Sep 25, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
I won’t waste your time with some corny intro. Is it me or does the QB position feel weaker than ever this year? With Trey Lance out for the year and usual staples such as Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, and Russell Wilson immensely struggling, here are three streaming options fantasy owners need to consider on Sunday.
Jared Goff vs. Seattle
Goff has enjoyed an impressive start to his 2022 campaign as he currently ranks 11th amongst QB’s. On tap for Week 4 is a matchup with the Seahawks. Despite Seattle actually playing pretty well vs. QB’s thus far, it doesn’t appear Vegas is buying their early success. The Lions rank 2nd in the NFL in implied team total this week just behind the Buffalo Bills. While implied team totals could be slightly misleading – it essentially means Vegas is expecting Detroit to score points this week. Through three games, Goff is averaging 37.3 pass attempts per game. With D’Andre Swift likely to miss this week – the Lions could lean on the throw more than usual. Goff’s #1 pass catcher, Amon-Ra St. Brown is currently listed as questionable (ankle) but is expected to play Sunday. That’s an injury to heavily monitor if you considering Goff in Week 4.
Marcus Mariota vs. Browns
Death, Taxes, and a Marcus Mariota reviving from the dead. Maybe not reviving from the dead, but you get my point. After spending two years backing up Derek Carr, the once college standout has shown success in Atlanta. Through three weeks, Mariota ranks the QB13 despite playing two top defenses to open the season (NO & LAR.) While the throwing numbers leave a lot to be desired, Mariota has flourished thanks to an uptick in rushing. We all know running QB’s are fantasy cheat codes. Just look at the Josh Allen’s, Lamar Jackson’s, and Jalen Hurts of the world. Now, while Mariota simply does not have the capabilities to run with the elite, Atlanta has utilized him significantly in their run game. Through three weeks, he’s compiled 25 rush attempts which only ranks behind the after-mentioned names. With a high projected O/U and a possible Myles Garrett-less Browns – Mariota is well in play for Week 4.
Jacoby Brissett @ Atlanta
Are you seeing a trend here? Basically, I’m targeting QB’s in high-projected O/U games. Brissett is coming off his best game of the season on Thursday Night Football when he threw for 220 yards and 2 TD’ vs. the Steelers. Now on tap is a matchup with the lowly Falcons. Through three weeks – Atlanta ranks 23rd against QB’s. They have allowed the opposition (QB’s) to score at least 18 PPG in each of their first three games (Winston, Stafford, G. Smith.) Brissett has sneakily compiled 13 rush attempts and 64 yards on the ground as well – suggesting a rushing TD is on the horizon. Vegas is expecting points in this game, and despite the Browns implementing a run-heavy attack, Brissett is on the streaming radar.