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 2.
The following players are owned in under 50 percent of ESPN leagues. All stats are base on four-point per passing touchdown and PPR scoring.
Kirk Cousins at Arizona Cardinals (24.0%)
Cousins appeared on this list last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, finishing with over 22 fantasy points. The Minnesota quarterback is back again this week as he faces the Cardinals. While Ryan Tannehill only scored 14.2 fantasy points against the Cardinals last week, the entire Tennessee offense was a mess. Despite their success last week, the Cardinals still have one of the worse secondaries in the NFL. Cousins threw for 351 passing yards last week, 324 of them coming in regulation. He was repeatedly able to pick apart the defense and should have similar success this week. The Cardinals offense should have their way with the Minnesota defense on Sunday, forcing Cousins to match Kyler Murray throw for throw.
Teddy Bridgewater at Jacksonville Jaguars (4.7%)
In his first start with the Denver Broncos, Bridgewater finished with 20.5 fantasy points. He completed over 77 percent of his passes and threw two touchdowns despite Jerry Jeudy leaving the game early with an ankle injury. This week he faces the Jaguars after they gave up 291 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 23.6 fantasy points to Tyrod Taylor in Week 1. Moreover, Taylor’s 291 passing yards were the third-highest of his career. Last season, the Jaguars gave up the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, giving up over 20 per game. While Jeudy will miss several weeks, Bridgewater has plenty of other weapons at his disposal. Bridgewater is the ideal QB2 for fantasy players in two-quarterback or super flex leagues.
Jared Cook vs Dallas Cowboys (22.6%)
Even with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams recording eight or more catches each, Cook finished with five catches on eight targets last week. Cook scored 10.6 fantasy points last week against the Washington Football Team without reaching the end zone. This week, Cook faces a Dallas team that gave up two touchdowns and 29 fantasy points to Rob Gronkowski on Thursday night. Furthermore, like the Tampa Bay game last week, this matchup against the Chargers should also be a high-scoring contest. After scoring double-digit fantasy points against a tough Washington defense, Cook could finish as a top-five tight end against the Cowboys.
Dalton Schultz at Los Angeles Chargers (1.2%)
Entering the season, fantasy players avoided the Cowboys’ tight ends as it wasn’t clear who would be the starter. However, after Thursday’s game, it appears Schultz has won the job over Blake Jarwin. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Schultz had more targets (six to four), catches (six to three), and fantasy points (10.5 to five) than Jarwin. Furthermore, Michael Gallup will miss 3-5 weeks with a calf injury, opening up more targets for Schultz. Last season, when Jarwin missed 15 games, Schultz finished as the TE11, averaging 9.2 fantasy points per game. Meanwhile, the Chargers gave up 12 fantasy points to Logan Thomas last week despite Ryan Fitzpatrick leaving the game with a hip injury. Schultz should have his second straight game with 10 or more fantasy points this week.
Green Bay Packers D/ST vs Detroit Lions (24.9%)
Last week against the New Orleans Saints, the entire Packers team looked awful. Their D/ST scored negative three fantasy points as they allowed Jameis Winston to throw five touchdowns on only 14 completions. Fantasy players should take that performance and toss it out the window. After their embarrassing performance last week, fantasy players should expect a bounce-back game for the entire Green Bay team this week. Despite giving up 33 points to the Lions last week, the San Francisco 49ers D/ST still scored seven fantasy points, recording three sacks and an interception. The Lions put up their fight last week and will return to their underwhelming expectations this week against the Packers. Fantasy players should expect double-digit fantasy points from the Packers D/ST on Monday.
New York Giants D/ST at Washington Football Team (7.7%)
On Sunday, Washington lost starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a hip injury that will sideline him for several weeks. Taylor Heinicke will take over as the starter. Even with playing at home, Washington will have a short week to prepare for the Giants. Furthermore, Heinicke will only get limited reps with the first-team offense in practice this week. Last week, the Los Angeles Chargers D/ST scored six fantasy points against Washington. Meanwhile, the Giants D/ST struggled last week against the Broncos, scoring only one fantasy point. However, they did have a fumble recovery and two sacks against the Broncos. With Washington breaking in a new starting quarterback on a short week, expect the Giants D/ST to take advantage of any mistakes the Washington offense makes.
Mason Crosby vs Detroit Lions (11.2%)
Like the rest of the team, Crosby struggled against the Saints, scoring only three fantasy points. However, he should have a big performance against the Lions on Monday night. Last week, the Lions gave up 13 fantasy points to 49ers’ kicker Robbie Gould. He made two of his three field goals and all five of his extra-point attempts against the Lions. Meanwhile, Crosby averaged 9.5 fantasy points in the two games against the Lions last season. The Packers will want to make a statement on national television that last week’s game was a fluke. Expect the Packers to score at will against the Lions, creating plenty of kicking opportunities for Crosby.
Evan McPherson at Chicago Bears (4.2%)
Despite making his NFL debut, McPherson was the hero in the Bengals’ Week 1 upset win over the Minnesota Vikings, making the game-winning field goal at the end of overtime. McPherson finished with 11 fantasy points after making both of his field goals and all three of his extra-point attempts. This week, he faces a Bears team that gave up 34 points to the Los Angles Rams and 12 fantasy points to Matt Gay Sunday night. Both teams have a sub-par defense and should score on the other at will, opening up plenty of opportunities for McPherson to score fantasy points.
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