Fantasy players will have to decide whether last week’s high-scoring running back is a sign of things to come or a fluke. However, the most critical part of the waiver wire is finding the right players to stream for the upcoming matchup. Whether you need an injury replacement or your current starter has a bad matchup, it is critical to find the right player to stream. With that in mind, here are eight potential streaming options for Week 12.
The following players are own in under 50 percent of ESPN leagues. All stats are based on four-point per passing touchdown and PPR scoring.
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Cam Newton at Miami Dolphins (40.9%)
In his first start since returning to the Carolina Panthers, Newton was close to perfect. He completed 77.8 percent of his passes, threw two touchdowns, and scored 26.2 fantasy points. Newton also had his typical role in the running game, finishing with 46 rushing yards and 10.6 fantasy points on the ground against the Washington Football Team. Since returning to the Panthers, Newton has scored a touchdown on 11.4 percent of his throws and rushing attempts. This week Newton takes on a Dolphins defense that has allowed quarterbacks to average 1.8 passing touchdowns and 19.3 fantasy points per game this season. As he learns the offense, Newton will become a better quarterback. He has top-12 upside this week and the rest of the season.
Jimmy Garoppolo vs Minnesota Vikings (13.5%)
Over the past four weeks, the only quarterbacks to score more fantasy points than Garoppolo have been Justin Herbert and Josh Allen. Since Week 8, Garoppolo has averaged two touchdowns, 251.5 passing yards, and 19.7 fantasy points per game. Surprisingly, Garoppolo has scored 14.7 or more fantasy points in all but two games this season. Fantasy owners should expect Garoppolo to keep up his recent success this week against the Vikings. They have allowed quarterbacks to average 19.2 fantasy points per game this season. However, they have given up 23.3 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks over the past month, giving up at least 17.2 fantasy points in three of those contests. While starting Garoppolo might be distasteful, his recent production makes him an excellent streaming option.
Logan Thomas vs Seattle Seahawks (47.0%)
On Monday, Washington designated Thomas to return from injured reserve, opening up his practice window. Before going on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, Thomas averaged 11.2 fantasy points per game in the three healthy contests. He scored two touchdowns in those games while averaging 4.7 targets per game. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have allowed tight ends to average 14.5 fantasy points per game this season. Last week, they gave up a season-high two touchdowns and 28.8 fantasy points to Zach Ertz. It marked the third time the Seahawks have given up 20 or more fantasy points to tight ends this season. While Thomas won’t score 20 fantasy points in his return this week, the matchup makes him a top-10 tight end.
Austin Hooper at Baltimore Ravens (21.1%)
The veteran tight end has been mostly quiet this season, averaging only 5.1 fantasy points per game over the first nine games of the year. However, Hooper has averaged four catches on six targets for 39 receiving yards, 0.5 touchdowns, and 10.9 fantasy points per game over the past two weeks. More importantly, Hooper had a 19.4 percent target share over in those two games. Fantasy owners should expect Hooper to keep up his recent play against the Ravens on Sunday night. They have allowed tight ends to average 16.4 fantasy points per game this season. They have also given up three touchdowns over the past four weeks to tight ends. While Hooper won’t score 16 fantasy points this week, he should have no trouble scoring 11 or more against the Ravens.
Washington Football Team D/ST vs Seattle Seahawks (30.9%)
During the preseason, many had the Washington D/ST projected as a top-three unit this season. Yet, they have averaged only 3.2 fantasy points per game this season because of poor play and injuries. However, they have played better over the past four games, averaging 6.3 fantasy points per game. On Monday night, they face a Seahawks team that has struggled on offense recently. Over the past four games, opposing D/STs have averaged 9.3 fantasy points per game against the Seahawks. Furthermore, opposing D/STs have averaged 11.5 fantasy points per game in the two games with Russell Wilson under center since returning from a finger injury. While starting a D/ST against Wilson seems foolish, given how he has played recently, the Washington D/ST is a viable streaming option this week.
Las Vegas Raiders D/ST at Dallas Cowboys (13.4%)
Two weeks ago, the Raiders D/ST scored a season-low negative seven fantasy points against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, removing the game against the Chiefs, the Raiders D/ST has averaged 7.3 fantasy points per game since Week 6. Despite getting blown out at home by the Cincinnati Bengals, the Raiders D/ST had three sacks and scored six fantasy points. This week they face a Dallas team that will likely be without its top two wide receivers. Amari Cooper will miss the game because of Covid-19. His teammate, CeeDee Lamb, is in the concussion protocol and unlikely to play. Last week the Chiefs D/ST scored a season-high 16 fantasy points against the Cowboys. The Raiders D/ST should have a solid performance against the Cowboys, minus their top two wide receivers on Thanksgiving.
Zane Gonzalez at Miami Dolphins (19.3%)
Since Week 8, Gonzalez has been the fourth-highest scoring kicker, averaging 11 fantasy points per game. Over those four weeks, he has scored 17 fantasy points twice. More importantly, Gonzalez hasn’t missed a kick of any kind since Week 4. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have allowed kickers to average 9.4 fantasy points per game this season. They have given up 10 or more fantasy points in over 70 percent of their games this season, including seven of the past eight games. With Newton under center, the Panthers’ offense is starting to come together, which will create plenty of kicking opportunities for Gonzalez.
Robbie Gould vs Minnesota Vikings (4.7%)
After missing four games with a groin injury, Gould has averaged 9.3 fantasy points per game. He has scored at least nine fantasy points in two of those contests. More importantly, Gould has missed only one kick this season; a field goal from 50 plus yards in Week 1. Last week, he scored a season-high 14 fantasy points as he made all three of his field goals and extra-point attempts. Meanwhile, the Vikings have given up an average of 9.3 fantasy points per game to kickers this season. They have given up at least eight fantasy points in all but one game this season, including seven in a row. This week, Gould will have no trouble scoring nine or more fantasy points for the third game in the row.
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