Fantasy Football Week 4 Streamers: You Like That?!
With all the injuries so far, this might be the year of the streamers. For those that are unaware, streamers are players that are usually available on waivers, set up to provide starting value for a week, and sometimes more. Each week, I will be providing some of my top streaming options in place of players dealing with injuries, byes, COVID, tough matchups, etc.
Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings, Quarterback
After a rough week 2, Cousins bounced back in his most recent outing to provide fantasy value. This should continue as he has a favorable matchup with the Houston Texans this week. Both teams are coming into similar situations with poor defenses, searching for their first win. Through three weeks, it’s clear that the Vikings are going to have to rely on their offense to get the job done. With a star wide receiver like Adam Thielen, and the emergence of first-round rookie Justin Jefferson, Cousins has the chance to have a big day in a potential shoot out.
Honorable Mentions: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jared Goff
Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks, Running Back
A veteran in the league, Carlos Hyde has been capable of being a lead back. Last season he rushed for over a thousand yards and showed the ability to adjust to a new system. With Carson and Penny sidelined, Hyde gets a favorable matchup against a Dolphins defense that just allowed 129 scrimmage yards and 2 touchdowns to undrafted running back James Robinson. Even with Russell Wilson cooking, Hyde should see plenty of touches to return value.
Honorable Mentions: Myles Gaskin, Jeff Wilson Sr., Rex Burkhead
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers, Wide Receiver
After a breakout performance last Sunday, it’s clear that Kyle Shanan wants to get first-round rookie Brandon Aiyuk involved. With all the injuries to 49ers’ pass-catchers and running backs, Aiyuk seems to be the beneficiary in touches, posting 70 receiving yards and 31 rushing yards with a touchdown in his last outing. Aiyuk’s rushing and receiving ability should give him a safe floor and a high ceiling every week.
Honorable Mentions: Justin Jefferson, Greg Ward Jr.
Eric Ebron, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tight End
After two disappointing weeks, Ebron was finally able to put together a fantasy-relevant performance. In his last outing, he hauled in his first touchdown of the season along with 5 receptions for 54 yards. It is important to note that Ebron received a season-high in targets, 7, in a game that saw Diontae Johnson leave early. Even with Johnson’s status in question, Roethlisberger has shown a history of targeting his tight ends. Ebron’s big performances in the past have largely come through touchdown production. Given the Titans have allowed a tight end to score each week so far, Ebron could find the endzone again this Sunday.
Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Graham, Mo Alie-Cox, Dalton Schultz
Los Angeles Rams, D/ST
Normally I try to separate my starts and streamers, but this Rams defense is a must-start this week. Led by two of the top defenders in the league in Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, Daniel Jones, and the Giants are in for a long day. The combination of injuries on offense, a poor o-line, and a turnover-prone quarterback, sets the Rams defense up for a big performance.
Honorable Mentions: Denver Broncos, New York Jets
-By: Sunny Choudhury