The Week 8 Waiver Wire is basically bone-dry, so this will be a short column. I am assuming guys like D’Ernest Johnson and Khalil Herbert were gobbled up weeks ago, but if not they are both priority adds.
Waiver Wire Quarterbacks Week 8
Mac Jones, 31% rostered, 80% FAAB
Jones had his best yardage total of the season going over 300 and adding two scores and no ints. Jones has looked like the best rookie quarterback all season and at this point I don’t see that changing, though Trevor is looking like he could challenge for the title by season’s end. Jones has the advantage in head coach and overall team, and I think could start to see more aggressive play calling in the rest of the season.
Deshaun Watson, 18% rostered, 80% FAAB
Apparently the NFL has taken the position that Watson will not be suspended if traded this season, an extremely nuanced position even for the NFL. This is ostensibly because Watson has not had criminal charges filed against him. Decent bet ahead of the trade deadline and one that could cash in huge if it comes to bear. I’d say there is a small chance he’s traded to the Eagles ahead of the deadline.
Tyrod Taylor, 4% rostered, 50% FAAB
Why the Texans are going back to Taylor in what is already a lost season is a mystery to me, but he will instantly improve the offense and all the skill players. Definitely worth an add if you are desperate but don’t expect much production – Taylor takes care of the ball and doesn’t take big risks.
Gardner Minshew, 0% rostered, 25% FAAB
If you own Jalen Hurts or if you are content with letting this guy sit on your bench for a while, could be a key add right now before word gets out that the Eagles are turning the page on Hurts. Seems like it’s coming soon.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, 0% rostered, 15% FAAB
Taylor Heinicke probably showed enough to get one more shot before the WFT goes on bye in week 9, but Fitz is not a bad stash just in case things don’t go well. Allen is said to be the next man up, but we all know Allen sucks, and the WFT would be better off with Heinicke and his turn overs because at least he has upside.
Drops: Zach Wilson, Davis Mills
Waiver Wire Running Backs Week 8
Samaje Perine, 7% rostered, 10% FAAB
Not exciting, but probably lined up for decent touches with Mixon in the lineup, and an instant starter if Mixon goes out.
Boston Scott, 2% rostered, 5% FAAB
Check Miles Sanders’s injury status before putting in a claim, but if Sanders is going to miss time, Scott would fill in with Gainwell retaining his passing back role.
Drops: Booker, Dillon
Waiver Wire Wide Receivers Week 8
Russel Gage, 10% rostered, 30% FAAB
Ridley simply is not commanding a major target share and is only getting the short-to-intermediate throws. Gage could at least deliver comparable value as Ridley the rest of the way as Pitts takes over the passing game. Also Ryan looked really sharp coming out of the bye and was looking much better with his deep ball.
Van Jefferson, 9% rostered, 30% FAAB
Much like Gage, Jefferson at least has the chance of matching the production of Robert Woods the rest of the season. One of the better offenses in football and spreading the ball around, Jefferson should have flex appeal the rest of the way.
Kalif Raymond, 3% rostered, 30% FAAB
Raymond has the least name recognition but is probably the best candidate on this list. The Lions showed some signs of life against the Rams, and Raymond is their best wide receiver and is getting the targets.
Drops: OBJ, Callaway, Robbie Anderson
Waiver Wire Tight Ends Week 8
Evan Engram, 31% rostered, 20% FAAB
Engram is terrible but he is getting targets on a team that is decimated by injuries at receiver. Expect little and you should be ok with your returns. He might have 1-2 spike games in him this season.
Drop: Jonnu Smith
Streaming DSTs for Week 8
Bengals vs the Jets, 21% rostered, 5% FAAB
Likely dropped due to the matchup with Baltimore, Cincy was actually one of the high-scoring options last week. Against the Flacco-led Jets (which is likely an improvement) they should deliver again.
Falcons vs the Panthers, 7% rostered, 4% FAAB
The Falcons are a terrible defense, but at this point you should start any defense against the Panthers in their #DarnoldSpiral (I’m determined to make this a thing).
Cowboys vs the Vikings, 40% rostered, 4% FAAB
I like the Vikings as an offense, I just really like what Quinn has been able to do to the Cowboys defense and I’m a believer. They managed to hold Herbert in check week 2 who is the closest Cousins profile.