Streaming Plays Week 9 2016

By Armando Marsal

Between bye weeks and injuries, fantasy owners have to find players to step in for their starters each week. Sometimes it is a player on your bench and other times you just have to pick up a player off of waivers and plug him in your lineup. That will be determined by the league you are in as well as the players you have on your bench. That being said, let’s take a look at some players that you can plug in your lineups this week if you are in need.

Quarterback

Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
Kaepernick comes off of his bye week and faces a Saints defense that is yielding 291 passing yards per game and has allowed nine touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks. In his last two starts, Kaepernick is averaging 165 passing yards and 75 rushing yards per game, while throwing one touchdown and eclipsing 15 fantasy points in each game. The 49ers have an implied team total of 24.75 points, so they are projected to score a tad over three touchdowns. Aside from being volatile, there is not much to dislike about Kaepernick this week and offers a lot of upside in a great matchup.

Running Back

Charcandrick West, Kansan City Chiefs
West is going to get the start this week for the Chiefs and instantly becomes a running back that should be plugged into your lineups. He has a shot to be on the field the majority of the offensive snaps due to the lack of depth at the position for the Chiefs this week and could see upwards of 20 touches if the game script plays out as it is expected to. Kansas City is playing at home and are 7.5 point favorites in this contest. The matchup is also favorable as the Jaguars are yielding 99.9 rushing yards per game and have surrendered seven rushing touchdowns, with at least one in each of their last four games.

Tim Hightower, New Orleans Saints
Hightower stepped in for Mark Ingram last week after Ingram fumbled and ran for 102 yards on 26 carries. He played 47 of the offensive snaps, compared to Ingram’s six snaps. Post-game reports suggested that Hightower will be more involved in the offense moving forward. It is unknown exactly how much more of a role Hightower will have, but if you are hurting at the running back position, he is certainly worth a flier. The 49ers are giving up 162.4 rushing yards per game and have surrendered 10 rushing touchdowns.

Wide Receiver

Kenny Britt, Los Angeles Rams
Britt is averaging 6.9 targets per game and has been a consistent contributor in PPR formats. He is playing a Panthers defense that is giving up receptions and 201.4 receiving yards per game and has surrendered nine receiving touchdowns. He offers a steady floor and possesses some upside, making him a very good streaming option this week for those in need.

Kendall Wright, Tennessee Titans
Wright is averaging six targets per game in his last three games, as well as, 76.3 receiving yards and 4.7 receptions. He has also scored two touchdowns in that span. This week he faces a San Diego defense that is giving up 174.4 receiving yards per game and has surrendered seven touchdowns to receivers. With Delanie Walker unlikely to play this week, that could open up the door for more targets for Wright who has already been seeing more volume in recent weeks.

Tight End

Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
Gates has been peppered with 19 targets in the last two games and has caught nine passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. Granted, his efficiency is not quite there, but the volume can’t be ignored. With the type of offense that the Chargers have been running, he should continue to be on the field often, which creates opportunity. The Titans are giving up 67.6 receiving yards per game and have surrendered three touchdowns. Gates no longer has the upside he once had, but he could be helpful for those in need this week.

Defense

Dallas Cowboys
Miami Dolphins
Baltimore Ravens