NFL

3 Fantasy Football Quarterback Streamer Options for Week 1

Quarterback streaming isn't for everyone, but if you're in a standard league -- like a 10- or 12-team league that features just one starting signal caller -- grabbing potentially productive quarterbacks in good matchups off the waiver wire is often doable.

Sure, you won't have the luxury of setting it and forgetting it with Patrick Mahomes as your quarterback, but when the top-end signal-callers draw a tough matchup, their upside can oftentimes be matched by a waiver-wire option in a more favorable situation.

If you're looking for some quarterback options from the waiver wire -- regardless of league size -- we have you covered. Here are three quarterbacks rostered in fewer than roughly 40% of Yahoo leagues who are in good spots this week.

Jameis Winston, Saints

Yahoo Roster Percentage: 46%

It's pretty easy to like Jameis Winston in Week 1.

The New Orleans Saints are on the road in a sublime spot against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons were bad defensively last year, allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks (20.2). Atlanta should be poor on D once again, and our model has them as the second-worst pass defense heading into the campaign.

In addition to the cozy matchup, Winston has some new toys to throw to this year. Michael Thomas is back, Jarvis Landry was signed and Chris Olave was taken in the first round. There's some sneaky-good juice in this offense.

Winston was solid last year prior to getting hurt. He scored at least 25.0 fantasy points in two of his six full games, and he averaged 16.8 points per game for the year.

We project him to amass 15.5 fantasy points in Week 1 and rank him as QB21. I think he's got upside for more in this matchup.

Ryan Tannehill, Titans

Yahoo Roster Percentage: 19%

Ryan Tannehill finds himself on the streaming radar fairly often. As a good-not-great fantasy option, he's typically on the waiver wire in one-quarterback formats, and his streaming appeal is enhanced by his ability to run a bit.

He's definitely in play this week in a nice home matchup with the New York Giants.

The Tennessee Titans have a 24.50-point implied total and are 5.5-point favorites. It should be a game script that suits Tannehill well.

He tossed just four total touchdowns across the Titans' five losses last season, so he tends to be a more productive fantasy passer in wins. He also does slightly more on the ground in victories, rushing for five scores and 16.6 yards per game in wins last year, compared to two tuddies and 14.2 yards per game in defeats.

Our projections have Tannehill scoring 15.8 fantasy points and rank him as the QB19. I prefer Winston's ceiling, but Tanny is a fine choice, too.

Carson Wentz, Commanders

Yahoo Roster Percentage: 12%

I get it. No one wants to go into the season with Carson Wentz as their Week 1 quarterback. The Indianapolis Colts tried it once and really didn't want to do it again.

But Wentz can deliver on Sunday.

The matchup is certainly there as he's at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Washington's 23.50-point implied total is an OK number, and while Wentz took a lot of heat for his finish to 2021, he was fine in fake football for a good chunk of the year, scoring at least 17 fantasy points in eight of the first nine games.

Our algorithm actually has Wentz a wee bit in front of Winston and Tannehill, projecting the Washington Commanders' signal-caller for 15.9 fantasy points (QB18). And if Week 1 goes well, you can keep Wentz for Week 2, when he'll see the Detroit Lions.