Streaming Quarterbacks: Week 2 Targets

Sep 10, 2019

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We saw it all and we know nothing.

Week 1 came and, as always, we’re left with highlights, disappointments, and more questions. Week 1 storylines won’t always last into the playoffs, but we have to adjust. The fantasy landscape is already shifting and fantasy managers have to be on top of the latest news in order to guide their teams to the championship. Whether it’s to block your opponents or bolster your own roster, waiver wire acquisitions are another critical part of fantasy football with its own set of strategies. Quarterback streaming falls into working the wire and we’ll use a similar process from Week 1 to find our targets for Week 2.

Other Week 2 Streaming Articles: TE | K | DST

Week 1 Review

First, let’s review last week’s picks. It’s important to acknowledge the hits and misses so we can make the necessary adjustments throughout the season.

Matthew Stafford (27.6 points, QB4) – The Lions’ offense operated as most had hoped. Stafford’s volume (45 attempts) and 1.55 pass to rush ratio were unexpected after the offseason, run-first narratives. Over half of his passes (53.3%) came while the score differential was +/- 7 points which is close to his 2018 mark of (55.5%). While game script did affect his numbers along with additional playing, the influx of passing options boosted his output as was noted in his Week 1 outlook. Stafford targeted eight different players which is something he hasn’t done since Week 14 of the 2017 season. That hurt the output of any player not named T.J Hockenson, Danny Amendola, or Kenny Golladay, but stabilizes Stafford’s stream-ability in the future.

Josh Allen (16.0 points, QB18) – If you’ve rostered Allen before, you know the rollercoaster of emotions that comes next. In a Bortles-esque performance, the Bills’ quarterback digs himself a hole that only he can pull himself out of later in the game. Multiple interceptions and a fumble in the first half gave way to Buffalo remaining scoreless into the third quarter. But his connection with John Brown (and a lackluster passing game from the Jets) lifted them over Adam Gase in Week 1. If you’re in a league that doesn’t penalize quarterback turnovers, that’s 24.0 points with a passing and rushing touchdown. It’s in his weekly range of outcomes and his Week 2 matchup makes him a viable target.

Nick Foles was regrettably injured cratering any chances of him hitting as our deep-league pick. His replacement, sixth-round rookie Gardner Minshew, played well in Foles’ absence. He should be on everyone’s watch list as the Jaguars head to Houston (20.8 aFPA) in Week 2

Adjusted Fantasy Points Allowed

Next, let’s visit 4for4’s Schedule-Adjusted Fantasy Points Allowed ranks which will be updated weekly following Week 3. We’ll reference them for now with the understanding that the 2019 outlook is likely different than how 2018 ended for most squads.

Key Defensive Injuries

Finally, we’ll review injuries along with the guidelines that will be used each week to find viable options on the waiver wire:

Only quarterbacks with no more than a 40% ownership in Yahoo leagues considered.
Ancillary metrics and game conditions (e.g. defensive ranking, weather) will be factored into the analysis.
Positive matchups for all pass catchers to be considered.
4for4 rankings should always be consulted for league-specific decisions.

Jimmy Smith, Ravens (Knee) – MRI showed a Grade-2 sprained knee for the 9-year veteran. Smith was by his own teammate on a swing pass to Kalen Ballage. Luckily, the Ravens (8.4 aFPA) are deep at cornerback with Anthony Averett stepping in to replace Smith.

Eric Weddle, Rams (Head) – After taking a knee to the head from Christian McCaffrey, Weddle suffered a head laceration and is now in the concussion protocol. Prior to the injury, Weddle had two solo tackles and two assisted tackles. The longtime Ravens’ safety, now with the Los Angeles Rams (5.4 aFPA), will be out for some time leaving rookie Taylor Rapp to pick up the slack.

Malik Jackson, Eagles (Foot) – It took about half of the Eagles’ season opener for their defense (27.2 aFPA) to get on track. Jackson rotated in on 51% of the defensive snaps until his injury in the 4th quarter. It’s viewed as significant and Timmy Jernigan has stepped in to replace Jackson while he’s out.

Other Notable Injuries: C.J. Mosley (Jets, Groin), Quinnen Williams (Jets, Ankle), Quincy Williams (Jaguars, Knee), Mackensie Alexander (Vikings, Elbow), Taron Johnson (Bills, Hamstring), Jonathan Allen (Redskins, Knee), Caleb Brantley (Redskins, Ankle), Neiko Thorpe (Seahawks, Hamstring), TJ Watt (Steelers, Hip), Joe Haden (Steelers, Shoulder)