RADIO
Darnell Washington's Touchdowns Hide a Thin Receiving Role
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington is a touchdown-dependent streamer, not a real receiving threat, and Sunday showed it. He caught his only target for a four-yard touchdown in the 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints, giving him three scores over the past four games, but he ran just seven routes to Pat Freiermuth's 26 despite playing 56% of the offensive snaps. Freiermuth drew four targets while playing slightly fewer snaps. Washington's 6-foot-7 frame makes him a dangerous red-zone option, but his 23 targets and 160 receiving yards through seven games show how heavily his fantasy production depends on touchdowns. Stream him against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8 in leagues with at least 14 teams, particularly if you need scoring upside at a thin position. Pittsburgh's Week 9 bye further limits his appeal as a longer-term addition in shallower formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Watkins Is a Stash-Only After Week 8 Bye
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins is a speculative stash in deeper leagues, not a priority add in standard 12-team formats, because the Week 8 bye arrives just as several injured receivers could return. He has played 76% of the offensive snaps in consecutive games and led San Francisco's wideouts with 50 offensive snaps in Sunday's 29-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, catching three of six targets for 56 yards, including a 35-yard gain. He also nearly scored a 23-yard touchdown before the catch was overturned following review. Still, his past two appearances have produced just four receptions for 78 yards on seven targets. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Mike Evans (Achilles), Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring), and Demarcus Robinson (ankle) could return after the bye, while Christian Kirk (calf) made his season debut Sunday. Watkins has earned more opportunities during the team's injury troubles, but the competition could substantially reduce his workload by Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eli Raridon Worth Adding After Another Strong Performance
New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon caught three of four targets for 56 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's Week 7 loss to Chicago, including a 30-yard scoring reception from Drake Maye. Raridon also caught five for 57 against Las Vegas in Week 5 and has 12 catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns in six appearances. Hunter Henry remains New England's primary tight end, catching seven passes for 71 yards against Chicago, but Raridon is establishing a receiving role of his own. His big-play ability makes him an intriguing Week 8 pickup against Miami.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tez Johnson Worth Adding After Outplaying Hurst
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson made the most of Emeka Egbuka's (concussion/foot) absence in Sunday's 43-13 win over Carolina. Johnson played 41 offensive snaps, compared to 35 for Ted Hurst III, and caught both targets for 33 yards and a touchdown while adding a 14-yard rush. Hurst went without a reception on one target. Baker Mayfield attempted just 11 passes in the blowout but praised Johnson's two key scramble-drill catches afterward. Johnson has nine receptions for 178 yards this season, and his increased involvement makes him an appealing Week 8 pickup, especially if Egbuka remains sidelined against Atlanta.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Higbee Losing Appeal as Week 8 Streamer
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has struggled over his last two games, catching six passes for 36 yards after recording 18 receptions for 212 yards and a touchdown from Weeks 3-5. Higbee caught two passes for 14 yards against Las Vegas on Sunday, despite leading the team's tight ends in routes run. Colby Parkinson caught five passes for 48 yards, while Davis Allen scored twice. With Davante Adams (hamstring) on injured reserve, Los Angeles continues relying heavily on its tight ends, but the crowded rotation has limited Higbee's opportunities. He remains a secondary streaming option for Week 8 against the Chargers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Greg Dulcich Makes Case as Week 8 Tight End Streamer
Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich led the team with five catches for 86 yards against the Jets in Week 7. Caleb Douglas scored twice, but Dulcich led Miami in targets and receiving yards. Through six games, he ranks second on the team behind Malik Washington with 18 receptions for 213 yards. Dulcich has drawn at least five targets in three of his last four appearances and led Miami's tight ends in offensive snaps Sunday. His growing involvement in the passing game makes him an appealing Week 8 streaming option against New England, with an opportunity to build on his best performance of the season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Mayer Still Worth Stashing Despite Quiet Week 7
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has recorded 31 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown through seven games. Mayer surpassed 80 receiving yards against Kansas City in Week 4 and Buffalo in Week 6 before cooling off with three catches for 32 yards against the Rams on Sunday. He played 82% of the offensive snaps in Week 7, as Las Vegas continues using both Mayer and Brock Bowers in multiple-tight-end formations. Mayer has enough opportunity to warrant a roster spot even with Bowers healthy, but his inconsistent targets make him a risky Week 8 starter against the Jets.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colby Parkinson Worth Stashing After Increased Involvement
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has caught 10 of 12 targets for 79 yards and a touchdown over his last two games, making him an intriguing pickup in deeper leagues. Parkinson managed just four receptions for 24 yards in his first four appearances this season, but his recent involvement is encouraging. With Davante Adams (hamstring) on injured reserve, Parkinson could continue seeing additional opportunities. However, Tyler Higbee remains involved, and Davis Allen caught two touchdowns in Week 7. Currently ranked TE22 by RotoBaller for Week 8 against the Chargers, Parkinson is worth stashing, although the crowded tight end rotation makes him a risky starter.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keon Coleman Worth Stashing Despite Inconsistent Production
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman has caught 19 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns through six games, including a 116-yard performance against New England in Week 4. Coleman has scored in three straight contests, but his target volume remains inconsistent. He has received two or fewer targets in three games, including a one-catch, seven-yard touchdown performance in Week 5. Coleman played 85% of Buffalo's offensive snaps in Week 6 with DJ Moore (shoulder) sidelined, but Moore could return following the team's bye. Coleman is worth rostering for his upside, although his inconsistent opportunities make him a risky WR3/flex option against Baltimore in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Konata Mumpfield Still a Strong Stash Despite Quiet Week
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Konata Mumpfield finished with just one catch for 15 yards on two targets in his team's Week 8 win in Las Vegas. With Davante Adams (hamstring) on IR, Mumpfield saw an increase in snaps and routes as he served as the team's second WR. However, in this matchup, his increase in opportunity didn't result in an increase in production, as QB Matthew Stafford relied on tight ends Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen to complement top receiver Puka Nacua. Despite his disappointing totals, Mumpfield played ahead of Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington, who were not targeted at all, and he seems to be ready to lock down the second receiver role for the next several weeks without Adams. He flashed upside earlier this year while filling in for Nacua, and in a different matchup, he has enough potential to remain on the radar in deep leagues. He's not a must-start, for sure, but he is still worth watching to see if he can make the most of his expanded role in the coming weeks.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jeremy McNichols A Deep-League Option After Return From IR
Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols was activated from IR before the team's Week 6 loss to the 49ers and could be in the mix at the position as the Commanders return from a Week 7 bye. McNichols landed on IR with a lingering quad injury he suffered in mid-August, and he played 12 snaps (18%) in his return, taking five carries for 13 yards in San Francisco. With Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) placed on IR and not eligible to return until Week 11 at the earliest, McNichols will likely mix in with veterans Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler for the next few weeks. McNichols could be the favorite for short-yardage and early down work, which gives him touchdown-dependent potential if the Washington offense gets going. The Commanders host the Eagles on Sunday Night Football of Week 8 in a favorable matchup, so McNichols is worth a look if you are in a deep league and need running back help.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre' Harris Offers Upside From the Waiver Wire
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris showed off his potential earlier this season, but he went down with a hamstring injury in Week 5 and missed Week 6. After a Week 7 bye, Harris could be ready to return and resume what looked like it could be a breakout season. He had three straight games with 50+ yards before his injury, with 10 catches on 15 targets in that three-game span. Harris could end up in a larger role if the Chargers trade away receivers at the deadline, but even if he remains behind Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey on the depth chart, he has shown enough potential to be a deep-league option from the waiver wire. He can be a speculative pickup headed into Week 8, and watch the early injury reports this week to see if he and McConkey are ready to return from their injuries as the Chargers take on the Rams in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malachi Fields A Solid Stash for Receiver Depth
New York Giants wide receiver Malachi Fields is a solid option to snag from the waiver wire this week if you can wait for his return after a Week 8 bye. Fields and the Giants got a nice overtime win in Houston in QB J.J. McCarthy's first start, and McCarthy showed a strong connection with Fields, who finished second on the team in targets, catches, and receiving yards. The third-round rookie hauled in four of his five targets for a career-high 83 receiving yards. He has been the team's second receiver most of the season behind Malik Nabers and seems to be trending up, especially with McCarthy taking over the offense. The Giants return from their Week 8 bye week with matchups against the Eagles, Commanders, Jaguars, and Colts. If he and McCarthy continue to build on their strong chemistry, Fields could be a strong WR3 or FLEX consideration in deep leagues for those matchups. If you can afford to have him on your bench through his bye week, stashing Fields is a solid move to consider this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Saquon Barkley Says His "Hamstring Came Out Great" After Week 7 Return
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) returned from a two-week absence in the Eagles' Week 7 loss to the Cowboys on Monday Night Football. He only played nine snaps, but touched the ball every play he was on the field. He totaled 62 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries and added two catches for nine receiving yards. He tweaked his back and did not see the field after the third quarter, but after the game, he said he did not think the back issue would keep him out and that his hamstring felt good. As long as he doesn't have any setbacks or surprises this week, he should be ready for a larger role in Week 8, when the Eagles visit the Commanders on Sunday Night Football. Keep an eye on the injury report throughout the week for updates, but Barkley seems confident that he'll be ready to roll for next week.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Mason Taylor's Big Game Sparks Immediate Waiver-Wire Interest
New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor has taken on a much larger role offensively, and his two-touchdown performance from Week 7 has solidified him as a top waiver wire target going forward. In recent weeks, the 22-year-old has overtaken rookie Kenyon Sadiq as the No. 1 tight end on the depth chart. He has 12 catches, 119 yards, and two touchdowns over his last three games, and he has played at least 55% of the snaps in each of those contests. As the Jets continue to find themselves in negative game script scenarios, opportunities will keep popping up for Taylor to command sizable target shares with impressive volume around the goal line. He ranks as the overall TE7 in half-PPR scoring over the last three weeks, and he's a fringe top-15 tight end going forward in redraft leagues. Therein lies an opportunity for managers to add a potential fantasy starter off waivers, as Taylor remains available in more than 97% of leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
