QB Streamers: Week 2
The 2018 fantasy season has arrived and with that comes the need to dig through the waiver wire to find hidden gems that can put up big numbers. Whether you need to pick up a player to fill in for an injured starter or a bad matchup, streaming the right player off waivers can be the difference between a win and a loss. In selecting a waiver wire player to start for your team, it is important to consider their matchup, notable injuries or suspensions, as well as historical trends. Based on these criteria, here some quarterbacks you might want to consider benching this week:
Deshaun Watson (vs Titans)
Matt Ryan (vs Panthers)
Matt Stafford (vs 49ers)
Derek Carr (vs Broncos)
With that, here are 3 QB options that should perform well this week that are owned in less than 15% of leagues (NFL.com):
Case Keenum
Owned Percentage: 11.1%
Matchup: vs Oakland Raiders
Analysis: Case Keenum had an uneven performance last week (3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions), but overall solid fantasy production, finishing as the QB 12. One encouraging sign from the Broncos’ first game is that Keenum has a lot of capable players to throw the ball to. Both Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders looked reliable, and Philip Lindsay also looked like a dynamic player out of the backfield. The Broncos’ offensive output week 1 was encouraging, which makes Keenum a great play against an Khalil Mack-less Raiders’ defense who just gave up 30+ points to the Rams.
Joe Flacco
Owned Percentage: 4.3%
Matchup: @ Cincinnati Bengals
Analysis: Joe Flacco was listed in last week’s QB streamer article, and for all who listened, he didn’t disappoint. Finishing as the QB7, Flacco looked comfortable completing passes to nearly all of his offensive weapons, as the Ravens finished with 7 receivers catching more than 3 balls but none with more than 5. Yes, Flacco’s production did come against what looked like a Arena football caliber team last week, but it should also be noted that he was a victim of his own success, getting subbed out of the game for Lamar Jackson in the second half. He has a short week, playing Thursday night against the Bengals, but making the move to put him into your lineup could prove worthwhile.
Mitchell Trubisky
Owned Percentage: 4.4%
Matchup: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Analysis: Sans a superhero comeback in the 4th quarter by Aaron Rodgers, Mitchell Trubisky would be heralded as the savior of the Bears, starting the season off with a win against the rival Green Bay Packers. His play last season made me skeptical of what he’d play like this year, but Trubisky’s hot start last game (7-7, 104 yards, rushing TD) has me convinced that he is a far superior player this year. Add to that his matchup against a defense that just allowed nearly 400 passing yards and 3 TDs to Case Keenum in week 1 and Trubisky looks like a more intriguing play. The fact that the Seahawks, along with an iffy defense, also have Russell Wilson supports a game script that could turn into a shootout. Trubisky should finish as a top 12 quarterback, which is worth a starting spot in a bunch of leagues.