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 8.
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 vs Dallas Cowboys (41.0%)
Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings are coming off their bye week and face a critical matchup against the Cowboys on Sunday night. Over the first six games this season, Cousins has averaged 2.2 passing touchdowns per game, throwing three touchdowns in half of the games. More importantly, Cousins has averaged 20.7 fantasy points per game, scoring 22 or more in 67 percent of his matchups. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have given up 20.3 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season. They have given up an average of 311.2 passing yards and two passing touchdowns per game this season to quarterbacks. This game should be a shootout, leading to a top-10 finish this week from Cousins.
Daniel Jones at Kansas City Chiefs (28.9%)
Despite missing his top three wide receivers and star running back last week, Jones scored 17.5 fantasy points against a tough Carolina Panthers defense. It marked the fifth time this season Jones has scored 16.5 or more fantasy points in a game. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have allowed quarterbacks to average 24.1 fantasy points per game, giving up 19.4 or more fantasy points to quarterbacks in all but one game this season. The Chiefs have also allowed quarterbacks to throw two or more touchdowns and score over 28 fantasy points in four of their past six games. If he gets back his top wide receivers for this game, Jones has top-five upside this week.
Tyler Conklin vs Dallas Cowboys (11.4%)
Before the bye week, Conklin was in a groove, averaging 5.5 targets and 10.1 fantasy points per game over his past four games. During that span, Conklin averaged 46 receiving yards per game, totaling 70 or more receiving yards in two of those contests. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have given up over 60 receiving yards and 15 fantasy points per game this season to tight ends. Furthermore, the Cowboys have allowed tight ends to score 22.5 or more fantasy points in a third of their games this season. While Conklin is far from a sexy option at tight end, with Mark Andrews and Darren Waller on the bye this week, he might be the best streaming option available.
C.J. Uzomah at New York Jets (9.4%)
Last week, Uzomah made the sleepers list at tight end, and it paid off for fantasy owners. While he finished fourth on the team in targets, Uzomah had three catches for 91 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and 24.1 fantasy points. More importantly, Uzomah has averaged 3.3 catches for 54.3 receiving yards, 1.3 touchdowns, and 16.2 fantasy points per game over the past four weeks. Uzomah has played 79.2 percent of the snaps and finished as the TE3 during that span. Meanwhile, the Jets have given up an average of 16.4 fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, including 18 fantasy points last week. Uzomah should have his second straight week with a top-five finish.
Cincinnati Bengals D/ST at New York Jets (24.2%)
Many expected the Bengals D/ST to struggle; however, they have played well, averaging 4.9 fantasy points per game. More importantly, they have done their job against weaker opponents this season. In the four games against non-playoff teams, the Bengals D/ST has averaged seven fantasy points per game. Furthermore, they held the Baltimore Ravens explosive offense to only 17 points on the road last week. Meanwhile, the Jets have been a fantasy gold mine for opposing D/STs, giving up an average of 10.3 fantasy points per game. D/STs have scored 11 or more fantasy points against the Jets in 67 percent of their games this season. With Mike White under center this week, expect the Bengals to make his life a living hell, resulting in a top-three finish for their D/ST.
Los Angeles Chargers D/ST vs New England Patriots (2.5%)
Coming off their bye week, the Chargers D/ST has an appealing matchup against the Patriots. While the Jets D/ST scored negative 11 fantasy points on Sunday, that has more to do with the Jets’ struggles than the Patriots’ successes. Over the previous six games, D/STs have averaged 9.5 fantasy points per game against the Patriots. More importantly, D/STs scored 11 or more fantasy points in three of their past four matchups against the Patriots, averaging 11.8 fantasy points per game during that span. Meanwhile, the Chargers D/ST has averaged 3.5 fantasy points this season. However, they have scored six or more fantasy points in three of their past four games. Fantasy players shouldn’t let last week’s matchup against the Jets fool them. You can still stream D/STs against the Patriots.
Greg Zuerlein at Minnesota Vikings (41.4%)
Over the first six weeks of the season, Zuerlein has been the sixth-highest scoring kicker. He has averaged 9.5 fantasy points per game this season, scoring 10 or more fantasy points in 67 percent of the games, including 12 or more in back-to-back contests. More importantly, Zuerlein has at least two field goal attempts in 67 percent of the games while missing only three field goals this season. Meanwhile, the Vikings have been one of the friendlier teams this season when giving up fantasy points to kickers. They have allowed kickers to average 9.5 fantasy points per game against them, scoring eight or more fantasy points in all but one game this season. This matchup will be a high-scoring contest, leading to plenty of fantasy points for Zuerlein.
Evan McPherson at New York Jets (8.5%)
The rookie has been one of the most consistent kickers this season. McPherson has scored seven or more fantasy points in over 70 percent of his games this season, averaging 9.8 fantasy points per game in those contests. More importantly, McPherson has made all four of his field goals and nine extra-point attempts, averaging 12 fantasy points per game over the past two weeks. Meanwhile, the Jets have been a fantasy gold mine for kickers this season, giving up 12.3 fantasy points per game to the position. They have allowed kickers to score 11 or more fantasy points in five straight games, giving up 14 or more in three of those contests. The Bengals will score at will on the Jets, giving McPherson plenty of kicking opportunities.
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