We have seen a wide range of quarterback play in the 2024 NFL season, but sometimes what we see on the field is not a direct representation of what it means for fantasy football purposes. Therefore, when it comes to considering which quarterbacks are streaming options, we can look a little beyond the conventional to find them.
Week 4 Streamers: TE | DEF | K
Which QBs Should You Stream in Week 4?
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (vs. DAL)
The idea of telling you to start Daniel Jones makes me cringe. We are talking about the deepest leagues in 1QB settings or 10-team Superflex leagues where he might not be rostered.
However, in the past two weeks, Jones has posted an average of just under 19 fantasy points per game, which is a more than solid return. This week, he faces a Dallas Cowboys defense that is allowing an average of 19.39 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, the third-worst number in the league.
A big part of that is that the Cowboys are allowing 128.67 yards after the catch per game and a 90% touchdown rate when opposing offenses get into the red zone.
Malik Nabers was targeted 12 times on 34 routes for 8 receptions, 78 yards and 2 touchdowns, accounting for 56.9% of the Giants team air yards.
Nabers is the only receiver in the NFL to account for over half of his team's air yards (57.6%) this season.
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— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 22, 2024
The biggest concern with Jones is that if Dallas can shut down Malik Nabers, he could have some issues. Of the 600 yards Jones has thrown for in the first three weeks, 271 of them have gone to Nabers. That is a whopping 45.2% of his passing yards aimed at one player. Similarly, Nabers has 75% of Jones’ passing touchdowns this season.
It is a risky play, but Jones has a knack for scoring fantasy points, and the matchup is solid. This is not a play to start Jones over top-10 options, but if you have a QB facing a tough defense this week or you are still reeling from losing Tua Tagovailoa, then Jones could be a solid Week 3 option.
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (at GB)
At this point, Sam Darnold is becoming less of a streamer and more of a borderline weekly start. He has scored over 20 fantasy points in his last two games, thanks in large part to scoring a combined six touchdowns (eight on the season). His offensive line is doing a great job giving him time, and Darnold is making smart decisions.
All four of Sam Darnold’s touchdowns against the Texans came on short passes (0-10 air yards), against no blitz, and against man coverage; three were on dropbacks over 2.5 seconds.
Darnold currently leads the NFL in TDs on dropbacks over 2.5 seconds (6).#HOUvsMIN | @Vikings pic.twitter.com/iOR7E9oYQd
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 22, 2024
The matchup with the Green Bay Packers is not perfect, as they are allowing just 13.29 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. However, that is helped by facing Anthony Richardson and Caleb Williams, who are still within their first 10 games as NFL starters.
One thing to watch with Darnold is that he is getting an MRI on his knee Monday. The belief is that he will be fine, and we should have a better idea before the majority of waivers run on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns (at LV)
Deshaun Watson has been a solid, if not spectacular, fantasy option through the first three weeks. He has scored at least 12.5 fantasy points in all three outings but hasn’t gone over 16.5 points.
That could change this week against the Las Vegas Raiders, who are allowing an average of 17.1 fantasy points per game to the QB position this season.
MORE: FREE Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
Andy Dalton just threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns on the Raiders’ defense. He finished the week with 24.56 fantasy points and looked like an elite option in the matchup. Watson should be a better QB than Dalton at this stage of their careers, so there’s no reason not to lean on him this week if you need a starter.
All data from TruMedia unless otherwise stated.
Kyle Soppe’s Quarterback Rankings for Week 4
The following rankings are from Kyle Soppe and, therefore, may not directly reflect the advice above.
1) Lamar Jackson | Baltimore Ravens (vs. BUF)
2) Kyler Murray | Arizona Cardinals (vs. WAS)
3) Jalen Hurts | Philadelphia Eagles (at TB)
4) Josh Allen | Buffalo Bills (at BAL)
5) Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs (at LAC)
6) C.J. Stroud | Houston Texans (vs. JAX)
7) Jayden Daniels | Washington Commanders (at ARI)
8) Joe Burrow | Cincinnati Bengals (at CAR)
9) Jared Goff | Detroit Lions (vs. DEA)
10) Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys (at NYG)
11) Anthony Richardson | Indianapolis Colts (vs. PIT)
12) Derek Carr | New Orleans Saints (at ATL)
13) Justin Fields | Pittsburgh Steelers (at IND)
14) Sam Darnold | Minnesota Vikings (at GB)
15) Jordan Love | Green Bay Packers (vs. MIN)
16) Baker Mayfield | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. PHI)
17) Caleb Williams | Chicago Bears (vs. LAR)
18) Brock Purdy | San Francisco 49ers (vs. NE)
19) Geno Smith | Seattle Seahawks (at DET)
20) Kirk Cousins | Atlanta Falcons (vs. NO)
21) Aaron Rodgers | New York Jets (vs. DEN)
22) Trevor Lawrence | Jacksonville Jaguars (at HOU)
23) Andy Dalton | Carolina Panthers (vs. CIN)
24) Matthew Stafford | Los Angeles Rams (at CHI)
25) Daniel Jones | New York Giants (vs. DAL)
26) Will Levis | Tennessee Titans (at MIA)
27) Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers (vs. KC)
28) Deshaun Watson | Cleveland Browns (at LV)
29) Gardner Minshew II | Las Vegas Raiders (vs. CLE)
30) Bo Nix | Denver Broncos (at NYJ)
31) Skylar Thompson | Miami Dolphins (va. TEN)
32) Jacoby Brissett | New England Patriots (at SF)
33) Drake Maye | New England Patriots (at SF)
34) Bryce Young | Carolina Panthers (vs. CIN)
35) Malik Willis | Green Bay Packers (vs. MIN)
36) Sam Howell | Seattle Seahawks (at DET)
37) Aidan O’Connell | Las Vegas Raiders (vs. CLE)