Every week we will bring you our advice on which signal-callers have the potential to help your fantasy teams win. We will look at the previous weeks’ performances, the quarterbacks’ supporting cast, the matchup, and smart statistical insights to offer you the clearest picture of which QB to pick up from your waiver wire.
Remember, we will only consider QBs who are less than 70% rostered in Yahoo! leagues so as to give you an honest chance at picking one up for your team’s matchup.
Week 5 of the NFL season was a mixed bag for streamable quarterbacks and our picks reflected that. Our recommended streamer C.J. Stroud (14.16 fantasy points) failed to meet the expectations of the previous three games where he posted 20+ fantasy points. Stroud worked the ball well but could only muster four field goal scoring drives until a final quarter touchdown drive – this was partly due to errors from his receivers but we expected more against an average Falcons defense.
It was a similar vibe for veteran Matthew Stafford (16.88 fantasy points) who, after a promising first half where he threw two touchdown passes, failed to break down the Eagles defense in the second half. With Cooper Kupp back in the line up, Stafford sprayed the ball around and it looked like he would put up a big fantasy score before the Rams went punt, punt, punt, turnover on downs to finish the contest after the break. Ouch!
All hail, Sam Howell (26.42 fantasy points), who saved our streaming selections with a terrific second half performance for the Commanders in a comeback attempt against the Bears. Howell recorded a season-high fantasy score after throwing for 388 yards and two touchdowns and remains a fantasy streamer week-in, week-out.
| QB | Matchup | % Rostered (Yahoo!) | Fantasy Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| C.J. Stroud, Texans | HOU at ATL | 66% | 14.16 |
| Matthew Stafford, Rams | LAR vs. PHI | 52% | 16.88 |
| Sam Howell, Commanders | WAS vs. CHI | 30% | 26.42 |
Going into Week 6, only two teams are on bye so we wont see quarterbacks Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers) and Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers).
With that knowledge in mind, let’s look at our recommendations for Week 6.
| QB | Matchup | % Rostered (Yahoo!) | Projected Fantasy Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Stafford, Rams | LAR vs. ARI | 56% | 17.91 |
| Gardner Minshew, Colts | IND at JAX | 1% | 12.45 |
| Sam Howell, Commanders | WAS at ATL | 33% | 15.35 |
“Matthew’s Kupp Is Full”
Matthew Stafford, Rams vs. Cardinals
Rams veteran Matthew Stafford has his favorite target, Cooper Kupp back in action. The two connected for 118 yards on eight catches on 12 targets in a promising outlook for Stafford’s already healthy fantasy output in 2023. The veteran has quickly built a special chemistry with Puka Nacua and now has his full slate of receivers to feed with Kupp and tight end Tyler Higbee all locked in.
Despite scores in the high teens, Stafford has yet to eclipse the 20+ fantasy point mark. The Cardinals defense, which is giving up the third most points to quarterbacks this season is next on the plate in a must-win game for a fired up Rams team. This is a no-brainer as a recommended streamer.
THE PASS. THE CATCH. GOOD LAWD.
📺 @NFLonFOX | 1⃣7⃣ @ASAPpuka pic.twitter.com/skb4vkNNDD
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 8, 2023
“In Minshew We Trust”
Gardner Minshew, Colts at Jaguars
We love the leagues best backup quarterback for this very reason, Gardner Minshew will start games and get wins! The reliable Minshew led the Colts to a Week 3 win over Baltimore in relief of Anthony Richardson, and helped close out last weekend’s win over the Titans after the rookie exited with a sprained AC joint. Through five weeks, Minshew is 57-of-83 for 553 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. Yes, please!
The Jags are giving up the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2023 and looks vulnerable to Minshew’s ability to manage the short range opportunities. It could be a slow-burn but he should come out with a productive score.
Hit ‘em with the Minshimmy. 😵💫
📺 #INDvsJAX | 10/15 on CBS pic.twitter.com/rXbqmXye58
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 10, 2023
“Mr. Reliable Stream”
Sam Howell, Commanders at Falcons
He does what it says on the tin! Sam Howell has become the favorite streaming option for 2023, it’s official. Every year there is a guy who more often than not will not let you down if you throw him in your line up. Howell has averaged 20.86 fantasy points over four of his five games, the fifth being a horrific four-turnover showing against the Bills in Week 3 which we are willing to class as an outlier. Howell is growing into a starting role and there is lots to like about his ability through the air and on the ground.
A matchup against fellow second-year guy Desmond Ridder and the Falcons provides an opportunity for him to continue his productive start to the season.
After the touchdown, Howell runs in the 2pt conversion himself when no receivers are open.
Nice grit from the kid.#HTTC | @Sam7Howell pic.twitter.com/e3NZKoJN5l
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 6, 2023
Don’t hesitate to give me your thoughts and hit me up for questions on X at @benjaminhaller1.
Feature image by Michael Packard (@CollectingPack on Twitter) / Photography by Randy Litzinger/ Icon Sportswire