The waiver wire can make or break your fantasy football season, with injuries, breakout performances, and changing roles creating new opportunities every week. Here are my latest fantasy football waiver wire rankings, featuring the top players to target and prioritize on waivers.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Waiver Wire Rankings
| RK | Player | Pos | Matchup | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WR | vs LV | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 2 | RB | vs KC | Sun 4:25pm ET | |
| 3 | RB | BYE | - | |
| 4 | WR | @ WAS | Sun 8:20pm ET | |
| 5 | WR | vs IND | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 6 | WR | @ JAC | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 7 | TE | vs PHI | Sun 8:20pm ET | |
| 8 | WR | vs NE | Sun 4:25pm ET | |
| 9 | DEF | vs TEN | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 10 | RB | @ JAC | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 11 | QB | BYE | - | |
| 12 | TE | vs IND | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 13 | WR | vs PHI | Sun 8:20pm ET | |
| 14 | DEF | vs IND | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 15 | WR | vs BAL | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 16 | WR | BYE | - | |
| 17 | QB | @ DAL | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 18 | QB | vs NE | Sun 4:25pm ET | |
| 19 | RB | @ NYJ | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 20 | RB | @ DAL | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 21 | RB | BYE | - | |
| 22 | TE | vs LAC | Sun 4:05pm ET | |
| 23 | WR | vs BAL | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 24 | K | vs TEN | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 25 | K | vs ATL | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 26 | QB | vs ATL | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 27 | DEF | @ NYJ | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 28 | RB | vs IND | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 29 | WR | @ BUF | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 30 | TE | vs LAC | Sun 4:05pm ET | |
| 31 | TE | vs NE | Sun 4:25pm ET | |
| 32 | TE | vs LV | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 33 | K | @ NYJ | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 34 | K | vs BAL | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 35 | QB | @ TB | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 36 | QB | vs LV | Sun 1:00pm ET | |
| 37 | DEF | vs CAR | Thu 8:15pm ET | |
| 38 | DEF | vs PHI | Sun 8:20pm ET | |
| 39 | WR | @ MIA | Sun 4:25pm ET | |
| 40 | WR | vs NE | Sun 4:25pm ET | |
| 41 | RB | vs TEN | Sun 1:00pm ET |
Write-ups on some of the best waiver wire pickups ahead of Week 8
1. Omar Cooper Jr., WR (NYJ)
Rostered: 42%
Omar Cooper Jr. continued his impressive emergence against Miami in Week 7, catching all five of his targets for 115 yards and a touchdown. The rookie has now recorded consecutive 100-yard performances after catching six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown against New England in Week 6, giving him 11 receptions for 218 yards and two touchdowns over his last two games. His immediate production is particularly encouraging because he recently returned from an ankle injury that sidelined him for four consecutive games. According to PFF, Cooper played 82% of New York’s offensive snaps in his return against New England and remained involved in heavier personnel groupings even after Adonai Mitchell returned. The first-round selection has quickly established himself as an important part of the Jets’ passing attack alongside Garrett Wilson, demonstrating that his breakout is supported by meaningful playing time rather than simply a handful of explosive plays.
New York hosts Las Vegas in Week 8, giving Cooper another opportunity to build on his recent production. I’m particularly encouraged by how quickly he’s established himself as an important part of the offense because his role doesn’t appear entirely dependent on injuries to other receivers. Geno Smith has shown a willingness to attack downfield, and Cooper has rewarded those opportunities with explosive plays in consecutive games. However, I’m not expecting him to continue averaging more than 100 receiving yards every week, especially in an offense that has struggled with consistency. His relatively modest target totals also create some volatility if those explosive plays disappear. Still, at 42% rostered, Cooper is my top waiver-wire addition entering Week 8. I’m comfortable treating him as a WR3 or flex option with the potential to become a dependable weekly starter if his receiving involvement continues growing.
2. Jonah Coleman, RB (DEN)
Rostered: 30%
Jonah Coleman made an immediate impact in his return from injured reserve against Arizona, handling nine carries for 54 yards while adding two receptions for 15 yards. His 69 scrimmage yards were encouraging, but his playing time was even more important than the production. According to PFF, Coleman played 50% of Denver’s offensive snaps, compared with 25% for RJ Harvey and 21.4% for J.K. Dobbins. He also led the running backs in early-down, third-down and short-yardage usage, suggesting his role was considerably more substantial than a typical rotational option. That involvement is particularly significant considering he was making his first appearance since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2. Dobbins handled six carries for 23 yards and scored a touchdown, while Harvey contributed 60 scrimmage yards on five touches. Coleman led the backfield in rushing attempts despite the presence of both players, although Dobbins received the team’s only goal-line running back snap, which he converted into a touchdown.
Denver hosts Kansas City in Week 8, and I’m particularly interested in whether Coleman can build on his encouraging return. His ability to contribute on early downs and passing situations gives him a realistic path toward becoming the most valuable running back in this rotation. However, Sean Payton has demonstrated a willingness to use multiple backs, and both Dobbins and Harvey remain capable of limiting Coleman’s weekly touches. That’s especially concerning near the goal line, where Dobbins could continue receiving valuable scoring opportunities. I’m not ready to treat Coleman as a dependable fantasy starter after one game, but his immediate playing time suggests his role could expand as he gets further removed from the ankle injury. At 30% rostered, he’s one of my highest-priority running back additions and someone I’d aggressively target before his workload becomes more established. I’m viewing him as a high-upside bench addition with the potential to develop into an RB2 or flex option.
3. Kaelon Black, RB (SF)
Rostered: 25%
Kaelon Black delivered an encouraging performance against Atlanta in Week 7, handling 12 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown after Christian McCaffrey briefly exited with a thigh injury. Black demonstrated his explosiveness with a long touchdown run, providing another example of why San Francisco’s backup running backs can become valuable fantasy assets when given opportunities. However, he also lost a fumble, which could affect the coaching staff’s confidence in him moving forward. McCaffrey returned after the injury and played 26 of San Francisco’s 38 offensive snaps in the second half, confirming that Black hasn’t displaced him as the team’s primary running back. Still, Black’s 12 rushing attempts were significant and demonstrated that San Francisco is willing to involve him when opportunities become available.
San Francisco enters its Week 8 bye, making Black more of a long-term stash than an immediate lineup option. The additional rest should benefit McCaffrey, although fantasy managers should continue monitoring his thigh injury when the 49ers return. I’m not expecting Black to consistently receive double-digit carries while McCaffrey is healthy, and his lost fumble creates another obstacle to earning a larger role. However, we’ve repeatedly seen how valuable running backs can become in Kyle Shanahan’s offense when injuries create opportunities. At 25% rostered, Black is one of my preferred handcuff additions for managers with enough bench space to wait through the bye. His immediate fantasy value remains limited, but his contingency upside makes him worth adding before another injury potentially sends his roster percentage significantly higher.
4. Caleb Douglas, WR (MIA)
Rostered: 10%
Caleb Douglas made an immediate impact in his return from an ankle injury against the Jets in Week 7, catching two of three targets for 70 yards and two touchdowns in Miami’s 28-25 victory. His performance included a 63-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, while his first score came on the Dolphins’ opening possession. Douglas became just the seventh rookie in franchise history to catch two touchdowns in a game, demonstrating the explosive-play ability that made him an intriguing fantasy option earlier in the season. More importantly, he played 44 of Miami’s 65 offensive snaps, a 67.7% share, despite missing the previous four games. Malik Washington led the receivers with 52 snaps, while Chris Bell played 31, suggesting Douglas immediately reclaimed a substantial role in the offense. Douglas also caught five passes for 94 yards in Week 1, giving him two productive performances in his three appearances this season. However, his three Week 7 targets represented only approximately 14% of Miami’s passing opportunities, highlighting the volatility that remains despite his breakout.
Miami hosts New England in Week 8, and I’m particularly interested in whether Douglas can build on his encouraging return. His immediate involvement suggests the Dolphins view him as an important part of their receiving rotation, especially with Bell losing playing time. Malik Willis demonstrated a willingness to attack downfield, connecting with Douglas for both touchdowns while helping Miami secure its second victory of the season. However, Douglas earned just three targets despite playing nearly 68% of the offensive snaps, creating concerns about how consistently he can produce without long touchdowns. Greg Dulcich also commanded five targets and finished with 86 receiving yards, while Washington and Bell remain involved in the passing attack. I’m not expecting Douglas to score twice every week, but his ability to generate explosive plays gives him legitimate fantasy upside if his opportunities continue increasing. At just 10% rostered, he’s one of my favorite upside additions entering Week 8. I’d prioritize him as a bench stash with WR3 or flex potential rather than immediately treating him as a dependable weekly starter.
5. Chig Okonkwo, TE (WAS)
Rostered: 11%
Chig Okonkwo has become an increasingly important part of Washington’s passing attack, particularly following Terry McLaurin’s season-ending injury. McLaurin suffered a torn patellar tendon against San Francisco in Week 6, and the Commanders confirmed on October 20 that he will miss the remainder of the season. Okonkwo caught all seven of his targets for 69 yards against the 49ers, following a six-catch, 60-yard performance against the Giants in Week 5. Those two games give him 13 receptions for 129 yards on 13 targets, demonstrating a level of receiving consistency that has been difficult to find at tight end this season. His increased involvement is particularly encouraging because McLaurin’s absence creates a more sustainable opportunity for Washington to distribute targets elsewhere. However, Stefon Diggs now projects as the team’s primary receiving option, while Treylon Burks and Antonio Williams are also competing for opportunities. Okonkwo won’t automatically become the focal point of the offense, but his recent receiving production suggests he has a realistic path toward maintaining a meaningful role.
Washington returns from its Week 7 bye to host Philadelphia on Sunday night, creating an opportunity for Okonkwo to build on his increased receiving involvement. Diggs remains the most established receiver in the offense, and Washington will likely continue distributing opportunities among several players. I’m not expecting Okonkwo to catch six or seven passes every week, but his ability to earn consistent targets gives him a much stronger fantasy outlook than most available tight ends. His connection with Jayden Daniels also creates upside if Washington continues incorporating him into the short and intermediate passing game. At 11% rostered, he’s one of my preferred tight end additions entering Week 8. I’m comfortable viewing him as a low-end TE1 streaming option with the potential to become a dependable weekly starter if his involvement remains elevated.
6. Antonio Williams, WR (WAS)
Rostered: 8%
Antonio Williams has quietly earned a more substantial role in Washington’s passing attack, and Terry McLaurin’s season-ending torn patellar tendon creates an opportunity for that involvement to continue growing. Williams caught three of four targets for 50 yards against San Francisco in Week 6, playing 45 offensive snaps and accounting for approximately 67% of Washington’s offensive plays. That followed consecutive games with snap shares of 69% and 68%, demonstrating that his involvement has become more consistent. Through six games, Williams has caught 18 of 26 targets for 205 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.9 yards per target. His most productive performance came against Philadelphia in Week 1, when he caught all four targets for 64 yards and a touchdown. Over Weeks 4 through 6, Williams averaged five targets per game while playing approximately 68% of offensive snaps, compared with a 55% season-long snap share. Those numbers suggest his role was already expanding before McLaurin’s injury, although Stefon Diggs now projects as Washington’s primary receiving option, with Treylon Burks also competing for targets.
Washington returns from its Week 7 bye to host Philadelphia, and I’m interested in Williams as a speculative addition with a realistic path toward more receiving opportunities. McLaurin’s absence removes a major source of target competition for the remainder of the season, but Williams will still need to establish himself behind Diggs and ahead of the other complementary receivers. His recent playing time is encouraging because he’s consistently remained on the field for roughly two-thirds of Washington’s offensive snaps, creating more opportunities to earn targets. However, his fantasy production hasn’t consistently matched that involvement, as he’s averaged just 6.4 PPR points over his last three appearances. His reported 15% target share during that stretch also suggests he hasn’t established himself as a primary receiving option. I’m not comfortable treating Williams as an immediate fantasy starter, but his expanding role and Washington’s changing receiving hierarchy make him an appealing bench stash. At just 8% rostered, he’s worth targeting in deeper leagues with the potential to develop into a useful flex option if his target volume increases.
7. Seth McGowan, RB (IND)
Rostered: 6%
Seth McGowan earned a meaningful role behind Jonathan Taylor against Minnesota in Week 7, handling 11 carries for 46 yards while adding one reception for two yards. His 12 touches were particularly encouraging because Indianapolis gave him opportunities throughout the game rather than limiting him to late-game situations. According to PFF, McGowan played a career-high 20 offensive snaps compared with Taylor’s 41, with 16 of those snaps coming during the first three quarters. Taylor played 32 snaps over that same stretch, demonstrating that Indianapolis was willing to incorporate McGowan while its primary running back remained involved. That usage is important because backup running backs rarely become appealing fantasy additions without evidence that their coaching staffs trust them in meaningful situations. McGowan isn’t threatening Taylor’s starting role, but his Week 7 involvement suggests he could become a more consistent complementary option if Indianapolis continues distributing touches throughout the backfield.
Indianapolis travels to Jacksonville in Week 8, and I’m treating McGowan as a speculative handcuff rather than someone who should immediately enter fantasy lineups. Taylor remains the established centerpiece of the rushing attack, making it difficult for McGowan to consistently generate enough opportunities for dependable production. However, his career-high playing time and meaningful early-game involvement make him more interesting than a traditional backup who only sees the field in blowouts. There have also been reports that Indianapolis has fielded trade inquiries involving Taylor, although that doesn’t mean a deal is likely or that the Colts intend to move him. McGowan’s value would increase substantially if Taylor missed time or the backfield changed before the trade deadline. At just 6% rostered, he’s worth targeting in deeper leagues, particularly for fantasy managers who already have dependable starters and can afford to use a bench spot on upside.
8. J.J. McCarthy, QB (NYG)
Rostered: 16%
J.J. McCarthy followed his impressive Week 6 relief appearance with another encouraging passing performance in his first start for the Giants, completing 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards against Houston. He averaged 9.0 yards per attempt without throwing an interception, although he failed to record a passing touchdown and contributed just one rushing yard, finishing with 10.18 fantasy points. After throwing for 243 yards and a touchdown in limited action against New Orleans the previous week, McCarthy has demonstrated the ability to move the football through the air despite his limited experience in New York’s offense. His supporting cast also provides reasons for optimism, particularly with Malik Nabers serving as a dependable primary receiving option and Malachi Fields becoming increasingly involved. However, McCarthy’s lack of rushing production limits his fantasy ceiling, making him more dependent on passing touchdowns and consistent offensive efficiency than quarterbacks who can regularly contribute with their legs.
The Giants enter their Week 8 bye, making McCarthy more appealing as a developmental stash than an immediate streaming option. I’m encouraged by his downfield passing ability, but his 10.18-point performance against Houston demonstrates why fantasy managers shouldn’t rush to trust him as a weekly starter. He’ll need to convert more of his passing production into touchdowns to become consistently relevant in one-quarterback leagues. However, the combination of his receiving options and willingness to attack downfield creates an intriguing foundation if New York’s offense continues improving. The bye also gives McCarthy additional time to become more comfortable within the system before returning to action. At 16% rostered, he’s worth considering in superflex and deeper leagues where quarterbacks with potential starting opportunities are difficult to find. I’d prioritize him as a long-term stash rather than someone who should be added ahead of more dependable immediate starters.
9. Brenton Strange, TE (JAX)
Rostered: 41%
Brenton Strange has quietly established himself as one of Jacksonville’s most dependable receiving options, earning consistent opportunities in an offense that has struggled to find reliable production throughout its receiving corps. Entering the Jaguars’ Week 7 bye, Strange had caught 19 of 23 targets for 207 yards over his previous three games, demonstrating a level of consistency that’s particularly valuable at tight end. He also recorded two top-12 positional finishes during that stretch, providing useful fantasy production without relying exclusively on touchdowns. His receiving involvement has made him one of Trevor Lawrence’s preferred options in the short and intermediate passing game, allowing him to produce useful fantasy numbers through consistent targets. Parker Washington remains another important part of Jacksonville’s passing attack, but Strange has established a meaningful role of his own. His recent target volume is especially encouraging because tight ends who regularly earn five or more opportunities can provide a much more dependable weekly floor than players who rely on occasional red-zone targets.
Jacksonville returns from its bye to host Indianapolis in Week 8, and I’m particularly interested in Strange’s matchup against the Colts’ defensive coverage tendencies. According to FantasyPros, Strange has averaged 2.82 yards per route run and earned a target on 30% of his routes against single-high coverage this season. Indianapolis entered Week 7 using single-high safety looks at the 11th-highest rate in the NFL, creating a potentially favorable opportunity for Strange to remain involved in the passing game. His recent receiving production suggests Lawrence has developed a level of trust in him, particularly when the Jaguars need dependable underneath targets. The biggest question is whether Jacksonville continues giving Strange consistent opportunities following the bye, but his 19 receptions over three games provide a stronger foundation than most widely available tight ends. At 41% rostered, Strange is one of my preferred Week 8 tight end additions. I’m comfortable treating him as a low-end TE1 with upside if his recent receiving role continues.
10. Makai Lemon, WR (PHI)
Rostered: 36%
Makai Lemon delivered the best performance of his young career against Dallas on Monday Night Football, catching seven of eight targets for 67 yards and his first NFL touchdown, finishing with 19.7 PPR points. The rookie led Philadelphia in targets, receptions, and receiving yards, scoring on a four-yard touchdown from Tanner McKee in the third quarter. His eight targets accounted for 22.9% of McKee’s 35 pass attempts, while his seven receptions nearly matched his previous two games combined. More importantly, Lemon emerged as one of Philadelphia’s primary receiving options with DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) sidelined. According to PFF, Lemon also earned more opportunities in two-receiver formations after previously operating primarily from the slot, suggesting his role could continue expanding.
Philadelphia travels to Washington in Week 8, and Lemon’s fantasy outlook has become considerably more interesting because of Smith’s uncertain future. Nick Sirianni was recently asked whether the Eagles were considering shutting Smith down for the remainder of the season but didn’t rule out the possibility, emphasizing his ongoing recovery from a lingering hamstring injury. Nothing has been confirmed, but an extended absence would create a significant opportunity for Lemon to establish himself as one of McKee’s preferred receiving options. Wicks’ eventual return could complicate the rotation, although Lemon’s breakout provides a compelling argument for maintaining his involvement. I’m targeting Lemon as a high-upside waiver-wire addition with WR3 or flex potential if Philadelphia continues giving him consistent targets, particularly in PPR formats.
11. Cincinnati Bengals D/ST
Rostered: 14%
Cincinnati’s defense has quietly become a more appealing fantasy streaming option after another productive performance against Baltimore in Week 7. The Bengals held the Ravens to just 13 points in a 35-13 victory, recording four sacks and an interception while allowing 381 total yards. That followed a Week 5 performance against Miami in which Cincinnati generated three sacks, two interceptions and three total takeaways. Across its two most recent games, Cincinnati has recorded seven sacks and four takeaways, demonstrating an improved ability to create negative plays and generate fantasy production. The Bengals have accumulated 21 sacks, four interceptions and nine total takeaways through six games, while allowing approximately 20.3 points per game. Their defense hasn’t been particularly dominant in terms of yardage, surrendering roughly 370 yards per game, but the increased pressure and turnover production have made them more appealing for fantasy purposes. Cincinnati has recorded at least two sacks in every game this season, giving fantasy managers a more encouraging foundation than simply relying on a favorable upcoming opponent.
Cincinnati hosts Tennessee in Week 8, creating an appealing opportunity against an offense that has struggled to establish consistent passing production. However, the Titans showed improvement against Cleveland in Week 7, generating a season-high 322 offensive yards and three touchdowns while allowing just one sack. Tennessee has now allowed one or fewer sacks in four games this season, meaning Cincinnati shouldn’t automatically be expected to generate significant pressure simply because of the matchup. Still, Cam Ward’s inconsistent passing production and Tennessee’s broader season-long offensive struggles create opportunities for turnovers, particularly if Joe Burrow and the Bengals establish an early lead and force the Titans into more obvious passing situations. Cincinnati’s recent ability to generate sacks and takeaways is encouraging, although the defense remains vulnerable to substantial yardage and productive rushing attacks. At just 14% rostered, the Bengals are one of my preferred Week 8 defensive streaming options. I’d be comfortable adding Cincinnati for this matchup while remaining willing to move on when the schedule becomes less favorable.
Honorable Waiver Wire Mentions
- Jacoby Brissett QB (ARI) – 24% rostered
- Malik Willis QB (MIA) – 12% rostered
- Bam Knight RB (ARI) – 21% rostered
- Mike Washington Jr. RB (LV) – 23% rostered
- Keenan Allen WR (IND) – 49% rostered
- Jordyn Tyson WR (NO) – 42% rostered
- Terrance Ferguson TE (LAR) – 14% rostered
- Mason Taylor TE (NYJ) – 1% rostered
- Green Bay Packers DEF 32% rostered
- Las Vegas Raiders DEF 9% rostered
- Evan McPherson K (CIN) – 35% rostered
