Week 4 Streaming QBs and DSTs: Two of the biggest positions for streaming in fantasy are quarterback and defense. Here in this article, we will break down the best options at quarterback and defense.
We hope to steer fantasy managers into decisions that create wins. This article will focus mostly on players less than 50-percent rostered.
Week 4 Streaming QBs
Kirk Cousins (MIN) vs Cleveland Browns
Cousins has been nothing short of a QB1 this season and he still remains available in 68-percent of ESPN leagues. Until further notice, he is an every-week streaming target.
Part of Cousins’ high fantasy scoring has been aided by the fact that Minnesota’s defense cannot stop opposing teams, which forces the Vikings to keep up or catch up – both leading to an increase of pass attempts.
This game does present some risks of an underwhelming performance from Cousins. Deep down the Vikings want to run the ball and control the time of possession, and that is also something that the Cleveland Browns want to do.
As a result of these philosophies, you could see this contest playing to the under. Despite all the risks, this game could easily be the best for fantasy scoring which makes Cousins very interesting.
Bookkeepers have this game as a 52-point over-under with a tight -1 spread that favors the Browns. Fantasy points correlate to high game-totals with tight spreads, as it is more likely to create back-and-forth scoring opportunities.
The Browns’ defense is solid but it is not something that will hold down the Vikings in normal game conditions, especially if both teams are scoring.
Cousins being at home – where the field is indoors – and averaging 25-FPPG makes him one of the easiest Week 4 streaming QBs to target. This is the priority quarterback streamer because Cousins will host the Detroit Lions in Week 5 and he certainly can be started in that spot.
Sam Darnold (CAR) @ Dallas Cowboys
One of the best game environments that we can target as fantasy managers in Week 4 is the Cowboys versus the Panthers. This game has a projected total of 50 points along with a 4.5-point spread favoring the Cowboys. Despite this game favoring the Dallas side, Darnold has an opportunity to score a large number of fantasy points.
The Panthers’ offense is going to be a little different heading into Week 4 and that is because fantasy stud Christian McCaffrey will be sidelined with an injury. With this development, Darnold should get more control of the offense, especially since Darnold averages 22.4-FPPG.
The biggest edge that the Panthers will have in Week 4 against Dallas is extra rest and more time to prepare after being the Thursday game the week prior. Completely opposite of this is Dallas, who will have a short week because they played on Monday Night Football. This alone could make the difference between the winner and the loser, which favors the Panthers’ side.
Likely the biggest differentiator for a QB1 finish and QB2 finish for Darnold is turnovers. Dallas has improved year-over-year with regards to forcing turnovers and Darnold has a history with giving the ball away. He kept a clean box score in Week 3 so Darnold will need to continue that trend if he wants to lock down a QB1 performance in Week 4.
Darnold is one of the few bright spots for quarterback streamers in Week 4, and he is available in over 90-percent of ESPN leagues.
Taylor Heinicke (WAS) @ Atlanta Falcons
It may feel like something you need to hold your nose for, but Taylor Heinicke has been decent for fantasy in 2021. He has finished with 20-plus fantasy points in two of his last three games, only failing in Week 1 against, what seems to be, a solid pass defense from the Chargers. It is worth noting that Heinicke did not start in Week 1, but rather replaced an injured Ryan Fitzpatrick.
His opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, has been one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2021. So far they have allowed 25-FPPG to the quarterback position and that is third-most. While they have not allowed a ton of passing yards this season, the Falcons certainly like to give up touchdowns to quarterbacks, averaging 2.7 touchdowns allowed to the position on a per-game basis.
Atlanta’s offense has been abysmal in 2021 as well. With Washington’s defense looking to get back on track, the chances of short fields and turnovers are in play which could heighten Washington’s scoring opportunities.
Heinicke is a toss-up streamer who will likely finish as a high-end QB2 but has fringe QB1 potential. Even though it is a road contest for the Washington Football Team, the fact they are playing indoors and against a bad Atlanta team makes him a player to stream heading into Week 4.
Heinicke is available in 96-percent of ESPN leagues.
Week 4 Streaming QBs — Honorable Mentions
- Derek Carr (LV) @LAC
- Baker Mayfield (CLE) @MIN
- Mac Jones (NE) vs TB
Week 4 Streaming D/STs
Cincinnati Bengals (vs JAC)
The Jaguars are one-of-two teams in the NFL that qualify for an autostart for fantasy defenses.
So far in 2021, Jacksonville has turned the ball over a league-high nine times. Rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence is still getting his understanding of NFL defenses and we are going to exploit that as long as possible.
The Bengals D/ST has been consistent so far in the 2021 season. They have logged 2, 8, and 11-point finishes respectively. They have at least three sacks in each game and have forced three turnovers on the season, which gives you a decent floor.
Cincy is an elite play that can win you your week. They are worth a 5-10% FAAB investment and/or your waiver-wire priority. Teams 2-1 and 3-0 should give caution to burning their waiver position for this defense *IF* it is a high spot within the waiver order.
The Bengals are available in nearly 95-percent of ESPN leagues heading into Week 4.
Tennessee Titans (@NYJ)
Much like the Jaguars above, the New York Jets are the second team you should autostart defenses against. Quarterback Zach Wilson has been sacked 15 times on the season, a league-high. That is nearly 40-percent more than the next team. On top of that we have seen seven turnovers from the Jets, only second to the Jaguars. Simply put, start defenses against rookie quarterbacks.
The Titans’ defense has been susceptible this season and that is what makes them less of a priority compared to the Bengals. Further, the Titans have had trouble securing turnovers (only a single turnover forced on the season), forcing sacks, and stopping opposing offenses. None of that should push you off of this play, Tennessee is still an elite start for Week 4.
The Titans are available in nearly 93-percent of ESPN leagues.
I would keep your FAAB bidding within the 3-6% range and I would be okay with burning a top waiver spot if your fantasy team is 0-3, or even 1-2, because this potentially could be a week-winning acquisition.
Detroit Lions (@CHI)
Start defenses against rookie quarterbacks: that phrase should drive you crazy because it needs to become embedded into your brain.
Justin Fields made his first start for the Chicago Bears and it was impossibly horrendous. The kid finished 6-of-20 with sixty-eight passing yards and three carries across twelve yards for no touchdowns or turnovers while being sacked NINE times (wow).
To put this sack total into perspective, the Bears leapfrogged nearly the entire NFL after allowing nine sacks in a single week and currently have the second-most sacks allowed with 15. While positive regression is expected for this Chicago offense, you certainly can see their struggles continue into Week 4.
On the other side of the ball, Detroit has been an up and down fantasy defense. While Detroit allows teams to score, they have logged eight total sacks and have secured four turnovers on the season. With a rookie quarterback lining up against them, the potential for sacks and turnovers will increase, you just have to hope that Detroit will capitalize on them.
Even if Andy Dalton returns for the Bears, the Lions can be streamed against this flat Chicago offense.
This play comes with risk and I would look for defenses like the Saints or perhaps the Washington Football Team (both aforementioned teams likely rostered in your league) over the Detroit Lions. Nonetheless, the Lions are going to be firmly in play this week.
Detroit remains available in 99-percent of all leagues.
Likely rostered, but should be started if available:
- New Orleans Saints (vs NYG)
- Washington Football Team (@ATL).
Honorable Mentions:
- Indianapolis Colts (@MIA)
- Green Bay Packers (vs PIT)
- Chicago Bears (vs DET)
For more help with your Week 4 streaming QBs and D/STs, just ask!
