It’s the calm before the ‘Bye-Mageddon’ storm as we head into Fantasy Football Week 8. Six teams, the Lions, Raiders, Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks, and Jaguars, get a break, leaving fantasy rosters scrambling for replacements. The Week 8 Waiver Wire might look thin at first glance, but that just means it’s time to get creative. We’re focusing on upside this week, especially at the pass-catching positions, where one elite streamer can completely flip a matchup in your favor.
Running back is a bit trickier, but savvy fantasy managers can still strike gold. Rookies like Kyle Monangai and Brashard Smith are sitting on waivers, ready to break out and turn into weekly stars. Week 8 is all about balance, grabbing high-upside wide receivers and tight ends to cover the bye weeks while sneaking in long-term running back stashes who could pay off later in the season.
The waiver wire may look barren, but the right moves this week can make a big difference in a tough fantasy week.
HEADS UP: Each player featured is rostered in 50% or fewer leagues on Yahoo! at the time of publication.
FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 8 WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS
QUARTERBACKS
JOE FLACCO, CINCINNATI BENGALS (11% ROSTERED)
Joe Flacco just hopped in a time machine and dialed it back to 2012 on Thursday Night Football, torching Mike Tomlin’s Steelers for 342 yards and three touchdowns in a vintage performance. He looks completely in command of the Bengals’ offense, something Jake Browning never quite managed, and it doesn’t appear to be a one-week wonder. Even in his first start for Cincy against Green Bay, Flacco was solid, tossing two touchdowns and finishing with nearly 20 fantasy points.
With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at his disposal, Flacco doesn’t need to do anything fancy; he has to get the ball out quickly and let his playmakers work. As long as he keeps avoiding the big sacks and mistakes, he’s firmly in the streaming conversation. If you’re scouring the wire for a Week 8 QB, Flacco’s got a juicy matchup against a winless Jets team that could keep his comeback tour rolling while Joe Burrow heals up.
JAXSON DART, NY GIANTS (42% ROSTERED)
Jaxson Dart’s rookie ride keeps getting wilder, even if the Giants’ luck doesn’t seem to catch up. But trust us, this is your last chance to pick him up off the waiver wire.
The rookie from Ole Miss threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground in a heartbreaking 33-32 loss to Denver. A missed extra point spoiled what could’ve been a heroic finish, but fantasy managers aren’t complaining about four total touchdowns. The rookie wasn’t super efficient (15-of-33 passing), yet he made big plays when it mattered and posted his best yardage and touchdown totals of the year against one of the best defenses in the league.
Dart’s confidence is growing by the week, and so is his fantasy value. He’s got a big arm, some mobility, and the willingness to take chances downfield, which makes him an intriguing streamer or QB2 option. He’ll face a tough Eagles defense in Week 8, but remember he already dropped 24 fantasy points on them just two weeks ago. Dart is becoming one of the more exciting young fantasy quarterbacks out there.
OTHERS TO TARGET: Marcus Mariota, Commanders (1%); Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (28%); Tyrod Taylor, Jets (1%)
RUNNING BACKS
KYLE MONANGAI, CHICAGO BEARS (6% ROSTERED)
Kyle Monangai truthers, it might be happening. The rookie we’ve been hyping since summer is finally flashing that tough Greg Schiano energy, and it looks like his breakout might be right around the corner. Sure, D’Andre Swift still runs the show, but Monangai just had his best game as a pro, turning 13 carries into 81 yards and a touchdown while adding a couple of catches for 13 more. The Bears got up early on the Saints, and the rookie took full advantage, posting 16 fantasy points. He’s not guaranteed that kind of workload every week, but it’s clear he’s earned himself a real role and a spot on your bench.
If anything happens to Swift, Monangai’s stepping into a full-on workhorse gig in Ben Johnson’s offense. Even if Swift stays upright, the rookie’s running well enough to force a timeshare in what’s quietly becoming a fun, fantasy-friendly Bears offense. Johnson’s system has supported multiple backs before, and Monangai looks like he could be 1B.
BRASHARD SMITH, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6% ROSTERED)
Brashard Smith might just be the spark Kansas City’s backfield has been missing, and we need to start paying attention. The rookie showed off his versatility in Week 7, racking up 81 total yards on 14 touches (five catches, nine carries) in a blowout win. Some of that came in garbage time, but Smith was already involved early, seeing work in both the ground and passing game before the Chiefs ran away with it. He’s flashing exactly the kind of dual-threat ability Andy Reid loves to scheme for, and it’s starting to feel like we’re watching ‘The Next Jerick McKinnon’ storyline unfold.
With Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt offering little juice, Smith’s explosiveness and pass-catching chops could earn him a bigger slice of the pie sooner rather than later. He’s the kind of stash that could pay off in a hurry, especially if the Chiefs keep searching for a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield to complement Mahomes. Seventh-round rookies don’t usually make waves in year one, but Smith is doing everything he can to buck that trend. Get ahead of your league and stash him now.
OTHERS TO TARGET: Isaiah Davis, Jets (16%); Tyrone Tracy Jr., Giants (44%); Bam Knight, Cardinals (22%); Emanuel Wilson, Packers (16%); Tyjae Spears, Titans (30%); Tyler Allgeier, Falcons (39%); Blake Corum, Rams (11%); Samaje Perine, Bengals (1%); Sean Tucker, Buccaneers (10%)
WIDE RECEIVERS
XAVIER LEGETTE, CAROLINA PANTHERS (6% ROSTERED)
After a sluggish start to his second season, Xavier Legette came alive in Week 7 with a career day: 9 catches on 11 targets for 92 yards and a touchdown, good for nearly 25 fantasy points. That’s now two scores in his last three games, and just maybe, the breakout we’ve been waiting for from the former first-rounder. While all eyes were on rookie Tetairoa McMillan and the returning Jalen Coker, it was Legette who stole the show and looked every bit like the Panthers’ top receiver.
Things could get even more interesting if Andy Dalton takes over for an injured Bryce Young in Week 8. Dalton’s veteran presence could give Legette the steady targets he needs to stay hot. This is the perfect kind of low-risk, high-upside pickup, especially if you’re hunting for a potential second-half breakout. Don’t let Legette’s slow start fool you because he’s heating up at just the right time.
RASHOD BATEMAN, BALTIMORE RAVENS (22% ROSTERED)
Rashod Bateman might be flying under the radar on a disgraceful Ravens’ squad, but this could be the perfect time to take a flier. The Ravens are fresh off their bye, and all signs point to Lamar Jackson returning from his hamstring injury, which should give Baltimore’s passing game a much-needed jolt. Bateman and the offense haven’t lived up to early-season hopes yet, but that’s had more to do with injuries and the team in general. When Lamar’s been healthy, Bateman’s shown flashes, including a 15-point outing back in Week 3 against Detroit.
The good news? Bateman’s been on the field plenty, logging over 65% of snaps most weeks, which means the opportunity is there. With a Week 8 matchup against a beatable Bears secondary, this could be a sneaky get-right spot for both him and the Ravens’ offense. If you’re in a deeper league or just looking for a high-upside streamer, Bateman’s worth a pickup.
ALEC PIERCE, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (9% ROSTERED)
Alec Pierce reminded everyone he’s still got that big-play juice in Week 7, stepping right back into his role for the Colts with Josh Downs sidelined. Fresh off missing time with a concussion, Pierce looked explosive, leading the team with 10 targets, 98 yards, and hauling in five catches along the way. He’s always been that boom-or-bust type, but when he booms, he booms, and this was one of those games that showed exactly why you stash or stream him.
With multiple teams on bye this week, Pierce is a sneaky plug-and-play option who can tilt a matchup with just a couple of long grabs. The Colts clearly trust him to stretch the field, and a Week 8 date with a Titans defense that Drake Maye just roasted is the kind of setup that screams streamer. If you’re hunting for upside or a big swing at flex, Pierce is the definition of a home-run dart throw.
OTHERS TO TARGET: Kayshon Boutte, Patriots (22%); Chimere Dike, Titans (2%); Marvin Mims Jr., Broncos (23%); Troy Franklin, Broncos (21%); Jaylin Lane, Commanders (1%); Luther Burden, Bears (14%)
TIGHT ENDS
ORONDE GADSDEN II, LA CHARGERS (3% ROSTERED)
No site on the planet has banged the Oronde Gadsden drum louder than RSJ—and it’s finally paying off. The rookie tight end has officially taken over in LA, posting back-to-back monster outings, capped by a 22-point explosion in Week 7. Gadsden, a former receiver-turned-tight end out of Syracuse, is morphing into one of Justin Herbert’s favorite new weapons. After ramping up to a 75% snap share, he’s now turned in two straight statement games: seven catches for 68 yards in Week 6, then a jaw-dropping seven grabs for 164 yards and his first touchdown in Week 7.
Even with Will Dissly back, it’s clear Gadsden has locked down the TE1 role for the Chargers. His background as a college wideout is shining through, giving Herbert a dynamic middle-of-the-field threat this offense badly needed. Greg Roman has always leaned on athletic tight ends, and it sure looks like he’s found his next gem. Gadsden isn’t just a stash anymore, he’s knocking on the door of weekly fantasy relevance.
OTHERS TO TARGET: Theo Johnson, Giants (18%); Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (7%); Noah Fant, Bengals (1%); Juwan Johnson, Saints (30%); Jonnu Smith, Steelers (19%); Mason Taylor, Jets (39%); Colston Loveland, Bears (22%)
