DFS Army’s Gthom goes over the quarterbacks to stream this week. The quarterbacks to stream on this list are normally available in 40-percent of leagues.
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August 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Russell Wilson (DEN) vs Las Vegas Raiders
Available in 31% of ESPN Leagues
Last year the Raiders finished as the fourth-worst defense against opposing quarterbacks. They allowed an average of 18.5-FPPG to the position. In 2022 they also had troubled sacking opposing quarterbacks, struggled to create interceptions and ultimately allowed 24.6 points per-game to opposing offenses which was 26th-best.
The end of 2022 became interesting for Wilson, who struggled immensely and let a lot of fantasy managers down. But in his final four games he finished as the QB2 on a FPPG basis. On his way to a successful down-the-stretch run, Wilson scored 26.6, 11.3, 24.6 and 24.1 fantasy points, respectively (injured in Week 15).
Turning the page on 2022 is key for stomaching Wilson as a one of the quarterbacks to stream in Week 1. Nevertheless, this looks like a good spot for a Wilson since there is little quality options available on waivers. Wilson is at home and implied to win by four points and those are added bonuses for this play.
Jared Goff (DET) @ Kansas City Chiefs
Available in 52% of ESPN Leagues
With Week 1 failing to provide many streaming options, hold your nose and plug Goff into your lineup. Being on the road is not ideal for Mr. Goff, but at his fingertips is an offense with play makers. Despite being 5.5-point underdogs the Lions have a team implied total of 23.5 points.
For the 2022 season Goff averaged the 10th-most FPPG at the quarterback position with 17.1. The issue is his ability to play at a high level away from home. When playing on the road Goff averaged 11.98-FPPG and bust multiple times.
On the plus side Kansas City struggled to stop opposing quarterbacks in 2022. They were the third-worst against quarterbacks and allowed a whopping 21.3-FPPG to the position. As you know, the Chiefs outscore opponents and their defense is not relied upon; opposing teams must air it out and try to keep up, usually becoming one dimensional with the passing game. That would be your biggest hope with Goff and the Lions.
The Chiefs best defensive weapon, Chris Jones, is also in the midst of a holdout and moments ago Travis Kelce became questionable for this contest. Detroit still has an uphill battle but Kelce and Jones are the two most important pieces for this Kansas City team (not named Patrick Mahomes).
This is not a play you should love but Goff is the best option for quarterbacks available in 40% of fantasy leagues heading into Week 1.
Jordan Love (GB) @ Chicago Bears
Available in 84% of ESPN Leagues
Love has not looked particularly good in his extremely limited sample size. Luckily he was able to sit behind Aaron Rodgers for three seasons before being launched into the starting role.
The Bears struggled to defend quarterbacks in fantasy last season and allowed 18.2-FPPG, sixth-worst. They also allowed the most points to opposing offenses, which was 463 points or 27-PPG – YIKES!
Even with a good match-up, proceed with caution. Love is the least favorite quarterback within this list. If Cooper Kupp is available for the Rams in Week 1, that may move Matthew Stafford over Love for Week 1 streaming (not wanting to rely on Stafford either).
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