and the vaunted Chiefs’ offense to 23 points in a Week 2 overtime loss. The Bengals scored 30 points in their other game, while the Chiefs scored 34 points in theirs. Therefore, the Chargers are a solid NFL defense.
However, the Chargers D/ST also benefits from the team’s offensive gameplan. They like to run the ball with Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley, controlling the clock and limiting the opposing offense’s opportunities. The Chargers have an excellent opponent in Week 3, where they play the Panthers.
Teddy Bridgewater threw two interceptions and took five sacks in Week 2 against the Buccaneers, allowing the Bucs D/ST to score 11 points. The Panthers will also face the Chargers without star running back Christian McCaffrey, who will miss the game with a high ankle sprain. There are no perfect streamers this week, but the Chargers should be a safe, top-10 play with upside.
Streamer #2: Titans at Vikings, 34.5% owned
I’m not entirely confident in the Titans, but they’re the best remaining streaming D/ST. They’ve only scored three total fantasy points in their first two games, but I’m hoping they can turn it around in Week 3. The Titans are an excellent real-life defense, and they can always turn in a strong effort, especially against the Vikings.
The Vikings were a complete disaster against the Colts’ defense in Week 3. Kirk Cousins had a horrific game, where he threw three interceptions and completed 11/26 of his passing attempts. The Colts also sacked Cousins three times on their way to a 17-point fantasy game. I don’t think the Vikings’ offense will turn things around anytime soon, so I’ll play the Titans as a top-10 play in Week 3. I’d rather use the Chargers, as they have a higher floor and ceiling, but the Titans are also a good option.
Super Deep Option: Browns vs. Washington, 9.4% owned
Thanks for reading this article. You can find me on Twitter at @DFF_Karp. I love to interact with anyone in the community, so reach out at any time! I take fantasy questions and help with all formats, so keep sending those questions my way.
