RADIO
Running backs: can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. It's getting to the point where you almost wish you could start all wide receivers so you don't have to worry about injuries, trades, and duds. This week alone, we saw Carlos Hyde on the bench while he waits to integrate into the Jags' system, Melvin Gordon sidelined at the last minute with an early London start just to screw over your lineup that you set on Saturday night, and Sony Michel leave the game in the first quarter with a serious leg injury. Dalvin Cook owners need no reminders of how painful it is to watch Latavius Murray reach the end zone twice (but there it is anyway). No matter how good you think your backfield looks, you simply can't stand pat when it comes to RB depth.
In this weekly waiver wire series, we provide a comprehensive list of fantasy-viable players that are owned in approximately one-third or fewer of fantasy leagues, so that you can make an educated decision about who to add to your squad that might actually be available.
Let’s look around the league at the players worth adding or bidding on as we move on to Week 8 of the 2018 NFL season. Be sure to also check out our other waiver wire articles, including FAAB auction bidding recommendations, for even more in-depth analysis an all positions heading into Week 8.
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Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options
Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens (42% owned)
He didn't put up huge numbers against a vulnerable Saints secondary (279 yards, two TD) and hasn't really put up any huge games this year, going for 300+ yards just twice and multiple touchdowns in four of seven games. Flacco is one of the safer QB streamers widely available, although that comes with a lower ceiling. His Week 8 opponent, the Carolina Panthers, have allowed a 10/7 TD/INT ratio this year but just gave up 310 yards and two TD to Carson Wentz. In all, it's a mediocre matchup for a mediocre fantasy QB. There aren't many better options this week, however, so you may consider waiting to see if a higher-owned player like Jameis Winston or Mitch Trubisky gets dropped on your league's waiver wire.
Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns (41% owned)
In his first game without Hyde in the backfield, Mayfield was decent but underwhelming from a fantasy standpoint. He threw for 215 yards and two TD with no interceptions. He was betrayed to some extent by his receivers with drops and missed assignments again. It appears he can't count on Jarvis Landry and David Njoku alone, making it harder to trust him until he gets some help in the receiving department. He remains on the streaming scene this week thanks to a matchup with the Steelers that should be more high-scoring than their Week 1 draw. If nothing else, there's always a good chance the Browns will go to overtime again to help pad his stats.
Case Keenum, Denver Broncos (20% owned)
He's gone over 300 yards three times. He's gone for less than 200 yards twice. He's thrown an interception in every game this season. Keenum and the Broncos have been hard to predict and he's been hard to trust. The Broncos snapped a four-game losing streak with a big win against the Cardinals on Thursday night, but now go to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Chiefs. The hope here is that the Broncos fall back into pass-first mode and Keenum can put up some fantasy points based on volume, as the Chiefs both score and allow a ton of points. He can't be recommended for single-QB leagues but those who play superflex or two-QB leagues can take a chance.
Brock Osweiler, Miami Dolphins (3% owned)
There's no other way to put it - Osweiler has looked good in Dolphin blue. While his numbers didn't come close to last week, that was to be expected. Osweiler was still efficient, completing 22 of 31 passes for 239 yards and two TD and, most importantly, no interceptions. Ryan Tannehill won't be clear for Week 8, so Osweiler gets the chance to face a Texans defense that has been improving but was still in the bottom half of the league in terms of pass defense coming into the week.
Others to consider: Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders (27% owned); C.J. Beathard, San Francisco 49ers (9% owned)
Running Backs - Waiver Wire Options
Doug Martin, Oakland Raiders (23% owned)
Technically, he is the starting running back for an NFL team. Adding Martin or even potentially starting him in fantasy just feels dirty, though. When he wasn't injured, Martin averaged less than three yards per carry the last two seasons in Tampa. This year, it's 3.7 Y/A in limited time with no involvement in the passing game (four receptions). He can be added if you're especially thin at RB but don't expect too much. At least the Raiders have a home game against the Colts in Week 8.
Jalen Richard, Oakland Raiders (20% owned)
Martin will get the first crack at the Marshawn Lynch's vacant job in Oakland and will probably see more carries on early downs but Richard should hold more fantasy appeal. He's been the primary pass-catcher out of the backfield for the Raiders this year, averaging 5.2 receptions per game. He'll certainly retain that role and will now see an uptick in carries too. Richard had a healthy 4.9 Y/A average last season in spot duty but has never been given even 10 carries in a game. He is a flex consideration in full PPR leagues but not someone to add in standard leagues simply because he may not get enough touches.
Mike Davis, Seattle Seahawks (17% owned)
The bye week led many to drop Davis, making him a sneaky add for the RB-desperate out there. He had a lackluster game in Week 6 but previously put up 101 and 68 yards rushing in Weeks 4 and 5. He should continue to split time with Chris Carson in an excellent matchup with the Lions, who had been allowing the third-most fantasy points to RBs going into Week 7.
Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers (12% owned)
He saw 11 touches against the Rams and turned them into 78 total yards. Alfred Morris inexplicably led the team with nine carries again, turning them into 25 yards. Matt Breida continues to get injured in the midst of each and every contest, proving incapable of finishing a whole game. This is a mess of a backfield in which Mostert somehow holds value based on the fact he can stay upright and can avoid getting stuffed at the line of scrimmage. He isn't someone you want to start if you can help it, although stashing isn't a bad idea based on the other alternatives in San Fran.
Chris Ivory, Buffalo Bills (7% owned)
LeSean McCoy left with an apparent head injury, making Ivory the starter in Buffalo until we hear otherwise. The Bills have a Monday Night showdown with the Patriots that could turn ugly quick, as the Bills will still be forced to choose between Derek Anderson (0 TD, 3 INT) or Nathan Peterman (1 TD, 4 INT). Ivory has been effective this year and just ran for 81 yards on 16 carries, even in a blowout loss. He isn't the most appealing pickup but could be a necessary one if you are missing Shady, Michel or looking to replace Zeke this week.
Devontae Booker, Denver Broncos (3% owned)
With Royce Freeman suffering a high ankle sprain, his status is questionable heading into Week 8. The Broncos are "hopeful" he will play but that is an injury that tends to affect a running back. Booker has been in on 32% of the team's offensive snaps this season already and Freeman is not involved in the passing game, so it's not as if Booker's value is completely tied to this injury anyway. Booker is mainly in for passing downs, having caught 16 passes while carrying the ball 13 times. Think of Booker as a poor man's Jalen Richard, which is not a ringing endorsement, but could serve to add a few points if you are in a PPR league since the Broncos figure to pass the ball plenty against the Chiefs.
Kenjon Barner, New England Patriots (1% owned)
Here's where we are with the Patriots' backfield. Barner, who was signed after Week 3 of the season for depth purposes, is now in line to see a lot of touches unless the Pats pull off a trade. Sony Michel's injury appears serious, which means someone other than pass-catching back James White will have to pick up some slack. Barner is more of a third-down back and slasher himself, never having carried the ball even 10 times in a game over his five-year career. Don't expect much unless the Pats can suddenly turn him into the next Danny Woodhead. More likely he'll be another Shane Vereen.
Others to consider: Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts (41% owned); Frank Gore, Miami Dolphins (30% owned); Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers (26% owned)
Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options
Cole Beasley, Dallas Cowboys (27% owned)
Beasley put together another decent game, catching seven passes for 56 yards. He'll never be much of a threat to score, as he's proven throughout his career. Beasley has never scored more than five TD in a season and has only scored in one game this season. He's a fine flex in PPR leagues of 14 or more teams, but not in Week 8 - the Cowboys are on a bye. Fantasy owners are better off targeting Danny Amendola instead (see below).
Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals (26% owned)
Perhaps the lone bright spot in last week's embarrassing loss, Kirk has delivered at least three receptions and 50 yards for three straight weeks with Josh Rosen at QB. He's averaging a strong 13.1 yards per reception and has the speed to beat a defense on any given play. This week, it's the 49ers on deck, who allowed 38 points to this Cardinal team three weeks ago. That was also the scene of Kirk's best fantasy game so far, when he posted 85 yards and a touchdown. The Niners have given up at least 24 points every single game and were just roasted by the Rams in a 39-10 loss, so streaming against them seems wise.
Tre'Quan Smith, New Orleans Saints (17% owned)
The rookie became a trendy late-week pickup once Ted Ginn was placed on IR. He didn't deliver big numbers in Week 7, catching three balls for 44 yards. He was targeted in the end zone early on, nearly grabbing a touchdown. This was a tough road matchup against the Ravens as well, so don't lose faith that Smith could be a valuable flex or WR3 down the road. The Saints will have a primetime showdown with the Vikings next Sunday - a game that could be a shootout.
Jermaine Kearse, New York Jets (11% owned)
A popular sleeper heading into the weekend, Kearse failed to catch a single ball against the Vikings on just two targets. Coming off a nine-catch, 94-yard game the week before, with Quincy Enunwa and Terrelle Pryor both out, it seemed obvious he would at least be good for a high floor based on reception count. Not so, as the Jets offense stalled and Sam Darnold looked like a rookie again. Kearse might not be a player to start this week either, as the Jets will be on the road against the Bears. He is still a decent stash as long as Enunwa is out and can be flexed if absolutely necessary.
Danny Amendola, Miami Dolphins (10% owned)
Brock Osweiler must be Danny Amendola's new best friend. In five weeks with Ryan Tannehill at QB, Amendola saw a total of 20 targets. In two weeks with Osweiler, Amendola has seen 18 targets and nearly doubled his yardage output as well as scoring his first touchdown. Now that Albert Wilson (hip) is out at least this coming week, if not much longer, and Devante Parker is seemingly out of the picture, Amendola becomes a high-priority add for PPR owners.
Rishard Matthews, New York Jets (7% owned)
With Quincy Enunwa out and Terrelle Pryor recently cut, the void in the Jets' WR corps has now been filled. Rishard Matthews finally found a suitor after requesting his release from the Titans one month ago. He was vastly underutilized this season under new coach Mike Vrabel, but then again that could be said for Tennessee's entire offense. Matthews nearly tallied 1000 yards two years ago along with nine touchdowns, so he's been productive in the past. He should step into a starting role fairly soon but it remains to be seen how long it will take him to gel with rookie QB Sam Darnold. He can be stashed in deeper leagues, just don't expect much if anything in Week 8 if he is active.
Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (5% owned)
It stands to reason that if Keenum can be a viable streamer based on matchup and potential game script, so could one of his secondary receivers. Sutton scored his first touchdown last week and could be a threat to score again. His five red zone targets are just one behind both Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Then again, Jeff Heuerman leads the team with seven RZ looks, so take that for what it's worth. Sutton is a potential streamer in standard leagues if you're OK with a touchdown-or-bust play.
David Moore, Seattle Seahawks (2% owned)
Moore was coming on before the team's bye week, scoring three touchdowns in the previous two games. He has effectively replaced Brandon Marshall as the third receiver in the offense, but with Doug Baldwin back and the running game working well, he is also touchdown-dependent for value. Moore has averaged three targets, 2.3 catches, and 41 yards per game since becoming integrated into the passing game in Week 4. In super-deep leagues where times are rough, Moore can be considered.
Others worth consideration: Geronimo Allison, Green Bay Packers (37% owned); Chester Rogers, Indianapolis Colts (18% owned); Jarius Wright, Carolina Panthers (1% owned)
Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options
Vance McDonald, Pittsburgh Steelers (39% 0wned)
Coming off a bye week, McDonald is now available in almost two-thirds of all leagues. Despite missing Week 1 with an injury and having a bye this week, McDonald is 13th among tight ends in targets and 12th in receptions. He has tremendous YAC ability and is a big-play threat that many other tight ends cannot match, especially among waiver wire candidates. If available, he should be your first choice of all TEs with less than 50% ownership.
Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (5% owned)
The rookie had been quiet since Week 3, tallying five catches for 36 yards in the last three games combined. He found the end zone for the second time this year and came away with four catches for 43 yards against the Panthers. The better news is this came with Zach Ertz putting up an astounding 138 yards on nine catches in the same contest. It's obvious both players can co-exist and that Carson Wentz digs throwing to the tight end. With the running back situation still iffy at best, this is a high-volume pass offense where Goedert will always have a chance to produce. It's not a guarantee, however, so only add him if you're looking for a bye-week replacement.
Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins (3% owned)
Outproducing Nick O'Leary isn't usually a measuring stick for progress, but in this case, it is. Both tight ends saw three targets in Week 7, which isn't a high total, to begin with. Gesicki caught all three for 44 yards, marking his best game in the NFL. Gesicki will continue to grow into an offensive threat as the season progresses, so expect gradual improvement. That process could be expedited with Albert Wilson sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Chris Herndon IV, New York Jets (1% owned)
Another rookie tight end making a splash, this time the only noise made for the Jets in Week 7. Herndon caught a touchdown for the second straight week, finished with 42 yards on four receptions. Even better, he saw seven targets. Given the injuries at wide receiver, Herndon could continue to be involved against the Bears, where any semblance of a playmaking threat will be needed. It isn't an ideal time to start him but he can be stashed as a backup TE in deep-enough leagues.
Michael Roberts, Detroit Lions (0% owned)
You don't need to chase a player as a waiver wire add just because he scored a touchdown. Two touchdowns... that's different. Roberts suddenly became the Lions' preferred red zone threat against the Dolphins and cashed in twice. It was his first time scoring since Week 2, mainly because it was his first time suiting up since Week 2 with a knee injury keeping him questionable up until kickoff of Week 7. The second-year player caught all of four passes for 46 yards and no TD in his rookie season, but tight ends rarely contribute much in their first year. With Kerryon Johnson running effectively and Roberts seeing valuable red zone targets, the Lions could actually be diversifying their offense under Matt Patricia.
Others worth consideration: Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (48% owned); Ben Watson, New Orleans Saints (40% owned); Charles Clay, Buffalo Bills (16% owned)
Defenses - Waiver Wire Options
Pittsburgh Steelers (37% owned)
The Steel Curtain is no more, at least not in 2018. As bad as the Steelers have been as far as giving up points, they've at least gotten to the quarterback. Pittsburgh is second in the league with 22 sacks. They've only created eight turnovers, so despite a good matchup at home against the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers are more of a safe play than a high-end one.
Washington Redskins (14% owned)
Through three quarters, Washington had completely held the Cowboys in check, especially Ezekiel Elliott. A furious comeback attempt in the last five minutes padded some yardage onto the stat line but it was still a great showing by the Redskin D. While they will be on the road in Week 8, it will be against Eli Manning and a dysfunctional Giants offense. Manning has thrown four picks and fumbled it four times, so there's a good chance the Skins can create at least one or two turnovers. The sacks are sure to come, as Manning has been taken down 20 times over the first six games.
Cincinnati Bengals (11% owned)
Their next game will feel like a breeze compared to playing Kansas City. The Bengals will be at home against Tampa Bay, who still brings a strong passing offense but has at least been held under 30 points the last two weeks. Jameis Winston is always good for some turnovers - he's thrown two interceptions in each of his three games this season. In leagues where points allowed count more heavily, or negative points are doled out for high totals, you wouldn't consider the Bengals. If your scoring system counts turnovers and sacks only, this is a defense to stream that can be easily scooped off waivers.
More Waiver Wire Adds and Pickups
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