Streaming Quarterbacks: Week 5 Targets

Oct 06, 2020

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

We made it three weeks before the pandemic played a major role in our approach to setting lineups. The general flow of news went into hyperdrive as two games were postponed with one rescheduled to another week. Three quarterbacks were forced out of our lineups prior to Sunday and the Saints’-Lions’ game was left in doubt headed into Sunday morning. The general consensus is we signed up for this. Schedule impacts were somewhat expected, but the shakeup this week (and in future weeks) will require us to look at streaming options a bit differently.

Other Week 5 Streaming Articles: TE | K | DST

Top streaming plays will typically carry a ceiling along with some appreciable floor. They’ll be more popular and targeted during weekly waiver runs. But clearly, games can be rescheduled due to the pandemic at any point during the week. Along with our typical review of metrics and volume, even the deeper quarterback options should be gauged by what they can offer within the context of their projections. They won’t project as top options at their position, but thinking through their range of outcomes can solve some roster problems as we have to navigate both bye weeks and the pandemic moving forward.

Week 4 Review

Week 4 was a great week for the streamers. Two QB1 finishes and two floor plays that would be viable in deeper formats, or used if your team was affected by any COVID-19 postponements. Even with the solid results, there are still some takeaways we can use for the weeks ahead.

Top Streamers

Ryan Fitzpatrick – 21.3 points(QB12)
Teddy Bridgewater – 26.2 points (QB4)

Deep Play

Kirk Cousins – 14.9 points (QB22)
Nick Mullens – 6.0 points (QB29)

Fitzpatrick was the consensus streamer for multiple reasons that showed up in Week 4. Their offensive line has limited the run game and also forced multiple scrambles from Fitzpatrick which allowed his touchdown on the ground. Seattle also did their part by applying pressure with their own offense. Miami’s defense will keep their offense in passing scripts holding our interest in the veteran. They’re on the road against the 49ers in Week 5, but better opportunities are ahead for the Dolphins’ passer.

Teddy scored 18.4 fantasy points without his 18-yard touchdown run. We’ll certainly take the total production, but Bridgewater’s progressing under Matt Rhule. Carolina’s offensive line escapes Week 4 without allowing a sack and their quarterback finishes as a QB1. If reduced pressure is what unlocks the Panthers’ offense, Week 5 should be another positive situation for Bridgewater.

Key Defensive Injuries

Week 4 wasn’t as catastrophic, but a couple of injury situations could benefit the streamers. Pay attention to practice reports throughout the week as player availability will affect our quarterback’s range of outcomes.

Larry Ogunjobi (Browns, Abdomen) – Ogunjobi was part of the defensive front that was holding Ezekiel Elliot in check for most of the game. It’s possible the starting defensive tackle was held out as a precaution because the team was up by multiple scores at the time of the injury. Should Ogunjobi miss time, it’ll weaken a formidable pass rush that’s averaged 2.8 sacks per game. Philip Rivers (and the Colts’ offense) immediately benefit from Ogunjobi’s absence so we’ll be monitoring his status ahead of Week 5.

Ezekiel Ansah (49ers, Arm) – The 49ers’ can’t afford any more injuries on defense. While Ansah has been a rotational player, he’s been forced into a larger role as the team’s collective health has declined. Ansah was responsible for multiple pressures against Carson Wentz in Week 4 and Ryan Fitzpatrick’s outlook brightens with any missed time from the 49ers’ defensive end.

Damontae Kazee (Falcons, Achilles) – The Falcons’ safety was carted off after a non-contact injury in the first half. While the severity is unknown, it’s unlikely he’ll suit up against the Panthers in Week 5. Atlanta’s already dealing with injuries to multiple starters on their defense. Teddy Bridgewater can take advantage of the situation amid the defensive shakeup in Atlanta.

Adjusted Fantasy Points Allowed

Introducing 4for4’s Schedule-Adjusted Fantasy Points Allowed ranks fresh out for the 2020 season. It adjusts raw fantasy points allowed for each individual team’s strength of schedule separated by position. With a few weeks of data, we can begin to target these teams in the future. Notable rankings for defensive units against quarterbacks include:

LAC down 9 spots to 21^st at 21.2 aFPA
DAL down 6 spots to 22^nd at 22.2 aFPA
GB up 10 spots to 18^th at 20.2 aFPA
KC up 14 spots to 6^th at 14.6 aFPA

The Chiefs’ defensive touchdown and playing against a ‘Cam-less’ Patriots helped boost their week, but their Week 5 matchup (LV) may keep them in our starting lineup. Green Bay got similar treatment with Julio Jones leaving midway through their contest keeping Matt Ryan’s production to a minimum. On the flip side, the Chargers getting thrashed by Tom Brady is noteworthy for opposing offenses moving forward. With so much talent up front, it’s possible the injuries to their pass coverage are starting to take their toll. We’ll see how well Drew Brees fares against them in Week 5.