Week 1 is here, and you’re ready to go! Wait, you’re not sure about Week 1? Your quarterback has been missing practice, or you’re just not sure he is ready to go for Week 1? Don’t worry; we have not one, not two, but three streamers that are ready to roll for Week 1! Each week, we will be looking at players who are rostered in 40% or fewer leagues using ESPN data. Let’s dive in and take a look at our favorite quarterback streamers for Week 1!
Fantasy Football Quarterback Streamers: Week 1 (2023)
Kenny Pickett (QB, Pittsburgh Steelers) | 39.2% Rostered
Kenny Pickett comes into his sophomore season looking to bring the Pittsburgh Steelers back to the top of the AFC North. He finished the 2022 season throwing 2,404 yards on 389 attempts with 245 completions. Pickett had a 63% completion percentage and seven touchdowns through the air while also rushing for 237 yards and three touchdowns.
The first game of the year has the Steelers facing off against the San Francisco 49ers. Last season, the 49ers’ defense held teams to an average of 222.9 net passing yards per game. They kept opposing quarterbacks to only 12.49 fantasy points. Therefore, Pickett will have his work cut out for him. However, Nick Bosa may not be active, hurting this defense significantly. Don’t sleep on him or his wide receivers Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. This could be a breakout year all around in Pittsburgh.
Derek Carr (QB, New Orleans Saints) | 28.8% Rostered
After nine seasons with the Oakland Raiders / Las Vegas Raiders, Derek Carr finds himself with a new team and a chance for a new start. In 2022 with the Raiders, he finished the season with 3,522 yards on 502 attempts and 305 completions for a 60.8 completion percentage and 24 touchdowns. His first game out of the gate with the Saints is against the Tennessee Titans, who finished the 2022 season, giving up 274.8 net passing yards per game. They allowed quarterbacks to score 15.97 fantasy points per game, making Carr an enticing QB streamer. Look for Carr to come out hard and find his newest weapon, Chris Olave, to help him with a sophomore breakout year.
Sam Howell (QB, Washington Commanders) | 9.4% Rostered
Sam Howell is getting the keys to the ride in his second season. He’s a second-year quarterback who only played one game all year in 2022, but it was good enough to get him noticed. He threw 11 completions on 19 attempts, racking up 169 yards with one touchdown and one interception for a 57.9 completion percentage.
In only his second start in the NFL, he gets the Arizona Cardinals coming to town. Jonathan Gannon is in his first year as a head coach and seems to be struggling to find a lineup for Week 1. The Cardinals’ defense gave up 230.3 net passing yards per game in 2022. Howell is looking to move the ball and will have his pass catchers, Terry McLaurin (hopefully) and Jahan Dotson, to help. Looking for some interesting plays this year with the Commanders and their first-year offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy.
We just have three quarterbacks listed for Week 1, but several more are available. Take time and check out more at ESPN.com or your league’s platform. Good luck with your quarterback streamers and all your Week 1 matchups!
Thanks for checking out my suggestions for quarterback streamers in Week 1. Looking for more fantasy football advice? Follow me on Twitter @sdcochran99.
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