fantasy football streamers – Syndication Server

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 18

A season of ups and downs has made this Cowboy a wild ride in fantasy.

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start as a streamer. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as my favorite fantasy football gamble of the week.

The players chosen in this series are meant to be fliers for fantasy owners in desperate situations or those willing to take an intentional risk. No player is intended to be a lineup lock for guaranteed results, hence the name of the series.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 18

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 8-10-0
All-time record: 27-41-3 (40.1%)

Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected, leaves with an injury, or is ruled out after publishing

This year, we’ll also track the accuracy on a percentage basis to show relative results, since sometimes calling a player a loss doesn’t actually hurt gamers. An example would be if a projection narrowly falls short of the 75 percent threshold, the player is still of use in a lineup.

Wk	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18
%	55	74	41	20	150	66	16	25	88	121	138	80	87	64	48	95	35	77
Grade	E	C	F-	F-	A+	D	F-	F-	B+	A+	A+	B-	B+	D	F	A	F-	C+

Week 18 final update: Pollard finished just barely in the winning column, bringing my season-long prediction result to 8-10. Meh. I was close to breaking even but had several disastrous flops, too. Lessons learned for next season!

Last week, Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel was the choice, and I stand by my initial decision to promote him. However, in hindsight, it’s easy to say I should have pivoted to a different player once the news broke that Jacoby Brissett wouldn’t be on the field. I stuck with Samuel mainly because he had been successful in recent weeks with Sam Howell. My only regret is not choosing the other player I had strongly debated before settling on Samuel … Juwan Johnson. Oof.

Dallas Cowboys RB Tony Pollard at Washington Commanders

So, while name-brand players don’t normally find their way into this space, Pollard’s season has been a disappointment in relation to his fantasy draft expectations. He has been streaky, but even when Pollard has stepped up his game, the results haven’t been a display of week-winning dominance.

Pollard hasn’t scored in four straight contests and posted more than 7.7 points in only one of those games. On the year, this Memphis product has averaged nearly three fewer fantasy points per game than last year despite seeing 3.5 more weekly touches, which suggests maybe less is more for his big-play profile. Through the first six games, Pollard mostly lived up to borderline RB1 status but was a better No. 2. Since, he has failed to reach double figures 60% of the time in PPR scoring. His early-season role as a receiver was much more stable than in the second half of 2023.

To his credit, Pollard has not gone more than three consecutive outings without a breaking into double digits, and he has four 16-plus-pointers in a row (Weeks 11-14) when he has been at his best this season. He had a fine game in Week 12 vs. the Commanders, generating 22.3 points, which was his best fantasy day of the year.

Since that game, Washington has ceded the most rushing yards, fantasy points, and total yards per game, and no defense has permitted rushing TDs at a higher frequency in that time. Throughout 2023, versatile backs have thumped the Commanders, and 18 total scores have come in the 16 games played. Only three defenses have allowed more receptions and aerial touchdowns. The matchup rating is 22.3% better than average on the year and an absurd 65.6% softer over the duration of the season.

Pollard will be the 18th back to get into double figures vs. this feeble unit.

My projection: 14 carries, 68 rushing yards, 1 TD, 5 targets, 5 receptions, 36 yards (21.4 PPR points)

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 17

There’s sneaky value to be found in this versatile wideout.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 17

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 7-9-0
All-time record: 26-40-3 (39.9%)

Wk	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18
%	55	74	41	20	150	66	16	25	88	121	138	80	87	64%	48%	95%
Grade	E	C	F-	F-	A+	D	F-	F-	B+	A+	A+	B-	B+	D	F	A

As they say in golf, there are no pictures on the scorecard. The Week 16 selection of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens was a solid win for this article’s purposes, but it didn’t play out as foreseen. Mullens threw for 123 more yards than projected, which helped buoy his value after coming one TD pass short and tossing three more picks than forecasted. His strong fantasy day was good enough for QB9 overall in the fantasy divisional round, presuming your league doesn’t overly penalize for gifting the ball to the opposing team.

This week, we head to the East Coast and put faith in one of the game’s most erratic wide receivers going against a name-brand defense that alone might deter otherwise intrigued gamers.

Washington Commanders WR Curtis Samuel vs. San Francisco 49ers

The inspiration behind playing Samuel really isn’t based much on what he has done but more so the extenuating circumstances around him. Washington moves on to veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett as the starter after he made relief appearances for a struggling Sam Howell each of the last two games. (12/29 update: Brissett suffered a hamstring injury and is questionable, but Samuel’s recommendation still stands with either quarterback. It’s slightly safer with Brissett, however.) Typically more of a game manager, Brissett is still capable of spinning it but offers more appeal for his ability to diagnose defenses and get through his progressions. Samuel is a primary checkdown read on many plays, and he also will get his number dialed up for manufactured touches.

Samuel has posted three double-digit PPR showings in the last four games, although Week 16’s was a flop with just three points to his credit vs. the toughest fantasy defense of his position. But it wasn’t for a lack of trying as he was targeted six times and rushed the ball on four plays. The prior week, vs. the Los Angeles Rams, this former Carolina Panther went for a 5-41-2 line through the air, and the second touchdown came from Brissett’s hand.

Prior to that recent four-game stretch, Samuel was utterly useless in fantasy, topping out at 6.5 points in PPR scoring over the previous month of play. Earlier in the year, his streakiness was on full display with Samuel going for 11 or more points in four of the first six outings.

So we’ve established most of the risk here comes from Samuel himself, but there’s also the factor of his opponent. The 49ers instill fear in many fantasy owners who blindly take name value into consideration.

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Make no mistake, this isn’t a knee-jerk reaction to the San Francisco’s defense getting thumped last week by Baltimore, but some of this recommendation is actually nod to how the Niners should respond on offense rather than defense. You can be sure the 49ers will be looking to run up the score a week after Brock Purdy tossed four interceptions. That is a recipe to force Washington to hoist the rock all day long, which will benefit Samuel, especially if San Francisco blankets Terry McLaurin.

In the last five weeks, the position has averaged the 14th-most catches per game, resulting in four touchdowns at the 20th-highest rate. The 128.4 yards allowed, on average, checks in as the ninth fewest. On the year, the position has fared much better. WRs have posted 13 receiving scores in 15 games, and 19 players have tallied at least 10 PPR points.

It’s unlikely the injury-ravaged Washington backfield will do much on the ground, and we could see Samuel be called upon to act as a short-area extension of the running game to help eliminate a lot of third-and-long scenarios. Plus, there’s always the potential bonus if Washington utilizes Samuel as an occasional rusher.

What is the expected baseline here to consider starting Samuel a success? Something in the neighborhood of WR3 returns should make the juice worth the squeeze, but there’s upside for more if Washington has to pass north of 40 times.

My projection: 8 targets, 5 receptions, 63 yards, 1 TD, 1 rush, 4 yards (17.7 PPR points)

Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 17 free-agent forecast

Check out the top waiver wire targets in fantasy football for Week 17.

The majority of fantasy football leagues come to an end this week. It has been a long and grueling process to the point, and most of us have been left with disappointment with championship week upon us.

However, there are still plenty of vital matchups taking place, and the waiver wire should be a busy marketplace in Week 17 after the events that unfolded on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Before we get to it, I’d like to thank you for sticking with us all season. We wouldn’t be here without the readers, and even though the suggestions haven’t always worked out, we’re appreciative of the time you’ve spent with us this season.

We’ll be taking a look at the top available players rostered in Yahoo leagues, using the 75% rostered mark as the threshold. If you have any questions about prioritizing a certain player over another, don’t be afraid to hit me up on X, formerly Twitter, (@KevinHickey11). Your questions and comments are always welcome!

Because it’s Week 17, there is no need for stashing players so we’ll only look at the top streaming options for the upcoming week along with the top waiver adds.

Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.

Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 16

Can this journeyman string together two strong fantasy showings?

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 16

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 6-9-0
All-time record: 25-40-3 (39.0%)

Wk	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18
%	55	74	41	20	150	66	16	25	88	121	138	80	87	64%	48%
Grade	E	C	F-	F-	A+	D	F-	F-	B+	A+	A+	B-	B+	D	F

While the 19.9-point projection last week for Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift was a flop, some of the actual numbers I forecasted weren’t out of line. He out-touched my expectation by a handful of carries, rushing for eight more yards than projected. The Eagles sent three passes his way, just one shy of my stat line for Swift, but he did nothing with his chances through the air (two catches, one yard).

Not finding the end zone is really what killed this recommendation. He would have finished within the range to be a “win” with a single score … unfortunately, Jalen Hurts stole a pair of rushing touchdowns. It’s frustrating, but that was the true risk in playing Swift.

This week, our attention turns to a journeyman quarterback who has a little bit of gunslinger in his DNA.

Minnesota Vikings QB Nick Mullens vs. Detroit Lions

In his first full start with the Vikings, Mullens posted 303 passing yards, two touchdowns and chipped in 10 rushing yards. While he did toss a pair of interceptions, a 24-plus-point day on the road was a nice early Christmas present for anyone brazen enough to play him.

Now that we have a more recent sample, gamers should feel some comfort in taking a chance on him this week. It really isn’t worth going into great detail about Mullens’ past starting tenures with San Francisco in 2018 and ’20, but he was fantasy-relevant multiple times and proved unafraid to push the ball downfield — that’s extra important because of the vertical threats in Minnesota’s aerial arsenal.

Having Justin Jefferson alone brings a dynamic that cannot be understated, and all of his defensive attention makes Jordan Addison‘s explosiveness that much more valuable. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is a chain-moving safety valve as well as a dangerous outlet in the red zone. Even peripheral options, such as versatile running back Ty Chandler and third receiver K.J. Osborn, can do checkdown damage to help enhance Mullens’ chances of posting QB1 numbers.

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Mullens is at home vs. Detroit, a group that has allowed an average of 22.7 fantasy points to the position this year. In the last six weeks since the Lions came out of the bye, half of the performances have been good for 27 or more points. Ten quarterbacks have gone for at least 21.8 points, and the matchup is 16% easier than average in the last five weeks.

The key factor here will be game script. If the Lions come out and lay an egg on offense, there’s not going to be a need for Mullens to throw much more than 30 times. Detroit has done the best job at limiting running backs this year, so Minnesota will need to put the ball in the air regardless of how many points the Lions hang on the board, but this one could turn into a shootout of sorts if Jared Goff is dealing.

Divisional matchups tend to be unpredictable given how uniquely familiar each squad is with one another, and this is the first meeting between the two in 2023. Minnesota’s offense gets the edge here with the Lions not having extensive opposition research on Mullens’ recent tendencies.

My projection: 24 of 36, 288 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 1 INT, 6 rushing yards (26.0 fantasy points)

Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 16 free agent forecast

Here are the top waiver wire targets for Week 16 of fantasy football.

For the majority of leagues, the first round of the fantasy football playoffs comes to an end Monday night after a wild weekend of games in Week 15.

Hopefully, you were able to get through the week unscathed with a victory, but there were plenty of injuries that hit managers right in the starting lineup.

Among the players with injuries to monitor enter Week 16 include Ja’Marr Chase, Keenan Allen, Josh Jacobs, Alexander Mattison, Brian Robinson Jr., Michael Pittman Jr., Zack Moss, AJ Dillon and Isiah Pacheco.

The bye weeks also are finally over, so it will be just good old-fashioned fantasy football. With trade deadlines concluded in the majority of leagues as well, the waiver wire becomes the most vital tool for fantasy managers over the three weeks.

We’re also getting to the point of the season in which stashing FAAB isn’t as crucial. Don’t hesitate to spend a bit more on a player who might give your team an edge down the stretch.

We also will be taking a look at some deeper players to stash and the top streaming options for the upcoming week.

Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.

Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 15

This slumping RB has a great opportunity to soar once again.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 15

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 6-8-0
All-time record: 25-39-3 (39.7%)

Wk	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18
%	55	74	41	20	150	66	16	25	88	121	138	80	87	64%
Grade	E	C	F-	F-	A+	D	F-	F-	B+	A+	A+	B-	B+	D

I went with Los Angeles Chargers tight end Gerald Everett last week, projecting a modest 13.9 points. He finished with 8.9 even after the Chargers lost Justin Herbert (finger). The Bolts had the ball in the red zone late in the contest, and backup quarterback Easton Stick bypassed a wide-open Everett for a short touchdown, instead zipping an unnecessary fastball toward Austin Ekeler that led to an incompletion.

While frustrating, I can’t get too worked up about it. This one was within reach until the waning moments, even with one of the least capable No. 2 quarterbacks in the league on the field.

This week, we turn to a veteran ball carrier whose season has been a tale of two halves thus far.

Philadelphia Eagles RB D’Andre Swift at Seattle Seahawks

From Week 2 — when injury thrust him into the lineup — through Week 8, Swift dominated the backfield and posted at least 10.5 PPR points in each contest. During that stretch, he topped 15 points four times and solidified himself as one of the best fantasy surprises the position has offered in 2023.

But over the last five games, Swift’s season has gone sideways. He has seen two fewer targets, on average, scored only once, and has posted more than 9.4 PPR points a single time, which came three contests ago. Swift has been only fractionally less efficient in terms of his yardage per touch, but the lack of scoring has crippled his fantasy value. In the seven-game hot streak, he found the end zone once every 35.8 touches, and that number has nearly doubled to a TD every 69 handles in the last five appearances.

Philadelphia, losers of consecutive games for the first time since midway into the 2021 season, will look to get on track vs. an inconsistent Seattle defense. While fireworks from the passing game come to mind when thinking about this offense, make no mistake, the Eagles thrive when the ground attack is clicking. Expect a rededicated approach to the rushing game.

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The Seahawks have allowed running backs to post top-10 stats in nearly every meaningful category related to fantasy success. Since Week 9, the position has averaged the 10th-most rushing yards (105.2), eighth-most receptions (5.6), fifth-most aerial yards (50), fifth-most total yards (155.2), second-highest efficiency rating, fourth-most standard fantasy points (23.9), and second-most PPR points (29.5) against this defense. All of that sorts out to Seattle being 34% easier to exploit than the league average.

On the year, that figure is 19%, which is mostly powered by the position scoring 14 rushing touchdowns and a pair more through the air. Long story short, versatile RBs have done the most damage. Fifteen backs have posted double-digit PPR results, and nine of those efforts were good for at least 15 points.

The Seahawks have done a better job of limiting wide receivers, and while there’s always the possibility Philadelphia unleashes its pent-up frustration on this secondary in such a way that Swift isn’t needed as much, there’s still enough to like from an efficiency perspective. It’s understandable if owners in the postseason are ready to cut bait for a safer option, but sticking with the former Detroit Lion one more week is a worthwhile risk to take.

My projection: 14 carries, 66 rushing yards, 1 TD, 4 targets, 4 receptions, 33 yards (19.9 PPR fantasy points)

Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 15 free-agent forecast

Check out the top waiver wire targets for Week 15.

Only two more games Monday night stand before the start of the playoffs in the majority of fantasy football leagues, and the waiver wire will be a busy marketplace entering Week 15.

There were a multitude of injuries to the running back position to keep an eye on moving forward. Players such as Josh Jacobs, Alexander Mattison, Brian Robinson Jr. and Isiah Pacheco — to name a few — all have injury question marks.

We’re also getting to the point of the season in which stashing FAAB isn’t as crucial. Don’t be afraid to spend a bit more on a player who might give your team an edge down the stretch.

We also will be taking a look at some deeper players to stash and the top streaming options for the upcoming week.

Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.

Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 14

A true risk-reward play, this veteran tight end has a great matchup.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 14

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 6-7-0
All-time record: 25-38-3 (40.2%)

Wk	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18
%	55	74	41	20	150	66	16	25	88	121	138	80	87
Grade	E	C	F-	F-	A+	D	F-	F-	B+	A+	A+	B-	B+

In some ways, claiming a win from last week’s recommendation of Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson feels a little dirty. It rarely works out when a promoted player throws three picks, but he saved the day with a rushing touchdown and finished QB10 in a week with six teams on bye. Had Wilson not thrown the three picks, his final fantasy tally would have been the exact 23.7 points I projected.

We’ll take every victory we can get, and Week 13’s dub makes it five straight after an embarrassing 1-7 start to the season. Keep grinding, folks.

Los Angeles Chargers TE Gerald Everett vs. Denver Broncos

Preface: This one isn’t for everyone and requires an conscious willingness to gamble. Fortunately, tight end is the most volatile position from week to week, and the crop of safe plays is wafer thin.

The main reason to be concerned is Everett’s typical lack of volume, but that trepidation is lessened by his recent uptick in action. The past two weeks have seen him get targeted four and five times, respectively, with the veteran securing four in each contest. He has 43 and 44 yards in those outings, and Everett found paydirt in Week 12 for his third score in the last six outings.

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Now, the target share should decrease if Joshua Palmer (knee) indeed returns this week; he was limited during the first two days of practice. Could there be some rust? Sure. But the volume isn’t what makes Everett attractive. (Friday update: Palmer has been ruled out, making Everett a safer choice.)

In the last five weeks, Denver has given up touchdowns at the seventh-highest rate, and this is the No. 2 matchup for points in non-PPR as well as reception-rewarding formats. The position has scored three times in the most recent four games against this defense, and just three teams have surrendered more yards per game since Week 8 than Denver’s 72. The success hasn’t been isolated to the second half of the season, however, as the Broncos rate tied for dead last at defending TEs in 2023.

Given the rather low probability of Everett seeing more than five or six targets, he’s overly reliant on getting into the end zone, and that’s is entirely to the focus of this risk-reward calculation.

While this projected line isn’t extreme, it would have placed in the TE1 category in each of the last five weeks.

My projection: 6 targets, 4 receptions, 39 yards, 1 TD (13.9 PPR fantasy points)

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 13

Six bye teams makes settling on a safer floor a little more important this week.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 13

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 5-7-0
All-time record: 24-38-3 (39.2%)

Wk	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18
%	55	74.7	41.7	20.8	150.3	66.5	16.1	25.5	88	121.4	138.8	80.3
Grade	E	C	F-	F-	A+	D	F-	F-	B+	A+	A+	B-

The one thing I most worried about last week when recommending Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew was the possibility of Jonathan Taylor defying the odds and stealing the show, which is what happened. Tampa Bay had been stout vs. running backs basically all year, but the star back ran for two touchdowns and Indy didn’t have to throw a ton. Fortunately, Minshew punched in one of his own, which saved my bacon since he failed to throw for a touchdown.

This week, we stick with the quarterback position in a week that features six teams on bye, and four of them tend to be worthy of fantasy attention. While I’m not entirely confident in this week’s choice, he makes for a valid boom-or-bust play with the fake playoffs are looming.

Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson at Houston Texans

Even during Denver’s recent five-game winning streak, Wilson has not thrown for more than 259 yards in any outing, and he has topped out at 20.7 PPR points. A major reason for Denver’s success is the coaching staff has taken the ball out of his hands in an effort to limit his opportunities for making mistakes, which has paid off. Wilson hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 6, and the Broncos have relied on the running game to help alleviate pressure. In Denver’s six wins this year, Wilson has thrown fewer than 30 passes in all but one outing, making efficiency paramount with respect to his fantasy output.

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During the recent winning streak, Wilson has averaged 18.9 fantasy points and would rank 15th in per-game results at the position (among QBs with at least four starts). He has outperformed Patrick Mahomes in that window. In this upcoming bye-heavy week, gamers lose Josh Allen and Joshua Dobbs from the 14 passers ranked ahead of Wilson. But frequent starters Justin Fields and Lamar Jackson are off this week to further diminish the pool. Translation: Our standards of what we constitute as a successful fantasy play should be lowered.

On Houston’s side of this matchup, the defense has allowed quarterbacks to average the 11th-most fantasy points per game on the year, but that number jumps to No. 7 in the last five weeks. QBs have rushed for a pair of scores in that span, and Wilson has one to his credit, too, but any ground-based success should be considered a bonus here. Removing the rushing TDs positions Houston as the ninth-weakest unit at defending signal callers in that period of play.

In terms of raw numbers, this level of success looks like 285 yards, a TD every 16.1 completions, and an interception every 42.3 attempts. The yardage sits fifth, whereas the scoring rate is a neutral 17th. Getting back to Wilson’s need for efficiency, the Texans have yielded the ninth-highest rate of fantasy points per play and the third-best yards per completion.

Furthermore, Houston has held RBs to the sixth-fewest rushing yards, on average, since Week 7, and this is a neutral matchup for getting into the end zone on the ground.

In closing, don’t feel strongly compelled to start Wilson if there’s a clearer option present. If the target is to start a solid player with a quality matchup outlook, ample weaponry, and a reasonably sturdy floor, Wilson is a low-end starting option.

My projection: 20-of-30 attempts, 264 yards, 2 TDs, 5 rushes, 23 yards (23.7 fantasy points)

Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 13 free-agent forecast

Check out the top waiver wire targets for fantasy football in Week 13.

With just a few more weeks until the playoffs arrive, it’s crunch time in the majority of fantasy football leagues. The waiver wire should be busy entering Week 13.

After no teams had a bye in Week 12, managers will get hit hard in Week 13. Six teams will be on a bye, including some major firepower. Those six teams include the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders.

We also will be taking a look at some deeper players to stash and the top streaming options for the upcoming week.

Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.

Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.