Fantasy players will have to decide whether last week’s high-scoring running back is a sign of things to come or a fluke. However, the most critical part of the waiver wire is finding the right players to stream for the upcoming matchup. Whether you need an injury replacement or your current starter has a bad matchup, it is critical to find the right player to stream. With that in mind, here are eight potential streaming options for Week 4.
The following players are owned in under 50 percent of ESPN leagues. All stats are base on four-point per passing touchdown and PPR scoring.
Kirk Cousins vs Cleveland Browns (32.5%)
Despite being owned in under a third of ESPN fantasy leagues, Cousins has averaged 24.1 fantasy points per game this season, scoring 22 or more in all three contests. He has thrown eight touchdowns against zero interceptions this season. Furthermore, Cousins has thrown for over 320 passing yards in two of the three games, averaging 306 per contest. Meanwhile, the Browns held Justin Fields to only 3.9 fantasy points in his first career start last week. However, they gave up an average of 27.9 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks over the first two games of the season, including 22.5 to Tyrod Taylor and Davis Mills in Week 2. At this point, Cousins shouldn’t be on the waiver wire in standard size leagues.
Jacoby Brissett vs Indianapolis Colts (1.6%)
With Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve, Brissett is the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. In his first start of the season, Brissett scored 20.3 fantasy points against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Brissett threw for 215 yards to go along with seven rushing attempts for 37 yards and the game-tying touchdown against the Raiders. Meanwhile, the Colts gave up three passing touchdowns and 21.5 fantasy points to Ryan Tannehill last week despite A.J. Brown playing only eight snaps. For the season, the Colts have given up an average of 21.9 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, giving up at least 17 fantasy points in all three contests. While it’s not a typical revenge game, expect Brissett to play with a little extra motivation this week against the Colts.
Pat Freiermuth at Green Bay Packers (4.5%)
The second-round rookie played a career-low 36 percent of the snaps last week against the Cincinnati Bengals; however, he finished with a career-high five targets and 11.2 fantasy points. More importantly, Freiermuth has turned into Ben Roethlisberger’s go-to tight end. While the veteran Eric Ebron has played six more snaps than the rookie, Freiermuth has 30 percent more targets than the veteran. Meanwhile, the Packers have struggled to slow down tight ends this season. They have given up an average of 19.9 fantasy points per game to the position, giving up at least 17 fantasy points in all three contests. With Diontae Johnson and JuJu Smith-Schuster dealing with injuries, Freiermuth could have an even larger role this week.
Dawson Knox vs Houston Texans (4.4%)
Entering the season, Knox was a fantasy afterthought. However, Knox has averaged four targets and 10.9 fantasy points per game this season. Furthermore, entering Week 3, Knox was the TE7 for the season. More importantly, Knox is first on the team in receiving touchdowns, scoring in back-to-back weeks. Meanwhile, the Texans have struggled against tight ends this season, giving up an average of 18.9 fantasy points per game to the position. Furthermore, tight ends have scored 15 or more fantasy points against the Texans in every game this season. Knox has become a red zone target for Josh Allen and should have his third straight game with a touchdown.
Chicago Bears D/ST vs Detroit Lions (14.1%)
After totaling just one sack and negative one fantasy point against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, the Bears D/St has totaled 10 sacks and 24 fantasy points over the past two weeks. Furthermore, the Bears D/ST has four turnovers and a touchdown over their past two games while holding their opponents to only 21.5 points per game. Meanwhile, the Lions have allowed opposing D/STs to average six fantasy points per game against them. They have given up an average of two sacks and a turnover per game. The Bears should have no trouble getting pressure on Jared Goff and have their third straight game with five sacks.
Cincinnati Bengals D/ST vs Jacksonville Jaguars (5.0%)
One of the biggest surprises this season is the Cincinnati defense. Over the first three weeks, the Bengals D/ST has four turnovers and 10 sacks while averaging seven fantasy points per game. Furthermore, they have held their opponents to an average of only 16 points per game, giving up 14 or fewer in two straight contests. Meanwhile, the Jaguars have been fantasy gold for opposing D/STs this season. Over the first three weeks, opposing D/STs have averaged 10.7 fantasy points per game when facing the Jaguars, scoring at least 11 fantasy points in back-to-back weeks. Furthermore, D/STs have a total of nine turnovers against the Jaguars this season. Until Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville offense learn to protect the football, fantasy players can stream D/STs against them.
Evan McPherson vs Jacksonville Jaguars (5.8%)
Three games into his NFL career, McPherson has made all eight of his extra-point attempts to go along with all four of his field goals, including two from 50 plus yards away. More importantly, McPherson is averaging 8.3 fantasy points per game this season, scoring seven or more in every contest. Meanwhile, the Jaguars have given up an average of 11 fantasy points per game to kickers, giving up 13 or more in two of their three contests this season. Furthermore, the Jaguars have given up seven field goals and 10 extra-point attempts in their first three games. The Bengals should have no trouble scoring at will on the Jaguars, resulting in plenty of kicking opportunities for McPherson on Thursday night.
Randy Bullock at New York Jets (1.2%)
Bullock joined the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 after they released Michael Badgley. In the two games since joining the Titans, Bullock has made five of six field goals and all five of his extra-point attempts, averaging 9.5 fantasy points per game. Meanwhile, the Jets have been fantasy gold for kickers this season, giving up an average of 12.7 fantasy points per game to the position. Furthermore, kickers have scored 15 or more fantasy points against the Jets in two straight games. Over the past two weeks, the Titans have scored an average of 29 points per game. They should have no trouble scoring at least 30 points again this week against the Jets, creating plenty of kicking opportunities for Bullock.
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