The Stream Option is a weekly article where The Undroppables explore the best options at Quarterback, Defense, and Tight End that should be available in most leagues.
*Note: ESPN rostership rates were gathered on 12/9/2020 and are subject to change.
Quarterbacks
Philip Rivers – IND @ LV
Streaming options at quarterback are pretty thin in Week 14 as all of the best matchups are taken by top tier, rostered quarterbacks or bottom tier, untrustable quarterbacks. However, Rivers slots in as my top option due to a matchup against the 11th worst defense against fantasy quarterbacks. Independent of the matchup, Rivers has also shown that he can be trusted in recent weeks with four straight games of 16 or more points and 8 TDs in that span. Currently, Rivers is rostered in 25.2% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
Mitchell Trubisky/Nick Foles – CHI vs HOU
Trubisky has started the last two games for the Bears after an injury to Foles in Week 10, but the Bears are 0-2 in those games and lost last week partly due to a Trubisky fumble in the fourth quarter. With Foles recovering, there is a possibility that he may be named the starter for Week 14’s game against the Texans. I am comfortable playing either Quarterback this week against the 12th worst defense against fantasy QBs. Along with that defense, the Texans offense led by Deshaun Watson can possibly turn this game into more of a shootout than a defensive struggle and allow for the Bears’ QB to get more passing opportunities. Mitch Trubisky is rostered in 29.3% of ESPN leagues and Nick Foles is rostered in just 7%.
Tight Ends
Logan Thomas – WAS @ SF
Logan Thomas caught 9 passes against Pittsburgh during the Monday afternoon game last week. Thomas was the beneficiary of the Steelers keying in on Terry McLaurin, as Thomas became Alex Smith’s go-to checkdown. I think Gibson’s turf toe could create another week where Thomas is constantly racking up targets in the flats and lead to another big PPR score for him in Week 14. Thomas is only rostered in 35.9% of ESPN leagues despite being the TE8 on the season.
Mike Gesicki – MIA vs KC
Gesicki has had an up-and-down season in what some expected would be his breakout year. Gesicki has amazing athleticism for the Tight End position, but has failed to turn that into strong performances in the NFL. However, he is currently coming off a nine reception performance in Week 13. With 35 fantasy points in the last two weeks combined, it may finally be Gesicki’s breakout and he’ll get another opportunity this week against the 11th worst defense against fantasy TEs. Gesicki is currently rostered in 76.4% of ESPN leagues.
Defenses
Washington D/ST – WAS @ SF
The Washington Defense didn’t put much on the statsheet last week against Pittsburgh, but they played great in short yardage situations, hurried Ben Roethlisberger and led their team to a win. The Washington front seven should get a few more chances to make plays in the opposing backfield next week against the Niners, and if they continue to play like they did last week it should translate to fantasy points. The WFT defense is only rostered in 48.3% of ESPN leagues.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TB vs MIN
The Buccaneers started the season as one of the league’s best defenses, but have slowed down a little as of late. However, a game against the struggling Vikings’ offensive line is a great opportunity for Shaq Barrett and Co. to start racking up sacks again. I believe the Bucs will be a good play that will get at least 7-10 points in your defensive slot and offer upside if the backend can create turnovers in the passing game.
For more options for additions to your lineup, check out Mike Reedy’s Waiver Wire article for Week 14, and feel free to reach out to me with questions on Twitter, @KL_Fantasy.
