👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

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

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Wilson

Jets Host Russell Wilson for a Visit, Considering him as Backup Option
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Jonathon Brooks

Fully Cleared for Offseason Program
Christian Gonzalez

Patriots Exercise Christian Gonzalez's Fifth-Year Option
Tyler Allgeier

One of the Biggest Losers After NFL Draft
A.J. Brown

Eagles to Receive a First-Round Pick if They Trade A.J. Brown?
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Si Woo Kim

Rolling Back Into Form For Cadillac Championship
Nicolai Hojgaard

Struggling to Find Consistency
Harris English

In Excellent Form Heading to Cadillac Championship
Corey Conners

Continues Playing Well Heading to Cadillac Championship
Daniel Berger

Needs to Find Putter At Cadillac Championship
Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Place Right-of-First-Refusal Tender on Aaron Rodgers
Jauan Jennings

Visiting With Vikings
Quentin Johnston

Chargers Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Quentin Johnston
Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions Picking Up Jahmyr Gibbs' Fifth-Year Option
Bo Nix

Undergoes Cleanup Procedure on his Ankle
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
Scottie Barnes

Leading Raptors' Comeback Effort in Round 1
Pete Fairbanks

Going on Injured List With Nerve Irritation
Tobias Harris

a Bright Spot for Pistons in Tough Series
Jalen Duren

Struggling in First-Round Matchup
Austin Reaves

Officially Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Kevin Durant

Officially Out Wednesday
Collin Gillespie

Wants to Stick With Suns
Jonathan Isaac

Expected to Remain Out Wednesday
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Wednesday Night
Franz Wagner

Considered Questionable for Game 5
Austin Reaves

on Track to Return Wednesday
Spencer Strider

to Make Season Debut This Weekend
Kevin Durant

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Joel Embiid

Cleared for Game 5
Roope Hintz

Likely to Miss Entire First-Round Series
Jason Zucker

Good to Go for Game 5
Josh Norris

Won't Play Tuesday
Colton Dach

Available Tuesday
Connor Ingram

Returns to Oilers Net for Game 5
Luis Robert Jr.

Out on Tuesday With Back Tightness
Jason Dickinson

Considered a Game-Time Decision for Tuesday's Action
Connor McDavid

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Juan Soto

Dealing With Forearm Tightness, Serving as DH on Tuesday
Isaiah Likely

Remains Well-Positioned for Mid-Career Breakout Following NFL Draft
Jauan Jennings

' Dynasty Value Fading Following NFL Draft?
Luther Burden III

Poised for Breakout Season in Chicago?
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
MarShawn Lloyd

Is MarShawn Lloyd a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Following NFL Draft?
Emanuel Wilson

Dynasty Value Fading After Seahawks' Draft Addition
Jalen Nailor

Remains Poised for Prominent Role in Las Vegas Following NFL Draft
Manny Machado

Departs Early With Undisclosed Injury on Monday
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Fire Manager Rob Thomson
Elmer Rodríguez

Yankees to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Elmer Rodriguez
Pete Fairbanks

Pulled on Monday With "Unusual Sensation" in his Thumb
Jaylin Noel

Could Find Meaningful Role Out of Slot
Dylan Sampson

in a Good Spot After NFL Draft
Kirk Cousins

a Low-Cost Dynasty Add That Could Pay Dividends
Mikhail Sergachev

Has Three Assists in Overtime Loss
George Holani

One of the Draft's Biggest Losers
Brett Howden

Records Three Points in Vital Win
Kendre Miller

Not Guaranteed a Roster Spot with Saints
Rasmus Ristolainen

Registers Two Assists in Game 5 Loss
Arturs Silovs

Helps Penguins Survive for Second Time
Sidney Crosby

Delivers Two Assists in Elimination-Game Win
NAS

Predators Pick Up KHL Standout Vitali Pinchuk
Paolo Banchero

Efficiency Woes Continue in Game 4
Julius Randle

Leads Timberwolves With 27 Points Monday
Rickie Fowler

Rides History into the Blue Monster at Doral
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Records Big Triple-Double as Nuggets Stay Alive
Keegan Bradley

on Good Run Heading into Cadillac Championship
Chet Holmgren

Posts Impressive Double-Double in Game 4 Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Notches Efficient 31 Points in Closeout Game
Franz Wagner

Scheduled for MRI on Tuesday
Giancarlo Stanton

Heading to Injured List With Calf Strain
Chris Gotterup

Looks to Continue Big-Game Hunting at Cadillac Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Bring Experience Back to the Blue Monster
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Remains Highly Rated by Heat
Aaron Gordon

Won't Play Monday Night
Tyler Herro

to Undergo "Preemptive Procedure" on Foot
Cameron Young

Returns to Action For Cadillac Championship
Travis Bazzana

Guardians Calling Up Former First Overall Pick Travis Bazzana
Sam Burns

Looks to Have Big Impact at PGA Tour's Return to Doral
Will Smith

Back in Action in Series Opener Against Marlins
Josh Naylor

Back in Starting Lineup on Monday
Jason Zucker

Probable for Game 5 Against Bruins
Josh Norris

Could Return to Action Tuesday
Nikita Zadorov

Questionable for Game 5
Viktor Arvidsson

Considered Questionable for Tuesday
Nils Lundkvist

Won't Play Tuesday
Yakov Trenin

Could Be an Option Tuesday
Mats Zuccarello

Questionable for Game 5
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
Manny Machado

Clubs Two Homers, Starting to Turn Things Around?
Brandon Hagel

Pops Up With Two Goals in Sunday's Win
Logan O'Hoppe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List Due to Left-Wrist Fracture
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Talladega?
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Playable in Talladega DFS Lineups?
Josh Naylor

Absent on Sunday With Quad Tightness
Ryan Helsley

Returns From Bereavement List on Sunday
Steven Kwan

Back in Sunday's Lineup
Brent Rooker

Activated and Starting on Sunday Against Rangers
Roman Anthony

Returns as DH on Sunday
Tyler Reddick

Stay Away From Tyler Reddick at Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Shake Off The Bad Luck at Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Could Contend For Another Talladega Win
Kyle Busch

an Easy DFS Pick at Talladega
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. a High-Risk, High-Reward Pick at Talladega
Todd Gilliland

a Sleeper to Watch at Talladega
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Talladega Lineups?
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Talladega Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Managers Trust Christopher Bell at Talladega?
Ty Gibbs

Is A DFS Risk for Talladega Lineups
Boston Red Sox

Red Sox Fire Manager Alex Cora and Other Coaches
Youssef Zalal

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Main Event
Aljamain Sterling

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Co-Main Event
Norma Dumont

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
Alexander Hernandez

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 116
Rafa Garcia

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Set For His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF