Each week of the NFL season, we sift through the deeper options at each position with an eye toward identifying streaming fantasy commodities with valuable matchups to consider.
Now that we're in the fantasy playoffs, your main reasons for needing a pickup are usually due to injury or suspension. Sometimes, though, it's also because you're unhappy with the production you're getting at a certain position and you simply don't have a better option on your roster. In deeper leagues, those in which you start two QBs or those with an "OP" (offensive player) or superflex position, you may just need the best warm body available with upside. And no matter your league size, it should go without saying that we strongly advise streaming at defense/special teams (D/ST) throughout the season.
That's what we're here for, to identify widely available options that could provide the relief you are seeking this week.
Quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers
For the third straight week, "Jimmy G" is a quality streaming option. The standard league crowd might even start paying attention at this point, as he's passed for 627 yards in his past two games. I lost Carson Wentz in the staff fantasy playoffs and plan on deploying Garoppolo. A lack of touchdown upside remains an issue and is likely due to a lack of high-end skill weapons, but the Titans have allowed 16.1 fantasy points per game to signal-callers and don't have many playmakers on defense.
Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles
It's highly unlikely Foles can match the amazing touchdown rate Carson Wentz sustained this season, but given the Eagles are third in the league in points per drive and have one of the better rushing attacks in the league, there is hope for Foles to exceed value as a solid QB2 or superflex asset. Per this upcoming division matchup, the Giants have allowed 19.4 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season, the most in the league. In a familiar scheme and with a bevy of gifted skill weapons at his disposal, Foles is a sound streamer for this Sunday.
Running back
Another popular inclusion in this column has been Davis, who has averaged 18 touches in the past two weeks and now nets a choice matchup with the Rams. Did you know the Rams have allowed the second-most fantasy points (26.6) per game to tailbacks in ESPN PPR leagues? Los Angeles has ceded 4.67 yards per carry to tailbacks, second most in the league. If Davis can continue his tackle-breaking ways and is featured heavily in the game plan, he could be another in a long line of slate-shifting backs in the fantasy playoffs who emerged from seemingly nowhere. I know it's tough to trust a Seattle back given the troubling season-long sample, but Davis has a high ceiling this Sunday.
Wide receiver
Corey Coleman, Cleveland Browns
Coleman's average target during the past two weeks has traveled 16.5 air yards, which suggests he has an impressive ceiling if he can connect with DeShone Kizer on Sunday. The Ravens have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to receivers since Week 10, thus Coleman has real appeal as a third wideout or flex in deeper PPR formats.
Dede Westbrook, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Texans have struggled to cover receivers this season, as they've yielded 161.2 yards per game to wideouts, seventh most in the league. Westbrook is quietly emerging as one of Blake Bortles' most bankable targets; he's been targeted on 29.2 percent of his routes since Week 11, highest on the team in this sample. With at least 10 fantasy points in ESPN PPR leagues in three straight weeks, Westbrook is a nice sleeper for this pivotal part of the fantasy postseason.
Tight end
The hope heading into this season was for Ebron to capitalize on the massive void in red zone targets left by Anquan Boldin, but he's scored just twice this season and is 20th in fantasy points per game among tight ends. Maybe this past Sunday's 10-catch explosion is an outlier, but it does help Ebron's case as a streamer that he has at least four catches in four straight games and was able to net 49 yards against this week's opponent, the Bears, a few weeks ago.
With Tyrod Taylor on the mend and likely behind center for the Bills this week, Clay could enjoy a big game against a Dolphins defense that has allowed 55.3 yards and 5.4 catches per game to tight ends this season, both well above league average rates. Taylor's 98.6 passer rating and 9.2 yards per attempt targeting Clay this season is impressive, especially during what is a tricky week at the position.
Defense/Special Teams
This upcoming matchup in Buffalo is somewhat attractive, as the Bills have averaged only 1.51 points per drive this season, 23rd in the league. The real selling point for this D/ST is how stifling they proved in coverage and in pressuring the pocket against the Patriots on Monday night. With two straight impressive defensive showings, the Fins make sense for those still streaming this deep into the season.
Individual Defensive Players
Defensive line
Ezekiel Ansah, Detroit Lions
Once one of the best pass rushers on a per-snap basis, Ansah has struggled to consistently pressure the pocket this season, thus he's available in well over 90 percent of ESPN leagues. Ansah is heating up from the edge of late, however, with 12 tackles and a sack in the past two games and a sack in two of the past three outings. The Bears have allowed Mitchell Trubisky to be pressured on nearly 30 percent of his dropbacks since Week 6, so there is some untapped upside for Ansah in this matchup.
Linebacker
Jarrad Davis, Detroit Lions
Even though he's lost out on some snaps to Tahir Whitehead lately, Davis remains busy as a run-stopper on early downs and productive as a blitzer. This role has led to 17 tackles, a sack and forced fumble the past two weeks. This rangy rookie should be busy chasing down Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen in Week 14 with an eye on another solid fantasy performance. Another emergent rookie to consider is Reuben Foster of the 49ers, as he's produced double-digit fantasy points in five straight and should be similarly busy corralling Tennessee's backfield.
Defensive back
Sean Davis, Pittsburgh Steelers
Davis rarely ever leaves the field when the Steelers are on defense and it's possible the absence of Ryan Shazier could feed him increased tackle chances. The Patriots' snap-happy offense should afford Davis plenty of opportunities to produce this week. If Davis is already rostered in your league, consider the Colts' Matthias Farley, who could enjoy a nice outing against a struggling Denver passing game.