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 10/6/2020 and may have changed.
Quarterbacks
Teddy Bridgewater – CAR @ ATL
Teddy Bridgewater is currently the QB18 and is coming off a 26.24 point performance against the Cardinals in Week 4. In Week 5, Bridgewater will see another advantageous matchup against an Atlanta defense that has given up the most fantasy points to QBs this season. In addition, the Carolina offense has shown that they can pass the ball with the eighth-most passing yards per game in the NFL. If Bridgewater can reach the end zone more consistently, he can be a terrific fantasy QB for the rest of the season.
Kirk Cousins – MIN @ SEA
Kirk Cousins has had a very up-and-down season for the purple and gold this year, posting scores of 21.76, -1.48, 19.44, and 14.9. However, on Sunday he’ll face a Seahawks defense that is currently allowing a league-worst 401 passing yards per game. With Adam Thielen showing he is still an elite wideout and Justin Jefferson bursting onto the scene as of late, Cousins has a strong WR corps to get the ball to. While Cousins isn’t a very appealing option, he has a good matchup on Sunday and is only rostered in 19.6% of ESPN leagues.
Tight Ends
Eric Ebron – PIT vs PHI
While the Steelers didn’t play in Week 4 due to COVID, Ebron is coming off his best performance of the season in Week 3 where he posted 16.2 fantasy points. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ next opponent, the Eagles, allowed one of the best TE games ever seen last Sunday night against George Kittle. While Kittle is obviously superhuman, the Eagles woes against Tight Ends haven’t only been seen against him, as they allowed a TD to Logan Thomas in Week 1 and 3 scores to Tyler Higbee in Week 2. Eric Ebron is only rostered in 33.2% of ESPN leagues and should have a strong opportunity for a great week in Week 5.
Ian Thomas – CAR @ ATL
The Atlanta Falcons currently rank as the worst defense in the NFL against the tight end position in fantasy and have given up solid performances to Greg Olsen, Dalton Schultz, Jimmy Graham, and Robert Tonyan. Meanwhile, Ian Thomas has failed to produce the breakout season some expected after Greg Olsen left Carolina for Seattle. However, Atlanta has been ludicrously poor against the Tight End position and if Thomas is going to succeed, it’s going to be in this game. Thomas doesn’t inspire confidence, but his 1.3% rostership rate on ESPN means he should be available as a last-ditch option for those with TE injury woes.
Defenses
Rams D/ST – LAR @ WAS
I recommended the Rams defense last week against the Giants and they finished as the 3rd best defense last week. While the Rams gained 72.6% rostership in advance of last week’s matchup and likely are no longer available, if you picked them up last week, roll them out again this week against a struggling Washington team.
Cardinals D/ST – ARI @ NYJ
With Sam Darnold likely out, the Jets will be starting Joe Flacco, coming off injury, in Week 5. Meanwhile, the rest of the Jets offense has been banged up early and often in this season, and while Le’Veon Bell should be available in this matchup, the Jets offense is still going to struggle mightily. Meanwhile, the Cardinals haven’t been more than a middle-of-the-road defense in 2020, but with a matchup as good as this one, any defense could succeed. The Cardinals are rostered in 52.9% of ESPN leagues.
Other Options: Chiefs D/ST vs LV (33.7% rostership) & Broncos D/ST @ NE IF CAM IS OUT (76% rostership)
For more options for additions to your lineup, check out Mike Reedy’s Waiver Wire article for Week 5, and feel free to reach out to me with questions on Twitter, @KL_Fantasy.
