Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups - Fantasy Football Free Agent Adds and Stashes (2025)

October 22, 2025

Rob's Week 8 fantasy football waiver wire pickups, adds, stashes and sleepers to target for 2025. His top waiver wire adds for Week 8 at RB, WR, TE, QB, K, D/ST.

We are roughly at the halfway point of the fantasy football regular season. By now, the standings are likely beginning to separate into the haves and have-nots. If you happen to find yourself on the wrong side of the standings, you should be more willing to switch up your roster.

Getting wins in the short-term is crucial, so make sure you are making moves to accomplish these goals if you find yourself falling further and further out of playoff contention. If you find yourself in a comfortable spot, add handcuffs and high-upside players who could further take your team to even higher heights.

Be sure to also check out our free Who Should I Pickup? tool and compare up to four free agent players at once - we'll tell you who to pick up. Please use the promo code "BOOM" to get 10% off our premium subscription tools. Now, let's get to the best waiver wire adds for Week 8.

Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 8

Must Adds

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 50.6% Rostered

Benson is currently on IR. He's eligible to return in Week 10 against the Seahawks. James Conner is on season-ending IR. Once Benson returns, fantasy managers should expect him to be Arizona's primary ball-carrier, and he should be viewed as a top-20 running back once he's healthy.

Benson is on IR, requiring him to miss four games, but Arizona has a bye week during his four-game IR stretch, meaning Benson will have had extra time to get 100% healthy. Fantasy managers should add him now.

Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals - 23.9% Rostered

Knight has been Arizona's No. 1 running back the past two weeks, leading the backfield in snaps and carries. He has now scored over 7.5 half-PPR points in three straight games. In Week 5, he only had five touches, but managed to find the end zone.

Following that Week 5 contest, the coaching staff made Knight the lead back. This has resulted in back-to-back weeks with 12 or more touches. Over those past two weeks, he's scored 11.9 and 7.9 half-PPR points. Until Benson returns, Knight should be viewed as an RB2/3 and is a must-add running back if you need a starter.

Priority Adds

Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 27.2% Rostered

In 2022, from Weeks 1-9, Travis Etienne Jr. averaged 13.2 half-PPR PPG, but that fell to 9.2 in Weeks 10-17. Then, in 2023, Etienne averaged 18.8 half-PPR PPG in Weeks 1-8. In Weeks 9-17, that fell to 11.5 half-PPR PPG.

From Weeks 1-4, Etienne averaged 6.1 yards per carry. In Weeks 5-7, it has dipped to 3.7 YPC. In the first four weeks, he averaged 15.9 half-PPR PPG, but has since averaged just 6.9 half-PPR. If Etienne continues to struggle, Tuten could see his opportunities increase.

With the offense struggling these past few weeks, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Liam Coen mix it up, potentially giving Tuten more touches. It was last year in Tampa Bay that, after multiple inefficient weeks, Coen made the switch from Rachaad White to Bucky Irving.

Stash with Late-Season Potential

Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - 2.7% Rostered

Don't go too crazy about his 14 rush attempts because this was due to the game script with the Chiefs winning 31-0. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have yet to rush for 60 yards in a game. However, Pacheco is coming off back-to-back games of 50+ yards.

The hope for Smith is that he can become the Chiefs' primary pass-catching back. Neither Hunt nor Pacheco thrives as a pass-catcher. If Smith can earn that role as the team's two-minute, third-down, and pass-catching specialist, he could hold RB3/4 value in full-PPR leagues. This is especially true with how often Kansas City is passing.

Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys - 16.8% Rostered

Miles Sanders is on season-ending IR with a knee injury, which makes Blue the Cowboys' No. 2 running back and the "next man up" should anything happen to Javonte Williams. That alone gives him elite handcuff value. Williams has been excellent this season, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect Blue to overtake him. However, it's possible he could carve out a role similar to the one described above for Smith.

Williams will undoubtedly maintain his role as the primary runner, early-down, short-yardage, and goal-line back. Blue could have fantasy value if he's able to earn the pass-catching role in Dallas' offense. With how dreadful their defense is and how much they pass, this could hold fantasy value, alongside his elite contingency value.

RB4/5's with High Contingency Value

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 10.3% Rostered

Corum fumbled in Week 5, which resulted in him only getting one carry. However, since Week 3, outside of that Week 5 contest, Corum is averaging just over nine touches per game. Getting between 7-10 touches per game keeps Corum on the RB4/5 radar.

Unfortunately, he's seldom used in the passing game, and most of the scoring opportunities go to Kyren Williams. Due to that, Corum's standalone value is certainly minimal. He's a better play in games where the Rams are heavily favored.

His real value lies in his contingent value if Williams were to miss anytime. If that were to happen, Corum would be a weekly top-15 running back.

Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 4.1% Rostered

Monangai's snap share increased to 45.6% this past weekend. That resulted in 13 carries, 81 yards, and a touchdown en route to 16.4 half-PPR points. This Chicago backfield has turned into a committee backfield. Oftentimes, when we talk about a committee backfield, it's because someone is struggling.

That isn't the case here. D'Andre Swift is coming off his best two games of the season.

Kyle Monangai Week 7

- 46% snaps
- 13 carries, 81 yds, TD
- 11 routes, 3 targets, 2 rec, 13 yds
- 17.4 fantasy points

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) October 19, 2025

This Chicago running game has been very effective the past two weeks, and if it continues, Monangai could have RB4/5 value moving forward. Head coach Ben Johnson has a history of supporting two fantasy-relevant running backs, and that may occur here in Chicago in the second half of the season.

Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs - 32.6% Rostered

Hunt has seen his involvement decrease in recent weeks. Hunt left this past weekend briefly due to an injury, but was able to return. After having 34 touches from Weeks 2-4, Hunt has had just 19 touches the past three weeks.

Hunt has been used as Kansas City's goal-line back, scoring three touchdowns from Weeks 3-5, but that has started to change in the past two weeks as Pacheco is coming off back-to-back weeks of 50+ rushing yards. Hunt had been flirting with RB3 due to his touchdown potential, but that has begun to evaporate.

Hunt should be viewed as an RB4/5 with contingency value if Pacheco misses any time. Pacheco seems to have since moved ahead of Hunt, hindering his standalone value.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 35.9% Rostered

Allgeier is an elite handcuff to Bijan Robinson. When Atlanta is favored, Allgeier can be trusted to handle 10-12 touches, giving him some standalone value as an RB4. Unfortunately, this Atlanta team is difficult to predict. If Robinson were to miss time, he'd be a top-20 running back.

Outside of Tuten, Corum, and Allgeier, if you do not need a starting running back, fantasy managers should prioritize the handcuffs listed below over the remaining running backs in this section. While these running backs are more playable than the handcuffs, the handcuffs offer more upside. 

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 29.9% Rostered

Spears played more snaps than Tony Pollard last week. This week, Pollard played more than Spears. Over the past two weeks, Pollard has 24 touches while Spears has 17. This has become a 1A and 1B situation in Tennessee. However, in the past two weeks, Spears has had seven receptions.

Spears has scored 7.0 and 5.5 half-PPR points. Due to the ineptitude of the Titans' offense, neither running back holds much fantasy value. Spears shouldn't be viewed as anything more than an RB5 with a low ceiling. Even if Pollard were to miss time, Spears would likely be ranked as an RB3. Pollard had the first four weeks without Spears and failed to perform as a top-24 running back in half-PPR PPG.

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 19.3% Rostered

Hill is Baltimore's pass-catching back. He plays on third downs, in the two-minute drill, and in obvious passing situations. Historically, he's held little value because Baltimore's defense was stout, and they often played with a lead, which allowed them to lean on Derrick Henry. This year is not like that. Their defense has been atrocious, and because of that, we've seen Hill hold more consistent week-to-week value.

He's scored 6.0 half-PPR points or more in three out of six games this season. He has four or more targets in three out of six games. These are relatively predictable, as well. Those three games were against the Lions, Chiefs, and Rams. In games where Baltimore is expected to be in a high-scoring affair, Hill is a decent RB4/5 option in PPR-scoring leagues.

He holds more value in full-PPR leagues.

Pure Running Back Handcuffs

• D.J. Giddens, Indianapolis Colts - 1.5% Rostered
• Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 27.7% Rostered
• Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles - 5.0% Rostered
• Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 7.7% Rostered
• Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders - 1.2% Rostered
• Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants - 44.7% Rostered
• Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 13.4% Rostered
• Phil Mafah - Dallas Cowboys - 0.1% Rostered
• Isaiah Davis, New York Jets - 4.1% Rostered
• Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 7.8% Rostered
• Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers - 9.3% Rostered
• Hassan Haskins, Los Angeles Chargers - 21.2% Rostered
• MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers - 2.0% Rostered
• Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals - 0.3% Rostered

Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 8

WR4s with Some Upside

Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons - 42.3% Rostered

Mooney hasn't been healthy this season, but last year, he fell just short of 1,000 yards. He's an excellent secondary option to Drake London, and if he's able to get and stay healthy, Mooney could provide fantasy managers with WR4 moving forward. He's a talented player on a talented offense who's worth stashing.

Tez Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 0.7% Rostered, and Sterling Shepard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 14.7% Rostered

***Short-Term Value Based on Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), Chris Godwin (fibula), and Mike Evans (hamstring) availability

Egbuka hurt his hamstring this past weekend and did not return. Godwin was ruled out with a leg injury. Evans is still dealing with a hamstring injury of his own and could return in the next week or two. The severity of Egbuka's hamstring injury is unknown. There is also very little known about Godwin's new leg injury, but right now, the Tampa Bay receiver room has been decimated.

This past weekend, Johnson led the team in snaps and routes among receivers. He finished with three targets, one reception, 45 yards, and a touchdown en route to 11.0 half-PPR points. Last week, he had four targets, four receptions, and 59 yards in a game that Egbuka and Godwin were both active. Johnson should be viewed as a WR3/4, depending on the health and availability of those other three receivers.

TEZ JOHNSON TD! WHAT A CATCH AND WHAT A FLIP

SFvsTB on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/UtKZZW6YXw

— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025

Shepard should not be forgotten about either. He has four or more targets in five out of six games this season. He has scored 5.0 half-PPR points in five out of six games. He had five targets, four receptions, 24 yards, and a touchdown en route to 9.9 half-PPR points last week. This past weekend, he had three targets, two receptions, and 51 yards.

Shepard should also be viewed as a WR3/4 depending on the health of Tampa's primary three receivers.

A road matchup against Detroit in Week 7 has a great chance of being a shoot-out. That'll give Johnson and Shepard strong value in a game where Baker Mayfield and the offense will have to score points to keep him. In Week 8, they will travel to New Orleans to face the struggling Saints.

While their fantasy value may be short-lived, they could be a strong start for a few weeks until the other receivers get healthy.

Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts - 45.1% Rostered

Downs' ceiling is unquestionably limited with the presence of Michael Pittman Jr. and Tyler Warren. That doesn't even factor in the team's run-first approach. Downs is the team's primary slot receiver, which limits his snaps and routes because he doesn't play in two-receiver sets. Despite this, Downs has four games with five or more targets.

This has resulted in four games with four or more receptions.

That makes him a better option in full-PPR leagues. Despite having three games with six receptions, Downs has yet to have more than 55 receiving yards in a single contest this season. His weekly high is 13.2 half-PPR points, a game in which he found the end zone. His best non-touchdown scoring game was 8.1 half-PPR.

He's a WR4 with a reasonably limited ceiling. Downs was inactive this past weekend due to a concussion.

Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh Steelers - 6.7% Rostered

Austin suffered this shoulder injury in Week 4 and has remained sidelined since. In Weeks 1-3, Austin had two games with double-digit half-PPR points in the first three games of the season. Before his injury, Austin was operating as the team's clear and undisputed No. 2 receiver.

Pittsburgh has passed the ball more than expected through the early part of the season, and Aaron Rodgers has played well. Behind receiver D.K. Metcalf, Pittsburgh has few options. That'll give Austin the chance for some solid weeks. His role and downfield potential make him a strong WR5 and a solid bench player. He should return shortly.

Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos - 29.0% Rostered

Franklin only has two games with double-digits, but he also only has two games with fewer than 6.0 half-PPR points. In seven games this season, Franklin has scored 6.0 half-PPR points or more five times. Franklin has played the second-most snaps and run the second-most routes among Denver receivers.

Troy Franklin catches the tipped ball for the TD!

INDvsLAC on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/LSuhf4te5C

— NFL (@NFL) October 19, 2025

Bo Nix is playing well, and this Denver offense is a strong unit. That increases Franklin's value. Franklin is coming off a 10-target performance, but he was only able to catch three of them for 19 yards, one of which went for a touchdown. Franklin is a solid weekly WR4.

High Upside Stashes

If you do not need an immediate starter, these four players should be targeted because they offer more upside than the WR5/6's listed below and the WR4s listed above. 

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers - 43.5% Rostered

Reed is currently on IR, and his exact return date is unknown. However, if he's been dropped in your league, stashing Reed could pay dividends later on this season. In Week 1, he had five targets, three receptions, 45 yards, and a touchdown en route to 12.0 half-PPR points. Once Reed returns, he'll likely settle into being ranked as a WR4, and he'll have weekly WR2 upside.

The Packers have an efficient offense, and Jordan Love is currently playing lights out. Fantasy managers should want a piece of this offense. Reed has shown the ability to be a WR2 as a rookie, and he's still a talented player on an elite offense.

Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears - 9.5% Rostered

Burden continues to show his talent when he's presented with opportunities. However, he continues to play behind Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, and Olamide Zaccheaus. In Burden's limited playing time, he has the highest target rate and yards per route run among receivers on the team.

As of right now, Burden cannot be started, but the talent is there. If head coach Ben Johnson ever chooses to play Burden over Zaccheaus, he could immediately become fantasy-relevant.

Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans - 20.8% Rostered

Higgins has been more involved in their past two games (Week 6 bye). Christian Kirk and Xavier Hutchinson have both struggled to produce consistency in this offense. Eventually, Higgins's snaps will increase. He's coming off his best two games of the season the past two weeks, as well.

He found the end zone in Week 4 and had four catches for 32 yards in Week 5. That's back-to-back games with 5.0 or more half-PPR points. That doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a step in the right direction for the second-round rookie. With the increased offensive environment, he should be on the radar.

Christian Kirk Won't Play on Monday Nighthttps://t.co/5BKHkFzsmk

— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 19, 2025

This is especially true with the news that Kirk will miss Monday night's game against the Seahawks. This could result in more opportunities for Higgins. If you're able to stash Higgins before kick-off, I would recommend doing so.

Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers - 32.8% Rostered

He tore his MCL and ACL early last season and will need some time to shake off the rust. However, he’s an IR candidate and someone you can stash for free. From 2023-2024, he had 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns. He finished as the WR22 in 2022 and the WR12 in 2023. He’s absolutely worth taking a shot on.

He’s the receiver with the most chemistry with Brock Purdy and could be a second-half weekly WR2 starter. Reports have recently indicated that Aiyuk isn't close to returning, but if you have an IR spot, he is still worth stashing, assuming he returns around Week 10-12.

Deep League Stashes

Kyle Williams, New England Patriots - 1.3%

Williams has only had two targets this season. However, he was a third-round pick in this year's NFL Draft and a productive collegiate player. His talent profile is one worth betting on. He hasn't gotten an opportunity yet, but the production from the primary New England receivers has been disappointing.

Stefon Diggs has improved his play over the past three weeks, but Kayshon Boutte is a boom-or-bust sacrificial X receiver. However, he has had several good games in that role. Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas have largely been invisible as the No. 3 and No. 4 options. If Williams gets some of their opportunities, he could be someone who becomes valuable in the deepest of leagues later in the season.

Jack Bech, Las Vegas Raiders - 3.7% Rostered

Jakobi Meyers was inactive this past weekend, which resulted in Dont'e Thornton Jr. playing a larger allotment of snaps than he had recently. In Weeks 5-6, Bech had out-snapped and run more routes than Thornton. With Meyers inactive, Thornton just barely edged Bech out in both categories. Neither player did anything of note, mainly due to the ineffectiveness of the quarterbacks.

Bech's value could increase in future weeks if Meyers is traded, which at this time sounds very likely. Bech is someone to stash in the deepest of leagues, but for Bech to reach any level of fantasy relevance, the quarterback play will have to improve.

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers - 8.2% Rostered

Watson is still on the PUP but is making strides in practice. However, Reed is slated to miss a majority of the season, and Doubs is who he is at this point. He's dependable, but unexciting. Wicks is an enigma. There's upside, but his consistency is all over the board. Rookie Matthew Golden topped 100 yards from scrimmage for the first time in Week 6 but struggled throughout the opening month to draw consistent targets.

This offense is strong, and Jordan Love is playing great. If Watson can get healthy, with Reed's injury and the inconsistencies shown from Doubs and Wicks, he could enjoy a productive second half. He is a solid stash candidate.

Potential WR5/6's

Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens - 16.3% Rostered

The theory behind adding Bateman is simple. Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is expected to be back in Week 8. Baltimore has the worst defense in the NFL. Baltimore has been in multiple high-scoring contests, and based on how their defense has played thus far, there's little reason to believe that will change.

Before getting hurt, Jackson was playing at an MVP level again. The passing volume should be opportunistic for the Baltimore pass-catchers moving forward. With Jackson's high career touchdown rate, Bateman has weekly scoring potential.

Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots - 27.1% Rostered

Boutte has now scored touchdowns in back-to-back weeks. He scored 23.8 and 12.5 half-PPR points in Weeks 6 and 7. He has four games with 8.0 half-PPR points or more in seven games. In the other three games, he scored 3.8, 2.3, and 5.8 half-PPR points. Boutte is a boom-or-bust player, but he's New England's primary deep-ball threat, and Drake Maye is playing at an elite level.

Kayshon Boutte fingertip grab for a 39-yard touchdown!

NEvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/3Ia00yOPjX

— NFL (@NFL) October 19, 2025

Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts - 3.1% Rostered

Pierce has played in five games this season. He has three games with 8.5 half-PPR points or more. In the other two, he scored 4.1 and 5.8. Pierce is not a primary target in the Colts' offense, falling behind Warren and Pittman. Pierce is their primary deep-ball threat.

With the way they are running the football, their play-action offense has been highly effective. Pierce is getting three to five targets every week, most of which are downfield. Pierce only needs one target to have a decent fantasy day. He's a boom-or-bust player, and he hasn't found the end zone yet, but it'll happen eventually.

Marquise Brown, Kansas City Chiefs - 48.1% Rostered

Brown does not have a single game with fewer than 5.0 half-PPR points. He's scored over 8.0 half-PPR points four times. Xavier Worthy missed time due to an injury, and Rashee Rice was suspended for six games, which has undoubtedly affected Brown's scoring, but Patrick Mahomes is playing absolutely out of his mind right now.

The Chiefs' offense has also been very pass-heavy this season, and based on their running offense, that seems unlikely to change. While Rice, Worthy, and Travis Kelce will be Mahomes' primary targets, Brown is good enough to have some spike weeks in an elite passing offense, with an MVP-caliber quarterback.

Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers - 11.7% Rostered

This was Coker's first game of the season. He only played 26 snaps of the team's 71. He was clearly on a snap count, but that shouldn't mean fantasy managers, if they're in larger leagues, shouldn't be looking to stash Coker. Before the season, head coach Dave Canales called Coker his slot receiver.

Xavier Legette is coming off his best game of his career, which dampens Coker's appeal. Coker outplayed Legette last season when they were both rookies. However, Tetairoa McMillan is the team's undisputed No. 1 receiver. If Legette and Coker split Bryce Young's secondary attention, neither of them will have much fantasy appeal.

Both players can be stashed in larger leagues to see how the target hierarchy behind McMillan shakes out.

Christian Kirk, Houston Texans - 21.9% Rostered

Kirk is coming off his best game of the season in Week 5, catching all four targets for 64 yards. The Texans were on bye this past weekend, but outside of Nico Collins, Houston could use another pass-catcher to step up and be a dependable target for Stroud. That was supposed to be Kirk. He dealt with an injury early in the year, but maybe he's rounding into form.

He's their primary slot receiver, and we've seen slot receivers be fantasy-relevant with Stroud in the past (Tank Dell (knee) and Diggs). Kirk's upside is certainly capped, but he could be a valuable bench player with bye weeks starting. He'll miss Week 7 with a hamstring injury, which is something to keep an eye on.

Boom or Bust, Touchdown Dependent WR6's

• Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers - 23.8% Rostered
• Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans - 26.4% Rostered
• Chimere Dike, Tennessee Titans - 1.0% Rostered
• Jaylin Lane, Washington Commanders - 1.6% Rostered
• Isaiah Bond, Cleveland Browns - 1.8% Rostered
• Tory Horton, Seattle Seahawks - 3.4% Rostered
• Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals - 3.6% Rostered
• Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars - 0.3% Rostered
• Darius Slayton, New York Giants - 14.0% Rostered
• DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore Ravens - 5.9% Rostered

These players have no consistent volume from week to week. All of these players are touchdown-or-bust players. If they don't score a touchdown, you're very likely to be disappointed with their outcome because they do not generate enough volume to make them consistent fantasy producers.

These players should be viewed as boom-or-bust options. The positive for them is that they only need one target to have a productive fantasy outing. All of these players are capable of turning their one target into a 40-yard touchdown. That's the pro-argument for them. The con-argument is that it might be the only target they get.

Tight End Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 8

Must Add

Oronde Gadsden, Los Angeles Chargers - 2.1% Rostered

Gadsden has played in five games this season, and he has 7.0 half-PPR points or more in three of them. He's also coming off back-to-back weeks with 65 or more receiving yards. In five games, he has had games of seven, eight, and nine targets. He's also had seven receptions in back-to-back weeks.

Oronde Gadsden Enjoys Spectacular Showing in Week 7https://t.co/tROsYHvkVM

— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 20, 2025

This past weekend, he had career-highs of nine targets, 164 yards, and one touchdown. He finished with 25.9 half-PPR points. With Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen, and Ladd McConkey all in the receiver mix -- Gadsden will likely have weeks where he busts due to the elite target competition, but his upside and weekly ceiling are worth chasing.

Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears - 25.6% Rostered

While Loveland has yet to have his breakout game, it could be coming soon. Moore has been a disappointment this season, and Rome Odunze has been Chicago's No. 1 receiver, but behind him, it's been a committee approach. This has especially been true at tight end, where Cole Kmet and Loveland have shared snaps and routes, negatively impacting both.

Bears TE Cole Kmet (back), DB Tyrique Stevenson (shoulder) doubtful to return vs. Saintshttps://t.co/f2AdK7OkHy pic.twitter.com/TWvPmquVIi

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 19, 2025

This past weekend, Kmet left the game early due to a back injury. If Kmet's injury carries into next weekend, Loveland could be Chicago's sole and undisputed No. 1 tight end, giving him a chance to have that breakout game, which could allow him to separate himself from Kmet.

TE2's with Some Upside

Theo Johnson, New York Giants - 11.6% Rostered

Malik Nabers suffered a torn ACL in Week 4, which has opened up ample targets. From Weeks 4-7, Johnson has scored four touchdowns and has averaged 11.3 half-PPR points. He has scored over 9.0 half-PPR points in three out of four contests. In these four games, he has 23 targets, recording seven targets in two games.

Jaxson Dart is playing well, and Johnson has become a favorite of his near the end zone. He's still a touchdown-dependent player, but this past weekend, Johnson set a season-high of 66 yards, besting his previous high of 34.

Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars - 16.2% Rostered

***On IR for the next two weeks***

Strange will be out of the next two games and potentially longer, but Strange was the leading receiver for the first four games of the season. He had scored 7.5 half-PPR points or more in three out of the first four games. That includes two games with seven targets and six receptions.

He's not someone that fantasy managers necessarily need to stash or even hold onto; he's here merely as a "hey, don't forget about me" player. He was a solid TE2 to start the season, and he hadn't even scored a touchdown yet. He's someone to look to add in the next 2-3 weeks when his return gets closer.

A.J. Barner, Seattle Seahawks - 12.8% Rostered

Barner is a tough one to figure out. He has more than three targets in just one game this season. However, he has still managed to score over 8.5 half-PPR points in four out of six games, which includes a 20.9 outing. Like Sam Darnold, Barner has been incredibly efficient despite the limited volume.

Barner is coming off the best two games of the season. He had seven targets, seven receptions, 53 yards, and two touchdowns in Week 5. This past weekend, he had three targets, three catches, and 71 yards. This Seattle offense is coming on strong, and Barner is benefiting. He's a boom-or-bust tight end, but he has a penchant for big plays, which include touchdowns or extended plays downfield.

Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens - 4.9% Rostered

Likely has been limited in the two weeks leading up to this past weekend, but in Week 6, Likely logged more snaps than Mark Andrews. Was this because of the circumstances, such as the lopsided score and Jackson being sidelined with an injury? Maybe, but it's noteworthy all the same. There have been reports that Andrews is likely to generate interest at the trade deadline this season.

If Andrews were moved, Likely's value would likely skyrocket.

With Andrews on the roster, Likely should be viewed as a boom or bust TE2 moving forward. However, his ceiling is higher than most other tight ends. Baltimore's defense is awful, and Jackson is elite. For all Baltimore pass-catchers, that's a tremendous combination. It'll lead to more passing volume and high-scoring games.

Jackson's elite efficiency raises the ceiling for all Baltimore players.

Deep, Deep League Options

• Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans - 17.8% Rostered
• Evan Engram, Denver Broncos - 57.2% Rostered
• Noah Fant, Cincinnati Bengals - 2.4% Rostered
• Mason Taylor, New York Jets - 28.0% Rostered
• Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints - 33.8% Rostered
• Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans - 11.8% Rostered
• Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints - 4.0% Rostered
• Jonnu Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers - 17.0% Rostered
• Ja'Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers - 1.0% Rostered
• Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 29.7% Rostered

Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 8

Must-Add

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants - 43.3% Rostered

Dart has scored 19.8, 15.6, 23.6, and 28.4 in his four starts. If he's available, Dart is an absolute must-add. He should be viewed as a top-12 quarterback for the rest of the season. He has either 50 rushing yards or a rushing touchdown in all four of his starts, accomplishing both in two of his starts.

His ability to score points on the ground gives him a safe floor and a week-winning upside.

QB2s

Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks - 27.1% Rostered

Since Week 1, Darnold has rattled off five straight games with 15.5 or more points. During this stretch, he's averaging 19.2 PPG. That includes back-to-back weeks of 27.6 and 20.0 points. The Seattle offense doesn't generate much passing volume, but it has been incredibly efficient, spearheaded by Darnold. He has shown to have a solid floor with a surprising ceiling.

QB2 Options for Deeper or Superflex Leagues

• Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals - 4.9% Rostered
• Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers - 27.6% Rostered
• Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons - 17.0% Rostered
• Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars - 34.5% Rostered
• Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins - 19.7% Rostered
• C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans - 55.7% Rostered
• Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers - 18.4% Rostered
• Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints - 4.0% Rostered

Stash in Superflex or 2-QB Leagues

• J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings - 28.2% Rostered

Team Defenses (D/ST) - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 8

• Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Titans - 66.9% Rostered
• Atlanta Falcons vs Miami Dolphins - 18.5% Rostered
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints - 16.7% Rostered
• Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers - 38.1% Rostered
• San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans - 10.7% Rostered

Waiver Wire Parameters for This Article

A few rules and notes about this weekly waiver wire article. Every league is different, with varying roster formats and sizes. That makes this one of the more challenging articles because every league’s waiver wire can look dramatically different. Even the host site you use matters. ESPN has rankings that differ from those of Yahoo!, which in turn differ from those of CBS or Sleeper, and all of this impacts which players are drafted and which are not.

We only identify quarterbacks and tight ends with a roster percentage of 60% or less. For running backs and receivers, that number drops to 50%. We don’t delve too deeply into defenses, but I highlight a few streamers to target each week.

Positions are also categorized into different groups, such as RB3 or a potential league-winner to stash. You’ll need to know your roster and what to look for on the waiver. From there, each positional groups are arranged based on who you should prioritize first at that position. We use ESPN’s roster percentages for this article.

For example, if you are looking for immediate value, you might be more interested in someone like Knight than Corum right now because Knight is more likely to score points in the short term. Know your team and your team’s needs. If you’re healthy and you’re starting roster is strong, shoot for upside.

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