We are approaching the midway point of the season for fantasy football managers, and it’s not too late to round out rosters and add depth for your playoff push. 2020 has shown that a strong contingency plan might be in your best interest! Injuries continue to pile up across the NFL landscape, with the San Francisco 49ers losing another running back, the Cowboys down to their third-string quarterback, and we’re gawking down the barrel of Dez Bryant and Antonio Brown possibly returning to action before 2020 is over. Phew! Let’s take a look at the top waiver wire targets for Week 8.
Waiver Wire Targets Week 8: Quarterbacks
Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina Panthers (vs. Atlanta Falcons)
Bridgewater has tossed multiple touchdowns in three of his last four games, and in Week 5, it was against this Falcons team (along with over 300 passing yards). Atlanta still has one of the worst defenses in the NFL, nothing has changed, so tee this bad boy up again and let him rip!
Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders (at Cleveland Browns)
Last week, Carr threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns against an excellent Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. This week the matchup gets easier, and I envision much of the same, if not more, in a potential shootout with Baker Mayfield.
Other quarterbacks to consider adding in Week 8
- Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Dallas Cowboys)
- Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers (at Seahawks)
- Baker Mayfield, Browns (vs. Raiders)
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Tennessee Titans)
- Ryan Tannehill, Titans (at Bengals)
- Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (vs. Los Angeles Rams)
Waiver Wire Targets Week 8: Running Backs
Lamical Perine, New York Jets (at Kansas City Chiefs)
Perine is finally getting his chance and played 70% of the offensive snaps for the Jets this past week. The Jets offense is not exciting, but Perine led the backfield in snaps for the second straight week, and that volume should continue through the remainder of the season.
JaMycal Hasty, 49ers (at Seahawks)
Hasty has relevance in the 49ers backfield now due to a number of backfield injuries. There was a positive buzz about Hasty this preseason, and I expect him to receive a solid amount of volume on Sunday. He has 18 carries for 98 yards the last two weeks and has the skills to be utilized in the passing game.
Other running backs to consider adding in Week 8
- Giovani Bernard, Bengals (vs. Titans)
- Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers (at Denver Broncos)
- Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers (vs. Minnesota Vikings)
- Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Chase Edmonds (BYE)
Waiver Wire Week 8 Pickups: Wide Receivers
Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers (at Seahawks)
Deebo Samuel is dealing with a hamstring injury, which opens up the door for this talented rookie. In Week 7, Aiyuk posted six receptions for 115 yards.
Related | Should you put Dez Bryant on your fantasy football squad?
This week, the 49ers receiving corps has a juicy matchup against a Seahawks defense that has been kind to opposing wide receivers this season and has allowed the most yardage through the air in the NFL.
Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills (vs. New England Patriots)
Beasley has become Josh Allen’s number two target this season, especially with John Brown dealing with injuries. Beasley hauled in 11 of his 12 targets for 112 yards against the Jets in Week 7. The Bills receivers have a favorable matchup this week at home against the Patriots.
Other wide receivers to consider adding in Week 8
- Tee Higgins, Bengals (vs. Titans)
- Sterling Shepard, Giants (vs. Buccaneers)
- Marquez Callaway, New Orleans Saints (at Chicago Bears)
- Nelson Agholor, Raiders (at Browns)
- Laviska Shenault (BYE)
- Keelan Cole (BYE)
Week 8 Targets: Tight Ends
Trey Burton, Indianapolis Colts (at Detroit Lions)
Burton is coming off a bye for the Colts but has elevated his fantasy value after going for 58 yards and a score in Week 6.
Related | Buy Low, Sell High: Week 8 trade targets
The Colts tight end group has been dealing with injuries, and Burton has created nice chemistry with Philip Rivers, who we know loves his tight ends. Detroit allowed six receptions for 68 yards to Atlanta’s tight end, Hayden Hurst, in Week 7.
Harrison Bryant, Browns (vs. Raiders)
Austin Hooper and Odell Beckham are both out for the Browns, which presents an opportunity for Bryant. Baker Mayfield loves tossing TDs to his TEs, and Bryant scored twice in Week 7. The Raiders have allowed three touchdowns to the position this season. Get this cat into your lineup!
Other tight ends to consider adding in Week 8
- Richard Rodgers, Eagles (vs. Cowboys)
When do waivers clear in Week 8 — when can I add and drop?
Let’s quickly review when waiver wires clear and how the process works. You may put in claims on players that are currently free agents, but you will not officially add any players until the waiver process concludes in the early hours of Wednesday morning (in most leagues).
For most leagues, if multiple people put in a waiver claim for the same player, the fantasy manager with the worst record will be awarded the player. In some leagues, waivers are decided by free agency money allotted to each fantasy manager, and thus you must be careful how much and how early you are spending those dollars.
Any dropped player must be on waivers for 24 hours, and at that point, the waiver wire order will decide who is awarded the target, or if no one bid on the player, the player becomes an “undisputed” free agent.
Always check your league settings to understand all of your unique waiver wire details.
Anita Marks is Fantasy Analyst at Pro Football Network. Marks is also a gambling analyst for ESPN and appears on Daily Wager, which airs from 6-7 PM ET on ESPN 2. Her radio show – Weekend Wager – airs on ESPN New York (98.7) FM every Friday at 10 PM ET. Follow her on Twitter: @AnitaMarks.