Now that most fantasy football drafts are done, it’s time to find a usable lineup for Week 1. It’s a little early to mine the waiver wire for streaming options, but it’s not out of the question to do it with certain starting spots all season long.
With that in mind, here are your streaming options at quarterback, tight end and team defense for Week 1.
Quarterback-Trevor Siemian, Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers
Yes the Panthers have a tough defense, and Simian has not attempted a pass in an NFL regular season game. But the departure of Josh Norman and Charles Tillman’s retirement leaves Carolina with Ben Benwikere as their de facto No. 1 cornerback and two rookies will step right into prominent roles.
Siemian will work in Gary Kubiak’s quarterback friendly system (Matt Schaub, anyone?), with two good wide receivers (Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders) at his disposal. There’s obviously a ton of unknown with Siemian, but a favorable-looking matchup sets him to have an efficient performance in his first start. As a streaming option, particularly in two-quarterback leagues, he’s worth a long look.
Honorable mention: Dak Prescott vs. New York Giants
Tight End-Clive Walford, Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints
Walford was a bit more involved last last season, with 15 receptions on 26 targets over the final five games. An off the field injury that kept him out of OTAs, but all indications are Walford is fully healthy and ready to be Oakland’s No. 1 tight end.
The Saints allowed either the most or second-most receptions (96), yards (1,290) and touchdowns (11) to opposing tight ends in 2015, which translated to the most fantasy points allowed to the position in ESPN standard leagues (11.2 per game). Their defense does not seem to be dramatically improved heading into this year, so Walford may only need a handful of targets to have notable success in Week 1.
Honorable mention:Â Eric Ebron, Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts, Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
Defense/Special Teams-Tennnessee Titans vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Titans were far from a great fantasy defense in 2015, with nine or more fantasy points (ESPN scoring) just twice all season (none after Week 5) and just three interceptions after Week 7. But a season-opening home game against the Vikings looks promising, with Shaun Hill in line to start in place of an injured Teddy Bridgewater. Newly acquired Sam Bradford has a theoretical chance to start or play next Sunday for Minnesota, but the playbook may be slightly trimmed for him.
The appeal of Tennessee’s defense as a fantasy option for Week 1 is driven by two things-points allowed and the potential for sacks. The Vikings did fortify their offensive line in the offseason, but some struggles could be expected in the unit’s first meaningful game together.
Honorable mention: Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles
Love our content? Check out the GoingFor2 Live Podcast Network!
ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.
The GoingFor2 Live Podcast
