If you’re managing a fantasy football team this season, the quarterback position can be a real game-changer. For those lucky enough to have one of the top five or six quarterbacks, it’s a no-brainer—you’re starting them every week without hesitation. But what about the rest of us? About half of the rosters in a typical 12-team league don’t have that luxury at quarterback. Managers who stick with players like C.J. Stroud simply because that’s who they drafted are missing out on some serious points.
Just think about last week: Caleb Williams scored a whopping 26.1 points, while Russell Wilson racked up 27.9 points. Both were widely available and could have made a significant difference for fantasy managers.
So, if you’re looking to shake things up in your lineup, let’s dive into the top fantasy football streaming quarterbacks for Week 14—players who are available in at least 50% of ESPN leagues. And don’t forget to check out Michael Fabiano’s waiver wire pick-up article this week for even more insights on who to snag.
Top Streaming Quarterbacks for Week 14
1. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (@ SF) — 63.0% Available
Ignoring the coaching drama surrounding him, Caleb Williams has emerged as a top streaming option. After scoring 26 fantasy points in Week 13, he’s got a favorable matchup ahead in Week 14. With two consecutive games scoring 26 fantasy points, Williams has accumulated 69.3 points since the Bears made a coaching change, averaging 23.1 points per game.
Now, you might wonder if losing Matt Eberflus will hurt his value. Given the chaos surrounding Eberflus, I’d argue it’s actually a blessing in disguise. The Bears locker room seems relieved, and Williams is thriving in this new environment.
Sure, the 49ers are a tough matchup, allowing the 24th most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. But remember, the Lions, who Williams faced last week, are even tougher, ranking 26th. While I’m not saying Williams is a matchup-proof top-five option, he’s definitely in the conversation as a top-12 starter at this point.
2. Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs CLE) — 56.9% Available
How is it possible that Russell Wilson is still available in more leagues than last week, especially after a favorable matchup in Week 13? Well, I’m ready to go back to the well with him.
This week, he faces a tougher challenge against the Cleveland Browns. Their defense is solid, but they’re not the nightmare matchup they used to be for quarterbacks. They rank right in the middle, allowing 16.9 points per game.
Wilson’s fantasy performance has been inconsistent, but since his debut in Week 7, he’s tied with Patrick Mahomes as the QB12 in fantasy points per game, averaging 17.8. He’s even had a couple of top-three finishes in six games. While I wouldn’t expect him to reach those heights this week, he remains a viable low-end starting option if you’re scraping the bottom of the waiver wire barrel.
3. Aidan O’Connell, Las Vegas Raiders (@ TB) — 99.2% Available
For those in deeper leagues, Aidan O’Connell is a name to consider. He looked impressive against a tough Kansas City Chiefs defense, scoring 19.6 fantasy points. Now, he’s got one of the best matchups you could ask for against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have allowed the second most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season.
Let’s face it, O’Connell may not be a household name, but he’s not as bad as some might think. The Buccaneers have had their struggles, recently allowing 23.6 points to Bryce Young, who isn’t exactly an elite passer.
O’Connell is a bit of a desperation play, but the potential is there in such a favorable matchup. If he continues to shine like he did in Week 13, keep an eye on his next two matchups against the Falcons (who allow the 7th most fantasy points to QBs) and the Jaguars (who allow the most). A big performance this week could make him a viable starter through the fantasy championship week when you might need a replacement.
Why Streaming Quarterbacks Can Change Your Season
It’s essential to stay flexible in fantasy football. If your starting quarterback isn’t producing, don’t be afraid to explore streaming options. The right quarterback can provide a significant boost to your weekly score, and as we’ve seen, there are plenty of options out there.
In a world where every point counts, being proactive can make all the difference. So, take a look at the waiver wire, consider these streaming options, and don’t let a mediocre quarterback hold your team back.
Remember, the fantasy football landscape is constantly shifting. Stay informed, make smart moves, and you could find yourself in a much better position come playoff time. Whether you’re looking to secure a playoff spot or make a late-season push, these streaming quarterbacks could be the key to unlocking your team’s potential.