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Kyle's must-have fantasy football bench stashes and waiver wire sleepers ahead of Week 8 (2023). He picks high-upside NFL players to stash on your fantasy teams and helps outline a plan to maximize the bye weeks.
Alright, fantasy fiends, buckle up! We're diving deep into the thick of the NFL fantasy season, and the plot thickens with no teams hitting the snooze button in Week 8. Your start/sits might be a little easier this week and with no teams on a bye, you might have the luxury of stashing away a player for later. Remember, being a waiver wire whiz ahead of the curve isn't just savvy, it's a secret weapon. Sure, not every name on this list will transform into a fantasy superstar, but spotting a diamond in the rough before they explode onto the scene? That's how you save those precious FAAB dollars for those critical endgame moves in the fantasy playoffs to block your league mates.
Let's throw some confetti for last week's recommendation, Colts' WR Josh Downs, who made this author beam like a proud parent at a graduation ceremony. WR Rashee Rice was also recommended as an early-season stash and is emerging as the WR1 on the Chiefs. As we wade into Week 8, don't let a potential stash player overshadow the need for players who can make an immediate impact, especially if you're in a tight spot this week. But for those of you navigating the deep waters of 14-team leagues or blessed with extra bench space, stashing a future star could be your secret sauce. No matter how good your team is, always stay chasing the upside!
With the NFL trade deadline looming on Tuesday, October 31, there are a few players who could see a massive boost to their fantasy value should a trade go down. So, without further ado, let's dive into the potential hidden treasures on the Week 8 waiver wire! And just when you thought you had it figured out, Week 9 throws us a curveball with the Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and San Francisco 49ers on a bye. NFL, you're an enigma!
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Weekend Waiver Wire Stashes Before Week 8
Marvin Mims Jr., (WR) Denver Broncos
17% rostered on Yahoo, 7% on ESPN
I know the fantasy community is beyond frustrated with how Sean Payton is utilizing Mims, but just hear me out. With the NFL trade deadline looming next week, there is still a chance that WRs Jerry Jeudy or Courtland Sutton find themselves traded elsewhere. Mims is 2nd in the NFL with 3.42 yards per routes run and is a big play waiting to happen.
If one of the above wide receivers is traded, then the price for Mims will likely cost you some FAAB or waiver priority, so it's better to make the move now and be proactive just in case. The Broncos' 2023 season has been a frustrating one, but with their defense largely being unable to stop anybody, their offense is going to have to keep scoring points. QB Russell Wilson hasn't been great, but he's been good enough to support a WR or two for fantasy. Don't give up the ship on Mims just yet!
Trey McBride, (TE) Arizona Cardinals
15% rostered on Yahoo, 5% on ESPN
The best tight end in the 2022 draft class, McBride hasn't done a ton in his first year and a half in Arizona, but with veteran TE Zach Ertz now on injured reserve, McBride could get a nice bump in value over the next four weeks. There is also the potential that Ertz will be traded to a contending team as well.
The Cardinals' offense has been better than expected so far in 2023, and while the team has been playing hard every week, it's pretty clear that they are in rebuilding mode. Hopefully, the front office understands the importance of keeping McBride out there to continue his development and starting QB Kyler Murray is set to return to action here very soon.
McBride has 11 targets over his last 2 games and is a dynamic pass catcher with the ability to make big plays in space, something that we want from our tight ends in fantasy. The Cardinals have a tough matchup against the Ravens in Week 8, but McBride ranks fourth among NFL tight ends in targets per routes run (25%), and third in yards per routes run (2.10). McBride has the potential for a big second half of the season.
Desmond Ridder, (QB) Atlanta Falcons
13% rostered on Yahoo, 7% on ESPN
I hear you loud and clear. Ridder's journey so far hasn't exactly been a walk in the park, but let's not gloss over his promising strides in Weeks 5 and 6, where he snagged the QB6 and QB5 spots, respectively. It's crucial to remember that Ridder is a relative newcomer to the big league, with just 11 NFL starts to his name, and he's still getting his bearings as a quarterback on the NFL stage.
Sure, navigating the Falcons' offense for fantasy gains has been a bit like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded at times. However, they've got a treasure trove of youthful, dynamic talent. It's not outside the realm of possibility that if Ridder keeps sharpening his QB skills, the whole scenario could flip upside down. Is that the most probable scenario? Maybe not, especially considering Ridder was still up for grabs until the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Yet, let's not overlook the fact that Ridder's got wheels: 4.50 speed, to be exact and he rushed for 38 yards and a TD last week. We all know that in the fantasy realm, a mobile QB can be like finding a golden ticket. Ridder hasn't exactly been a marathon runner for fantasy purposes so far, but the potential's there. With a lineup of the Titans, Vikings, and Cardinals over the next trio of games, the path looks promising. Plus, Ridder's back-to-back hurling 300+ yards in Weeks 5 and 6 can't be ignored. Let's just cut back on these fumbles eh, Desmond?
Latavius Murray, (RB) Buffalo Bills
20% rostered on Yahoo, 22% on ESPN
Disclaimer: Since Latavius Murray already played on Thursday Night, he is only available for pickup in some leagues that allow it. Many leagues lock players from being added if they already played. Nonetheless, if the Bills don't add another running back before Tuesday's Trade Deadline, there is still ample opportunity for Murray.
Here's how the goal line carries have gone in Buffalo from Weeks 5-8: Latavius Murray (13), Damien Harris (1), James Cook (0). RB Damien Harris faced a scary injury in Week 7 and is now on injured reserve for the next several games. This twist of fate has flung open the door for one Latavius Murray. While starting RB James Cook has had his moments of brilliance, he hasn't quite cemented his dominion over the Bills' backfield. In Week 8 on TNF, Murray had just 5 carries for 7 yards on top of 1 reception for 4 yards.
It's not the prettiest picture, but barring a last-minute acquisition before Tuesday's trade buzzer, Murray is perched just a heartbeat away from a pivotal role in an offense that's nothing short of explosive. Is it a safe bet to bank on 33-year-old Murray to set the fantasy world ablaze? Maybe not, but if this 2023 season has taught us anything, it's to brace for the unexpected. Murray, with a penchant for finding the end zone, could very well surprise us with a multi-TD spectacle in any given week.
Michael Mayer, (TE) Las Vegas Raiders
18% rostered on Yahoo, 7% on ESPN
Mayer was on the cusp of big things before his QB Jimmy Garoppolo went down with an injury and he was stuck in last week's matchup with Brian Hoyer and Aidan O'Connell throwing him the ball. Scouting reports had Mayer pegged as a top-notch prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft, even higher than Sam LaPorta. However, LaPorta lucked out, landing in a spiffier offense right off the bat. History has shown us time and again that a tight end's fantasy value is often hitched to the wagon of their situation.
For the first month, Mayer was more of a sideline spectator, but things are looking up. He's now outshined veteran Austin Hooper and had a solid Week 6 performance, snagging five catches for a nifty 75 yards. The guy's showing some serious flair and could be on the brink of becoming a fantasy gem as the Raiders' offense has been surprisingly spry.
The good news? Jimmy G is back at practice for the Raiders, which is a big boost for Mayer. If your fantasy team's tight end spot is looking more barren than a desert, Mayer just might be the oasis you've been searching for.
Kenneth Gainwell, (RB) Philadephia Eagles
33% rostered on Yahoo, 22% on ESPN
There was a lot of buzz early in the season about Gainwell being the lead back for the Eagles, especially after head coach Nick Sirianni wore a t-shirt with Gainwell on it on the first day of training camp. However, D'Andre Swift has looked like the best running back on the Eagles by far as has taken over the RB1 job, leaving a lot of fantasy managers to release Gainwell on waivers.
While Swift has been great, he hasn't had many rushing TDs after repeatedly getting vultured by his QB in the red zone. Gainwell is a speedy back, who is more of a pass catcher out of the backfield. He isn't a great fit schematically for the Eagles' offense, but if Swift were to be injured for whatever reason, Gainwell would slide right into the RB1 spot.
Fellow RB Rashaad Penny has been inactive most weeks and Boston Scott hasn't done much either. It might feel like Gainwell has disappointed based on where he was being drafted late in the summer, but all it takes is one injury for many running backs across the NFL to have fantasy relevance. While we aren't rooting for anyone to be injured, they're a part of this often violent game, and we must leave our fantasy rosters well-prepared just in case.
Devin Singletary, (RB) Houston Texans
19% rostered on Yahoo, 31% on ESPN
Alright, this scenario has been a head-scratcher and it's honestly surprising that Singletary is still available in a good number of leagues considering the Texans' bye week is over. Last year, RB Dameon Pierce was a rookie sensation, and naturally, we all expected him to be the Texans' headline act in 2023. But plot twist: despite the Texans sitting at a respectable 3-3 and their offense showing more pep than in 2022, Pierce's star seems to have dimmed.
In comes Singletary, who stole the show in Week 6, even being the Texans' go-to guy to seal the deal in their victory. Singletary wasn't re-signed in Buffalo and has had his share of ups and downs, but the guy's got slick hands as a receiver, a step up from Pierce. And with QB C.J. Stroud showing off some rookie magic, it's like an early Christmas for fantasy fans looking at the Texans' prospects. Pierce is on shaky ground in the fantasy realm, and Singletary could still be lounging on your league's waiver wire. If your RB slots are locked and loaded this weekend, and you've got room on your bench, snagging Singletary is the move.
Emari Demercado, (RB) Arizona Cardinals
18% rostered on Yahoo, 18% on ESPN
Incumbent RB James Conner is going to miss two more games after landing on injured reserve, and the Cardinals have two difficult matchups coming up against the Ravens and Browns defenses. Nonetheless, in fantasy football, we always want to be chasing opportunities for RBs who have been bumped up on the depth chart.
Demercado had a capable Week 7 when he rushed 13 times for 58 yards and finished with 4 receptions for 17 yards. It wasn't an amazing performance, but he dominated the Cardinals backfield for the week. If you're in a pinch at RB this week and need someone to throw in just to get guaranteed points, Demercado might just be the play. If James Conner returns in Week 10, there won't be much value for Demercado in fantasy, but just in case he doesn't keep your eye on Demercado.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few players to also keep in mind as deeper stashes in bigger leagues (14 or 16 teams) or ones with larger bench spots just in case they should start seeing more playing time.
Quarterbacks
Jacoby Brissett (WAS) - 0% rostered, Malik Willis OR Will Levis (TEN) - 0% rostered, QB Jarrett Stidham (DEN) - 0% rostered
Running Backs
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WAS), 0% rostered, Pierre Strong Jr. (CLE) - 8% rostered, Chris Brooks (MIA) - 1% rostered
Wide Receivers
Michael Wilson (ARI) - 13% rostered, Jalin Hyatt (NYG) - 5% rostered, Jauan Jennings (SF) - 2% rostered
We hope you like these selections ahead of Week 8 and good luck in your leagues this season! Even if you don't have room to pick up some of these players, it's important to stay ahead of your league mates and preserve FAAB so that you have it at the end of the year when you need it. Feel free to follow me on Twitter for more waiver and player analysis throughout the season!
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