Streaming Quarterbacks: Week 6 Targets

Oct 13, 2020

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The scheduling chaos continues into Week 6. The league rescheduling the Patriots’-Broncos’ Week 5 matchup caused a ripple effect affecting six other games. As fantasy managers, some of the turbulence was expected. Rule changes and accommodations have put a band-aid on the season, but it’s added an additional layer to streaming quarterbacks in 2020.

Other Week 6 Streaming Articles: TE | K | DST

Even in short-bench leagues, identifying (and possible stashing) a second quarterback becomes a viable strategy. It provides flexibility during the pandemic, but at the expense of the player pool. I’ll be sticking to my normal roster requirements for recommendations, but I’ll be adding a ‘Just in Case’ section to be thorough. The news later in the week may ultimately force our decisions, but we can make optimal waiver adds given what we know at the start of the week.

Week 5 Review

Week 5 was another positive day for the streamers. The top streaming candidates finished inside the Top 12. Bridgewater had the better matchup, but Herbert has graduated to weekly consideration as a fantasy starter. Let’s review the plays and adjust any points to the process as needed.

Top Streamers

Teddy Bridgewater – 20.8 points (QB11)
Justin Herbert – 27.4 points (QB3)

Deep Play

Daniel Jones – 8.2 points (QB22)
Kirk Cousins – 14.2 points (QB15)

I can logically explain most of the results. I can’t explain Daniel Jones. The Giants did have a 31-yard touchdown called back on a penalty, but Jones still only scored 8.2 points fantasy points while the Giants scored 34 points. Jones was responsible for 0% of the Giants' offensive scoring. Technically, Jones does share 16.2% of Dallas’ scoring because of his fumble but the point remains. Even with the high neutral passing rate and multiple rushing attempts, Jones wasn’t a viable option for fantasy managers. We’ll need to him perform well at least once before considering him in future weeks.

Key Defensive Injuries

The injury to Dak Prescott overshadows most of the news, but there were some players sidelined that are of interest to the streamers. I’ll cover them all here and reference them later in connection to the potential streaming target.

Chandler Jones (Cardinals, Biceps) – The Cardinals starting defensive end is expected to miss the rest of the season with a biceps injury sustained in Week 5. Jones had 5 quarterback hits and a sack on the season contributing to Arizona’s pass rush (2.8 sacks per game). His absence will keep the pressure off of Andy Dalton as the Cardinals travel to Dallas in Week 6.

Donte Jackson (Panthers, Toe), Brian Burns (Concussion), and Kawann Short (Shoulder) – The Panthers were already shorthanded on defense and lost three starters during the game against the Falcons. Short and Burns are a part of the defensive front that sacked Matt Ryan twice in Week 5. Jackson will likely matchup against Allen Robinson should the Panthers’ corner be ready for Week 6. If not, the Bears’ passing game should get a boost with the lighter coverage.

Takkarist McKinley (Falcons, Groin) – McKinley was tied for the team lead in quarterback hurries (6) and second in pressures (9). With the Falcons already dealing with injuries to their secondary, a loss to their front would make their situation go from bad to worse. Kirk Cousins would benefit from McKinley’s absence as pressure has caused a number of errant throws or fumbles for the Vikings’ quarterback.

Sam Hubbard (Bengals, Elbow) and D.J. Reader (Quad) – The Bengals’ defensive tackle will be placed on season-ending IR, and Hubbard’s Week 6 status is unknown. Cincinnati has been unable to generate much pressure up front (25.2% of opposing quarterback dropbacks). Their loss will allow Philip Rivers and the Colts’ offensive line to get back on track after a poor outing in Week 5.