We’re digging deep now. Waivers are as bare as they have been all season. We aren’t looking for difference makers anymore, we are looking for role players. The waiver wire is where you find the weekly play that could offer upside while you fight through bye-weeks or injuries. If we can foreshadow and find a player a week or two early, then you are sitting on fantasy gold.

I split this article into a few different sections. Waiver wire priorities will range from players you should try to add with some urgency all the way to players you should keep your eye on, but don’t make the move just yet unless you are in a deeper league. I’ll also sprinkle in a few guys you can potentially move on from.

Check here for a complete list of our Waiver Wire Adds for Week 8 for help at all the skill positions. As always, RotoBaller has you covered!

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Front Runners for Week 8 - Wide Receiver Additions

This group consists of wide receivers that I would recommend adding if they are available on your waiver wire. Some are more viable for PPR formats, so take note of that. These players have either earned a greater workload due to injury/performance issues or have shown that they can be weekly contributors to their NFL teams. All players listed have 50% or less ownership levels across fantasy leagues.

Tre'Quan Smith, NO - 17% owned

You may have been one of the early birds to grab Tre’Quan Smith after his big game on Monday night football in Week 5. Heading into that game, Smith only had one reception all season, so I wasn’t going to be quick to announce Smith had arrived. I am an avid fan of his and have lots of Smith shares in dynasty leagues, but Ted Ginn was standing in his way till this week.

Now that Ginn is off to IR, Smith will see more playing time and targets. The question this week has been Smith or Cameron Meredith and even though I believe Meredith can be a good receiver, my vote is Smith for the rest of 2018. Smith had a quiet game on Sunday, grabbing only three catches for 44 yards, but he will be the big playmaker now and we all know the Saint’s offense has big-play potential.

Danny Amendola, MIA - 10% owned

The Dolphins are coming off a loss against the Lions, missing their starting quarterback and have injuries to Albert Wilson and Devante Parker at wide receiver. The one constant on that team could end up being Danny Amendola. He doesn’t have a 100-yard receiving game and has only one touchdown, but he has been able to stay healthy which has always been the key in his career.

Amendola saw 11 targets two weeks ago against the Bears and another seven against the Lions this past week while leading the team in receptions and yards. With the injuries at the position and Kenny Stills disappearing over the last few weeks, Amendola is the WR1 for the Dolphins right now.  His value is highest in PPR leagues, but I would be willing to add him anywhere right now.

Tyrell Williams, LAC - 15% owned

Tyrell Williams now has back to back weeks with more than 100 receiving yards and a touchdown. From being the WR3 for the Chargers to the WR2 while outperforming Keenan Allen, Williams is gaining a ton of steam. If you make the move to add him this week, you’ll have to wait as the Chargers will be on a bye in Week 8.

So, should you jump to add Williams while he is on a bye? The likely answer is no but will vary based on your team. Williams can be added by teams at the top of the standings with deep teams. They can afford to wait a week and can leave him on the bench, for now, to see if this production is real. If you are an owner looking for someone to help right away, Williams won’t be your guy this week. Try to wait it out and see if he sneaks through to Week 9. Williams will have a role taking over for Mike Williams.

 

In the Running for Week 8 - Wide Receiver Additions

This group consists of wide receivers widely available on the waiver wire who aren't must-adds but could be worth stashing or streaming if the above options are already taken or if you are dealing with injuries.

Robby Anderson, NYJ - 47% owned

Robby Anderson appeared to be done early in the season. Sam Darnold had developed a connection with Qunicy Enunwa and Terrell Pryor seemed to be having a resurgence after a change of scenery. Now it’s another instance of injuries depleting the position. Anderson only had 108 yards on eight catches to start the season but over his last three games, he has 206 receiving yards on six catches.

Jermaine Kearse was the popular add this week but after going catchless with only two targets against the Vikings, I think we should pivot our attention to Anderson. With Enunwa out and Pryor being cut, for the time being, Anderson is the WR1 in New York again. He has always had the deep play threat, but now we can start adding the volume back to it.

Josh Doctson, WSH - 9% owned

I think I need to take a shower after writing this section of the article. I feel dirty for including Josh Doctson but once again, injuries have led us down this road. Quick side note, wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t have injuries to worry about in football? Or would it make things too boring? Either way, here we are adding Doctson heading into Week 8.

Paul Richardson and Jamison Crowder were both inactive in Week 7 along with Chris Thompson who handles a ton of targets out of the backfield. Outside of Jorden Reed, Doctson is the healthiest pass catcher on the Redskins right now. That is weird enough to say. Doctson’s performance on Sunday (three catches, 42 yards) was his best performance all season, so the bar isn’t that high for him. With matchups and the Giants and Falcons coming up, it could get better.

 

Dark Horses for Week 8 - Wide Receiver Additions

This group consists of wide receivers who need some more time to show us what they have but should be on our radar still. Don’t jump to add them yet, but another week or two could prove to be fruitful.

Courtland Sutton, DEN - 5% owned

This is the preemptive stash I already mentioned at the beginning of the article. There is talk out of Denver that Demaryius Thomas could be a part of trade talks leading up to the deadline and if that happens, Sutton becomes a huge asset. In limited time this season, Sutton has looked good. The numbers don’t do the effort and ability justice to this point. You will need to move early so if you have room on your bench, add Sutton and if no moves are made before the trade deadline, you can move on.

Cole Beasley, DAL - 27% owned

No one really wants to trust any Cowboys players right now. Even Ezekiel Elliott looks mediocre at times. The fact is that Cole Beasley continues to be a favorite target of Dak Prescott and the Cowboys are going to need to continue throwing the football. So, if you are in a PPR league and need some help, Beasley could offer a safe floor. Beasley had seven more receptions on Sunday and had nine last week against Jacksonville. He won’t win you a matchup, but he could help keep you out of the loss column.

 

Say Goodbye for Week 8 - Wide Receiver Drops

This group consists of wide receivers who don't need to be owned. They aren't necessarily must-drop players, but if you need the roster space for one of the above players, don't hesitate to cut bait to chase upside.

 Pierre Garcon, SF - 33% owned

Based on the state of the 49ers offense right now, George Kittle is the only player I really want to own. I think Marquise Goodwin has enough big-play potential to hold onto, but Pierre Garcon isn’t worth a bench spot anymore. This offense will continue to focus on Kittle and the running backs. Garcon is the receiver who would be getting those short to intermediate targets and without them, he’s not good enough to be stashed.

More Waiver Wire Analysis

Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!