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Target Acquired: Surprise Target Grabbers from Week 8 and Possible Breakouts for Week 9

A bunch of wide receivers become relevant Week 8, seeing a boost in their target-volume and productivity, while another weapon emerged for Matt Ryan and the explosively dangerous Atlanta Falcons offense. Revis Island is also slowly becoming a vacation spot and not a scene from a wideout's worst nightmare.

Here is a look at the surprise target grabbers from Week 8, and a look at possible breakout options for Week 9 based on the usage they are seeing in the passing game. You can ask me more waiver wire and game day questions on Twitter @DemetriRafto.

Editor's Note: New users that sign up on FantasyAces, make a $20 deposit, and enter any game will receive our full season NFL (or NBA) Premium Pass for free, a $59.99 value. Just email [email protected] with your new FantasyAces username - and boom, that's it! We will email you with your Premium pass.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Surprise Week 8 Target Grabbers

J.J. Nelson - (WR, ARI)

Amidst the offensive weapons on the Arizona Cardinals, the unlikeliest of candidates broke out in Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers. J.J. Nelson posted eight receptions on a team-high 12 targets (one more than Larry Fitzgerald), for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Nelson's increased role was hinted at during last week's tie with the Seattle Seahawks, where he saw his then highest target total of the season (seven).

According to ESPN.com, head coach Bruce Arians announced that Nelson will be a starting wide receiver, likely bumping the struggling and injured Michael Floyd out of the third receiver slot. The Cardinals head into a bye, but Nelson is a solid stash for the future and he has a favorable matchup against the San Fransisco 49ers when the Cardinals return to action Week 10.

 

Andrew Hawkins - (WR, CLE) 

With Terrelle Pryor, Sr. spending most of his time, and succeeding, on Revis Island in Week 8 against the New York Jets, Andrew Hawkins was left all alone. Hawkins found plenty of space against Gang Green's weak secondary, scoring two touchdowns during the team's eighth loss of the season. Hawkins added five receptions on a season-high eight targets for 31 yards. Despite the low accumulation of yardage, it was Hawkins' best fantasy performance of the season.

Pryor, although he missed snaps due to fatigue late in Sunday's contest, appears to be healthy after nursing a hamstring injury the week before. This will definitely take looks away from Hawkins, but the Browns should be in another catchup game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9, keeping the ball in Josh McCown's hands (he threw the ball 49 times versus New York). Despite the impressive showing, Hawkins hasn't warranted an add off the wire just yet. Let's see how he performs in Week 9.

 

Dorial Green-Beckham  - (WR, PHI) 

Dorial Green-Beckham also had his best showing of the season in the overtime thriller against the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles wideout finished the night with five receptions on a season-high nine targets for 55 yards. The performance is nothing to dance and cheer about, but DGB's role with Philadelphia's offense has the potential to increase.

According to ESPN.com, Eagles receiver Josh Huff was allegedly found with marijuana and a firearm when stopped for speeding. If this leads to a suspension, as I'm sure it will, DGB's target-volume will certainly increase. He could likely be bumped to the team's third receiver slot behind Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor. Until the outcome of this situation is clear, it is safe to leave DGB on the waiver wire.

 

Possible Week 9 Breakout Options

Austin Hooper - (TE, ATL)

What a game between the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers. In the midst of a ton of throwing and scoring, Falcons' tight end Jacob Tamme went down with a shoulder injury in the first quarter. In came Austin Hooper, catching all five of his targets for 55 yards. Hooper has not been much of a factor in Atlanta's high-powered offense, but regardless of his low target-volume, he hasn't dropped a single pass yet this season (11 for 11).

With Tamme expected to miss Thursday night's contest versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hooper has been confirmed as the team's starting tight end, according to head coach Dan Quinn and Yahoo! Sports. This immediately boosts Hooper's fantasy value, putting him behind Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu as the team's top three targets. Hooper is worth an add, especially for those with a tight end on bye or battling injury. He should be on the field for more than 75% of snaps in a pass-heavy offensive attack.

 

Kenny Stills - (WR, MIA)

We all saw what Pryor was able to do against Darrelle Revis last Sunday. That matchup will now likely feature Jarvis Landry, leaving Kenny Stills to face a less than threatening Marcus Williams (if Buster Skrine again misses action). We also saw what someone like Andrew Hawkins was able to do with the open space. Now insert someone more talented, like Stills, and the Jets secondary is in for another rough one.

The Dolphins and Ryan Tannehill, fresh off of a bye, have certainly elevated their game over the past couple of weeks. Stills is coming off his best performance of the season, catching five of eight targets for 100 yards and a touchdown in Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills. He has another favorable matchup against a Jets squad that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Stills should be picked up off the wire, if he isn't owned already.

 

Tyreek Hill - (WR, KC) 

Prior to Week 8's contest against the Indianapolis Colts, Tyreek Hill had tallied three touchdowns on the season, but had been relatively overshadowed because of his lack of targets and yards. He broke out in Week 8 facing a vulnerable Colts defense. Hill caught five of six targets for 98 yards and a touchdown (his second in as many weeks).

Travis Kelce and Jeremy Maclin have been inconsistent during the 2016 campaign, the receiver struggling more so than the tight end, while Spencer Ware is in danger of missing Sunday's game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars after suffering a concussion last week. Nick Foles could draw the start over Alex Smith, who also went down with a concussion. Foles, in relief of the Chiefs' starting quarterback, connected with Hill for one of his two touchdowns through the air, and is much more of a frequent passer than Smith. Considering Kansas City's head coach Andy Reid is the one who drafted Foles, I'd say the odds of him producing against a weak Jaguars team are pretty favorable. Hill will be one of the top waiver wire adds of the week.

 

Other Options: Adam Humphries (WR, TB) vs JAX, Quincy Enunwa (WR, NYJ) @ MIA, Eric Ebron (TE, DET) @MIN

 




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
Jacob Misiorowski

Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
Juan Soto

Exits Wednesday's Game Early with Ankle Injury
Tim Patrick

Jets Agree to Terms With Veteran Receiver Tim Patrick
Malik Nabers

Undergoes Second Knee Surgery
De'Von Achane

Dolphins, De'Von Achane Agree to Four-Year Contract Extension
Kevin Huerter

is Cleared to Return for Game 5
Caris LeVert

is Available for Game 5 on Wednesday
Duncan Robinson

is Out for Game 5
Keegan Murray

Undergoes Ankle Procedure
Josh Giddey

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Pete Fairbanks

Returns From Injured List
Christian Yelich

Out With Back Tightness on Wednesday Night
Nathan MacKinnon

Chasing History Wednesday
Ryan Poehling

Won't Be an Option for Game 6
Sam Malinski

Set to Miss Second Straight Game
Artturi Lehkonen

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Matthew Schaefer

Wins Calder Trophy
TOR

Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Craig Berube
Jalen Hurts

Can Jalen Hurts Bounce Back as a Rusher in 2026?
Robby Snelling

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Sprain
Zach Charbonnet

Dynasty Value in Question Entering 2026
DeVonta Smith

Poised to Reach a New Level of Production in 2026?
Chris Olave

Facing Increased Target Competition in New Orleans Entering 2026
Chris Bell

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Ted Hurst

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
Francisco Alvarez

Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
Max Fried

Dealing With Left Elbow Posterior Soreness
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
Chris Brazzell II

Is Chris Brazzell II the Top Deep Threat in Carolina's Receiver Room?
Kaelon Black

a Threat to Win Backup RB Job in San Fran?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
De'Zhaun Stribling

to be 49ers' New "F" Receiver?
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
Drew Allar

Steelers "Uninstalling" Everything Drew Allar Learned in College
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Ja'Kobi Lane

Is Ja'Kobi Lane the Pass-Catching Answer the Ravens Have Been Seeking?
Zachariah Branch

Does Zachariah Branch Have a Path to Immediate Production?
Max Klare

Can Max Klare Separate Himself in Rams' Tight End Room?
Eli Stowers

the Tight End of the Future in Philadelphia?
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Germie Bernard

Already in a Tough Spot to Hold Dynasty Value
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Denzel Boston

a Smart Bet to Meet or Exceed Value in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Matthew Stafford

a Sell Candidate with Touchdown Regression Likely on its Way
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Jayden Reed

Dynasty Value Tethered to His Underwhelming Usage
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Penguins Want Evgeni Malkin Back
Sidney Crosby

Joins Team Canada for World Championship
Ryan Poehling

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 5 Loss
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Dylan Harper

Cleared for Action Tuesday
De'Aaron Fox

Available for Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Caris LeVert

Remains on Injury Report With Heel Issue
Duncan Robinson

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Memphis Grizzlies

Brandon Clarke Dies at Age 29
Charlie McAvoy

Slapped With Six-Game Suspension
Jonas Brodin

Unavailable for Game 5 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Remain Out Wednesday
Sam Malinski

Day-to-Day With Upper-Body Injury
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Artturi Lehkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Charlie Coyle

Lands Six-Year Extension
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

to Start Game 4 Against Canadiens
Drew Helleson

Unavailable for Game 5
Radko Gudas

Still Out Tuesday
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
LeBron James

Uncertain About Future After Season-Ending Loss
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
RANKINGS
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