Two of the biggest positions for streaming in fantasy are quarterback and defense. Here in this article, we will break down the best options at quarterback and defense, hoping to steer fantasy managers into decisions that create wins. This article will focus mostly on players less than 40-percent rostered.
Quarterback
Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, WSH) vs LAC
The sportsbooks have this contest as a low-scoring, back-and-forth affair. With a tight 1-point spread, this game features two quarterbacks who can air it out when needed, so ceiling games can be possible although not as likely given the game’s projection. Even with a low game-total projected, Ryan Fitzpatrick finally has a starting job that he knows is his and he is surrounded by solid weapons, and a great defense.
Los Angeles had a rough year stopping quarterbacks in 2020. They struggled to sack the quarterback and get turnovers, finishing eighth and ninth-worst respectively. Additionally, they allowed the eighth-most FPPG to the quarterback position. Look for Fitzpatrick to come away with a fringe QB1 finish in Week 1.
Tyrod Taylor (QB, HOU) vs JAX
Houston lacks pass-catchers and their running back room is very crowded. If Houston expects to legitimately compete for a win in this game they are going to need Taylor’s ability to run the football.
The opposing defense was one-of-three teams to allow more than an average of 23-FPPG to the quarterback position. In addition, the Jacksonville defense struggled to take the ball away and finished second to last in sacking the quarterback. These are two huge metrics in Taylor’s favor while playing at home in Houston.
If Taylor succeeds at running the football, there could be opportunities to air it out as well. If the Houston quarterback can do both, even in an inefficient manner, he could easily give you a solid stream for Week 1. His most likely ceiling is a high-end QB2 finish but if Jacksonville’s quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, is able to light up the scoreboard then Taylor’s ceiling could go up further.
Sam Darnold (QB, CAR) vs NYJ
Sam Darnold enters with a fresh start in Carolina and immediately gets to take on his former employer in Week 1. Darnold walks into a new QB-room with several quality weapons at his disposal, one of which is a fantasy stud, Christian McCaffrey. This Panther offense, without McCaffrey, was able to produce a top-12 quarterback 33-percent of the time in 2020 and one could argue that Darnold is more talented than his predecessor.
The New York Jets allowed the fifth-most FPPG to the quarterback position in 2020. To no one’s surprise, the Jets also struggled to put pressure on the quarterback and force turnovers. If they continue to struggle at creating pressure and takeaways in Week 1, it could mean trouble for New York.
You can easily see several scenarios where Darnold is a part of every touchdown for his team. You likely won’t see a turnover-free game for the former USC product, but a mostly clean game nonetheless. Look for Darnold to finish as a fringe top-12 quarterback on the week.
DST
Miami Dolphins (@NE)
Miami left 2020 with the second-highest blitz rate in the NFL while finishing 10th in sacks, 13th in pressures, and 1st in turnovers and turnover percentage. From a fantasy points perspective, they finished fourth overall.
On the other side of the ball is a rookie quarterback making his debut, Mac Jones. Nerves will be high and history has shown us how rookie quarterbacks are prone to turnovers and sacks during their first season, which makes me want to exploit this possible mismatch.
With the Dolphins’ blitz rate, coupled with the fact they lead the NFL in interceptions last season, Miami should be able to get a few turnovers and possibly spark your D/ST spot in Week 1.
Miami is a streaming option this week but could wind up being a solid fantasy defense in 2021.
Carolina Panthers (vs NYJ)
Facing another rookie quarterback in Week 1 is the Carolina Panthers who will host the New York Jets.
Sportsbooks have this game favoring the Panthers by a decent margin, 4.5 points. The higher the spread, the more that it implies that the Jets have a likely probability of trailing; when teams trail they normally throw the ball more often, find themselves in long-down situations, and even tend to try and force big plays into happening – give me that with a rookie quarterback making his NFL debut on the road. If New York does trail big then your chances at a pick-six also climb.
Sure, these Jets are different from the 2020 Jets but lately, this organization has been a mess and the jury is still out on how much improvement will come about in New York. Finally, just last season the Jets allowed the league-most fantasy points to opposing defenses at 9.4-FPPG.
Carolina is not necessarily the best streaming option, but they certainly are set up for a respectable floor/ceiling combination.
Denver Broncos (vs NYG)
We have all seen Daniel Jones’ history with turning the ball over. As a team the New York Giants were the 10th-worst in turnover percentage, ending 12.6-percent of all drives with a form of a turnover. On top of that, New York also allowed the most sacks and finished with the worst touchdown percentage at 2.3-percent.
Denver obviously has a presumable lightweight opponent scheduled at home in Week 1. Denver is known to be well-coached on defense and play with grit. Last season the Broncos logged the ninth-most sacks, despite Von Miller missing the entire year, and finished seventh overall in pressures applied to the quarterback. Jones is a quarterback that can be rattled if the Broncos can get to him, the upside of this is multiple turnovers and maybe a pick-six.
Denver is a formidable streaming option in Week 1 and it is possible they could finish as a top-ten team this week.
