Streaming suggestions based on players who are mostly less than 50% owned and half-point PPR scoring.
QUARTERBACKS
Daniel Jones, Giants v. Falcons (Yahoo 19%, ESPN 10%, Sleeper 21%)
Continues to offer sneaky rushing upside and has an enticing match up against the Falcons who have given up eight passing TDs in two games.
Sam Darnold, Panthers v. Texans (Yahoo 15%, ESPN 5%, Sleeper 25%)
While the Texans have been solid so far against the pass they have not faced a receiving corps with this level of skill (no offense to the Jacksonville trio of WR). Darnold has attempted 35 in a close game and then 38 passes in a blow out. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady wants to see what his new QB can do so expect Darnold to keep chucking it.
Derek Carr, Raiders v. Dolphins(Yahoo 26%, ESPN 16%, Sleeper 28%)
Against two tough defenses this season Carr has thrown for 817 passing yards and four touchdowns. He’s got an alpha TE in Darren Waller to go along with a solid crop of versatile WRs. What was a solid Dolphins defense in 2020 has proven to be average after two game this season
RUNNING BACKS
Cordarrell Patterson, Falcons v. Giants (Yahoo 14%, ESPN 8%, Sleeper 16%)
The versatile receiver/running back is able to provide value as the “3b” option behind Calvin Ridley, Kyle Pitts, and Mike Daivs. Plus the Giants have been shaky against RBs giving up 225 yards on the ground and 11 catches in two games.
James White, Patriots v. team (Yahoo 42%, ESPN 55%, Sleeper 52%)
We all know what we’re getting with White -- a PPR specialist which you might not love to play -- but has six catches and 40 yards in back-to-back games.
J.D. McKissic, Football Team v. Bills (Yahoo 29%, ESPN 42%, Sleeper 39%)
Not a great match up against the Bills, who have been stout against RBs, but -- like White -- McKissic’s receiving skills make him one of Taylor Heinicke’s favorite targets. He could be in line for more targets in another come from behind game script, or garbage time work, against the Bills in Week 3.
JaMycal Hasty, 49ers v. Packers (Yahoo 6%, ESPN 4%, Sleeper 12%)
While everyone and their brother wanted you to pick up Elijah Mitchell (and rightly so), Hasty might now be the de facto back to own after Mitchell left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury and Trey Sermon has yet to earn more than 1 carry. Meanwhile, Hasty has proven to be a capable pass catcher and runner when given the opportunity.
Sony Michel, Rams v. Buccaneers (Yahoo 60%, ESPN 66%, Sleeper 49%)
With Darrell Henderson leaving the game late in the 4th quarter last week, Michel is more of a player to pick up and stash than play against the very tough Buccaneers run D. But volume is king and if he starts he’s got some TD potential.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Sterling Shepard, Giants v. Falcons (Yahoo 57%, ESPN 54%, Sleeper 63%)
Shepard has seen 19 targets through the first 2 weeks recording 16 catches and 207 yards and a touchdown. Play him until Jones starts to look elsewhere.
K.J. Osborn, Vikings v. Seahawks (Yahoo 3%, ESPN 1%, Sleeper 9%)
More from the volume that can’t be ignored file, Osborn operating as the #3 WR for the Vikings has seen 15 targets posting 12 catches, 167 yards, and a touchdown. The Seahawks held opposing WRs to only 22.1 fantasy points per game so far this season but they were terrible in 2020 and will have their hands full with Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and now Osborn.
Rondale Moore, Cardinals v. team (Yahoo 34%, ESPN 19%, Sleeper 50%)
The rookie showed off his skills with a 77 yard catch and run to the endzone on Sunday and in the high powered Cardinals attack he should be in line for more work since he can do things their other WRs (*cough* A.J. Green) can’t. Also offers some TD potential as a kick and punt returner.
James Washington, Steelers v. team (Yahoo 0%, ESPN 00%, Sleeper 00%)
In case Dionte Johnson, who left Sunday’s game with a leg injury, can’t go … this is a dart throw, pick up and play. The capable fourth year player has averaged over 13.1 yards per catch in his career and would be a starter on a few other teams.
Honorable Mentions: Raiders Wideouts (Henry Ruggs, Hunter Renfrow, Bryan Edwards), Tim Patrick, Emmanuel Sanders, Terrace Marshall, Darius Slayton
TIGHT ENDS
David Njoku / Austin Hooper, Browns v. Bears(Yahoo 8% / 48%, ESPN 4% / 49%, Sleeper 10% / 35%)
With Jarvis Landry going down last week and Odell Beckham yet to take a snap the targets have to go somewhere. Rather timely last week Texans have given up the second most receptions (18) this season to TEs.
Evan Engram, Team v. team (Yahoo 32%, ESPN 32%, Sleeper 34%)
The Falcons have been blasted by TE over the first two weeks of 2021 and Engram making his season debut has as good a chance as any to catch a TD.
Cole Kmet, Bears v. team (Yahoo 39%, ESPN 28%, Sleeper 41%)
Kmet has vastly out-targeted and out-snap Jimmy Graham this season and he might be in line for more targets with the Bears switching QBs
Honorable Mentions: Albert Okwuegbunam, Dalton Schultz
DEFENSES
Panthers v. Texans (Yahoo 19%, ESPN 13%, Sleeper 19%)
Simple formula here, bad team (though the Texans have played well so far in 2021) + short week + Davis Mills. Also, after two games, the Panther have given up the fewest fantasy points per game to both RBs and WRs.
Cardinals v. Jaguars (Yahoo 51%, ESPN 31%, Sleeper 35%)
Another simple one. While Trevor Lawence has one been sacked twice this season, he’s thrown 5 INTs in 2 games and the high flying Cardinals offense is going to put pressure on the Jags to keep up.
Raiders v. Dolphins (Yahoo 2%, ESPN 1%, Sleeper 2%)
With Tua Tagovailoa out and Jacoby Brissett in, this might be a little bit of a risky play since the Raiders have been only ok on D so far. Though, Brissett was sacked four times and has a career sack rate of 8% which is 2 points higher then the league average of 6%. Interestingly enough, the Raiders don’t blitz but have generated some pressure on QBs tallying 5 sacks. Though this could be scheme based because they faced Lamar Jackson and a solid Steelers receiving corps.
KICKERS
Stashing an RB is more valuable at the moment in case of a mid-week injury. Later in the week play a kicker from a game with a high Over/Under
Questions, comments, and other feedback is always welcome. Follow me on twitter @b_muell for my mildly depressing -- occasionally delusional -- Washington (RedWolves?), O’s, Caps and Terps takes.
