Week 8 Streaming QBs and D/STs: 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. We hope to steer fantasy managers into decisions that create wins. This article will focus mostly on players less than 50-percent rostered.
Week 8 Streaming QBs
Kirk Cousins (vs DAL) – SNF
We have all seen Cousins’ ability for fantasy and that could be put on further display this week against the Cowboys.
The Cowboys’ defense has forced turnovers on their opponent, but they also have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. That pairs well with Cousins’ ceiling potential, which has been as high as 30-fantasy points.
The best part of this contest, it is probably the safest game for fantasy points and that is due to having the highest over-under in Week 8, at 52.5 points, along with the tight 2.5-point spread. These kinds of game projections from oddsmakers leads us to believe that this is the best opportunity for a high-scoring, closely kept shootout. Simply put, game projections like this are one of the best things you can wish for as a fantasy manager.
It may not be all sunshine and rainbows for Kirk Cousins. While I think Cousins is an excellent and proven commodity, Dalvin Cook can always take over a game. Plus, the Cowboys’ run defense is still a work-in-progress. If a Cook takeover-game were to happen that is likely the only path to failure for Cousins. Overall, Cousins is a safe steamer this week.
Cousins is the top streaming candidate in Week 8 and he is available in 60-percent of ESPN leagues.
Daniel Jones (@KC) – MNF
With a 52-point over-under and a Chiefs defense that has allowed four, top-six quarterbacks and five, top-12 quarterbacks this season, Daniel Jones seems like he may be in line for a great fantasy outing in Week 8.
Oddly enough Jones has played better on the road. Against Washington on the road in Week 2, Jones finished with 29-fantasy points. Furthermore, against a tough New Orleans defense Jones was able to get 26-fantasy points under the Superdome. Couple Jones’ positive road-sentiment with the fact that Kansas City allows the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks and you have a solid recipe for success.
Daniel Jones still *is* who he is and this play comes with some risk, but he could easily finish as a top-six quarterback with his rushing upside. This play becomes even better if he has some of his weapons back, but I would not count on Saquon Barkley’s return at this time.
Jones is available in 72-percent of ESPN leagues heading into Week 8’s waivers.
Carson Wentz (vs TEN)
While Wentz has a bad rep, he is a quarterback to utilize for fantasy heading into Week 8.
Consistent is what Wentz has been for fantasy this season. He has only busted in one contest, while the rest of the time he scored at least 17-fantasy points. Part of his limited upside for fantasy is because of game-script, but another part of the equation is that the Colts want to play slow. I am not sure if playing slow will be an option for them against the Titans in Week 8, and that helps Wentz’ fantasy outlook.
The Titans have allowed 20.6-FPPG to the quarterback position this season and that is sixth-worst in the NFL. Additionally, the Titans have allowed two, top-six finishes to fantasy quarterbacks and four, top-12 finishes as well.
This game gets an added boost due to industry oddsmakers projecting a 1-point spread and a 49.5 over-under. Sprinkle in that Wentz is playing at home and indoors, and you get a formula that could help your fantasy team to victory in Week 8.
Wentz is available in 78-percent of ESPN leagues heading into Week 8 waivers.
Week 8 Streaming QBs — Honorable Mentions
- Teddy Bridgewater (vs WAS)
- Jameis Winston (vs TB)
- Jared Goff (vs PHI)
- Mac Jones (@LAC)
Week 8 Streaming DSTs
Bengals D/ST (@NYJ)
Already one of the worst teams on offense is the New York Jets and this week they will be utilizing a stand-in quarterback who has yet to be named. It will either be newly acquired Joe Flacco or the familiar Mike White – either one should be enough to get Cincy’s D/ST a respectable finish. White could issue enough turnovers to make the Bengals the top fantasy defenses, though.
The Bengals’ D made a statement in Week 7 against the blazing hot Ravens and Lamar Jackson. The Bengals were able to sack Jackson five times on the day and even held him to seven points in the second half. Needless to say, this Jets team will be a far less superior opponent and as a fantasy manager, the Bengals are the top streaming option in Week 8.
The Bengals are available in 77-percent of ESPN leagues heading into Week 8’s waivers.
49ers D/ST (@CHI)
We have all seen the rough showings of the Bears’ rookie quarterback, Justin Fields. Last week against the Bucs, Fields and the rest of Chicago looked bad enough that you cannot help but feel a bullish sentiment towards the 49ers’ being a top-10 fantasy defense in Week 8.
Fields wound up throwing three interceptions against the Bucs in Week 7, and that did not stop Tampa from sacking him four times as well. Fields has been sacked eight times in the last two weeks and as a starter, he averages four sacks allowed per contest. Additionally, Fields has been sacked a league-leading 22 times and he has only started five contests.
Between the sacks and the potential for turnovers, the 49ers will be a great streaming option for fantasy stakeholders in Week 8.
The 49ers are available in 57-percent of ESPN leagues heading into Week 8’s waivers.
Seahawks D/ST (@JAX)
Playing against the Seahawks in Week 8 is the NFL’s league leader in turnovers, Trevor Lawrence. As a rookie Lawrence has gifted opposing defenses with 11 turnovers: eight by way of interception and three by way of fumbles.
One of my favorite things to target when streaming defenses (this also works in DFS formats) is going after rookie quarterbacks…especially when they are on the road. The 12th-Man can be a hostile environment, let us not forget, and it will be interesting to see how Lawrence will look on the road and coming out of his BYE week.
The Seahawks’ defense can allow points to good offenses, but the Jaguars are a unit that this Seattle defense can hang with. Additionally, the Seahawks seem to force at least one turnover per game and log a few sacks as well.
Seattle is the lowest recommended streaming candidate covered in this article and that is largely because, unlike the aforementioned defenses above, the Seahawks will be with their backup quarterback. Having Geno Smith at the helm is not all that bad when considering backup options, but there is certainly a chance that he has one-or-several costly turnovers that lead to short fields and quick points for Lawrence and Co. While you should not bet on that happening, it is in the realm of possibilities and that is why Seattle is the lowest recommended steaming D/ST.
The Seahawk’ D/ST is available in 93-percent of ESPN leagues heading into Week 8’s waivers.
Week 8 Streaming DSTs — Honorable Mentions:
- Falcons D/ST (vs CAR)
- Eagles D/ST (@DET)
- Titans D/ST (@IND)
