Fantasy Football: 3 Quarterback Streamer Options for Week 16

Streaming quarterbacks remains an integral part of fantasy football for those who were willing to wait on the position in favor of loading up their lineups in drafts.

It's not always the preferred option as putting top-shelf guys in your lineup and forgetting it is always nice, but you can get some great value on the waiver wire each week to start at the position, keeping you competitive on a week-to-week basis.

Whether it's 10-team or 12-team leagues, there's going to be options out there to choose from.

When it comes to streaming a quarterback, there are multiple factors in play with none being more important than the defense they're opposing. From there, you can look at the situation they're in, what they've been doing as of late, and more. All of this matters -- especially when you're trying to find points at the most important position in football.

The fantasy playoffs are rolling on into Week 16 and the quarterback position isn't getting any easier to fill. If you're in a bind and still alive in the playoffs, here are the best quarterback streamers for the week.

Week 16 Quarterback Streamers

Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints

Week 16 Opponent: Los Angeles Rams

Derek Carr hasn't been consistent for the New Orleans Saints, but he had arguably his best game this past weekend, and that's something to build on.

Without Chris Olave in the lineup, Carr went 23-of-28, finishing with 218 passing yards and 3 passing touchdowns. That was good enough for 20.3 fantasy points, resulting in a QB6 finish for the signal caller. It was his first three-touchdown game of the campaign and second straight week with multiple touchdown passes.

Assuming Olave can return in Week 16, Carr's prospects get all the better with them taking on the Los Angeles Rams in a potential shootout. Carr is averaging just 12.9 fantasy points per game, but the worry of him being able to handle his injured ribs has now gone away a bit. In times of desperation, it can certainly get worse than Carr in what looks to be a plus matchup.

The Rams are allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Those numbers translate to 18.4 points, setting up Carr for what may be another great week.

Seeing that the Saints are fighting for a playoff spot in the putrid NFC South, Carr will have to be at the top of his game against the Rams. He's one of the top streamer options for a reason this weekend.

Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns

Week 16 Opponent: Houston Texans

"Are you not entertained?"

Joe Flacco should be screaming that after every start at this stage.

While the 38-year-old had a tough go against the Chicago Bears with three interceptions, he still had a huge fantasy football outing. Finishing with 19.9 fantasy points, Flacco was good for the QB8 after throwing for 374 passing yards and 2 touchdowns along with his 3 picks. The 57-yard touchdown to tie the game to Amari Cooper surely helped out.

Over his three starts, Flacco is up to an insane average of 19.5 fantasy points per game. There's still a small chance he's rostered if you're in a 1QB league, so if he's out there, get him on your team and into your lineup.

Taking on the Houston Texans in Week 16, it's difficult to not consider Flacco anything but a top starter in all of fantasy after how he's played.

The Texans are allowing 17.9 fantasy points per game to the quarterbacks, the ninth-most in the NFL throughout this year. And if C.J. Stroud is back for the Texans, this game could be that much better for it in terms of trading points.

Cleveland is 9-5 and allowing Flacco to let it fly. Roster him if he's out there. He's the best streamer option of the weekend.

Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts

Week 16 Opponent: Atlanta Falcons

If there's anything that has been proven in the 2023 season, it's that Gardner Minshew is a lot better than just a backup quarterback.

Minshew is coming off the best start after throwing for 215 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. He added two after both Michael Pittman Jr. and Zack Moss were knocked out of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with injuries. He totaled 20.6 fantasy points, good for QB5 in Week 15.

There's no word whether Pittman or Moss will be back this week, so the Colts will be leaning on Minshew once more to help push them toward a victory.

The Atlanta Falcons are a good matchup for the Colts' quarterback in Week 16. When they collide on Christmas Eve, it'll give Minshew a great shot to be a top-12 quarterback, as Atlanta has allowed 17.1 fantasy points per game to the position, the 12th-most.

Throughout the 2023 season, we've seen the Falcons allow big fantasy performances to the likes of Joshua Dobbs, Will Levis, and Sam Howell. It hasn't had to be the elite talents making the Falcons pay. That leads us to confidence with Minshew on Sunday.

If you're in a 12-team league or more and are looking for a streamer, Minshew should be high on your radar when the waiver wire comes around.

Interested in playing NFL DFS? Head over to FanDuel’s daily fantasy football lobby to see all the offerings for this week's slates.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.