Another interesting week in the NFL as Week 8 wraps up, bringing us closer to the season’s halfway mark. Before we know it, the trade deadline is almost here, which means contenders will be looking for players to compete for a playoff spot and, hopefully, reach the ultimate goal: winning Super Bowl 60. The Bears made a blockbuster move, trading for All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in exchange for two first-round picks during this trade deadline. The Colts traded elite offensive guard Quenton Nelson to the Seatle Seahawks in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 Fifth round pick.

Jonathan Taylor and Brian Thomas Jr. are two of many players whose names have circulated around the trade deadline. As big-name players get traded, it only opens up opportunities for their backups to take on more responsibility. Those players could be on the waiver wire in your league and propel you to fantasy glory.

Regardless of the NFL trade deadline’s impact, plenty of waiver-wire players can help your team heading into Week 9. Let’s take a look and see who you should pick up off the waiver wire for your fantasy teams.

Seth McGowan, RB (IND)

Jonathan Taylor is still a Colt, but that could change over the next week or so, as his name has circulated throughout league circles as a trade target. NFL Network and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that the Colts are open to trading Taylor, adding that multiple teams have contacted Indianapolis about what it would take to acquire the star running back. In the meantime, the best move for your fantasy teams is to pick up the Colts’ backup running back, Seth McGowan, who will take over as the starting running back if Taylor is traded.

McGown is only 25 and is a stud who could help contribute to the Colts’ backfield when called upon. He has good size for his position: 6-0, 223, and hard to bring down. According to fantasy pros, he’s a good athlete who clocked at 4.49 at the scouting combine and had a 42.5-inch vertical jump. It’ll be interesting to see how the Colts manage their backfield, since they also got DJ Giddens, who could see some touches as well. But as the trade deadline approaches, everyone will be waiting to see if Jonathan Taylor would be moved, and if that’s the case, then McGowan will be a must-add to your fantasy rosters.

McGowan’s the second straight week a hot waiver-wire pickup, and for good reason. He’s only rostered in 19% of leagues according to fantasy pros.

Tyler Allgier, RB (ARI)

Week 8 was interesting for the Arizona Cardinals as they came back from a 14-point deficit to upset the Dallas Cowboys 33-30 in an overtime thriller. Gardner Minshew II replaced Jacoby Brissett in the third quarter and sparked a Cardinals comeback, giving them new life as they looked like a different team all around. The Cardinals also lost two of their running backs as Jeremiyah Love left with another ankle injury, and Bam Knight was ruled out with a concussion after taking a hit from DeMarvion Overshown. In response to those injuries, Tyler Allgier came in had one of the best games of his career so far as he had 191 scrimmage yards (147 yards rushing, 44 receiving).

Allgier proved that he can be a competent starting running back for the Cardinals when called upon. As the last man standing in the Cardinals’ backfield, he contributed in tremendous ways, posting 36 PPR points against the Cowboys. With Bam Knight and Jeremiyah Love likely out for Week 9, Allgier will likely carry a heavy workload, at least for the next two weeks. Allgier is worth picking up in your leagues if available; he’s only rostered in 53% of leagues, per FantasyPros.

Adonai Mitchell, WR (NYJ)

Another week, another Jets wide receiver in the waiver-wire conversation. Be cautious with Jets wide receivers as they can be tough to trust, but if you are willing to take the risk, then the potential reward could be worth it. After sitting out for the last four weeks with a minor surgical procedure after his finger got caught in a teammate’s jersey, Adonai Mitchell finally returned to the field for the New York Jets last week against the Miami Dolphins. He didn’t have the best week, as he was nonexistent the whole game, catching nothing on two targets, but this past Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, he finally showed why he is a legit WR2 for the Jets, as he generated 7 receptions off 9 targets for 142 yards and caught a receiving TD, resulting in 27.2 PPR points.

After being acquired from the Indianapolis Colts in the Sauce Gardner trade, Mitchell has carved out a nice role for himself on the Jets offense, which has talent all around. According to Fantasylife.com, Mitchell had a 74.3% route participation rate and a 29% target share. Mitchell is a vertical deep threat who can create big plays. Again, it’s tricky to trust Jets wide receivers, but the upside is there. Mitchell is only rostered in 11% of leagues, per fantasy pros.

Kaelon Black, RB (SF)

When it comes to picking up backup running backs, Kaelon Black is the first name that comes to mind. Christian McCaffrey strained his hamstring in the San Francisco 49ers’ Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, which is worth monitoring, as McCaffrey may have a reduced workload and Black could see more opportunities. According to footballguys.com, Black logged 31 snaps, just 3 snaps behind McCaffrey, who logged 34.

Black is also a good waiver-wire pickup to stash on your bench as insurance if McCaffrey gets injured. He will immediately take over as the lead back and command a heavy workload on offense, as he can run and take on receiving duties. It’ll be interesting to see how the 49ers handle the running back workload between the backs. Black is rostered in only 25% of leagues, per FantasyPros.

Lions, D/ST (DET)

The Detroit Lions are a defense you should pick up off the waiver wire, mainly because of their matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Heading into the matchup, the Lions have made a name for themselves with high pressure and sack rates, piling up 24 sacks in seven games, per FantasyPros. FantasyPros also notes that Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis has been sacked 21 times and has thrown five interceptions in seven games.

It’s a solid play for Detroit as the Dolphins have struggled to stay consistent on offense. Detroit’s defense is rostered in only 40.2% of leagues, per FantasyPros.

Antonio Williams, WR (WAS)

Washington Commanders elite WR Terry McLaurin suffered a torn patellar tendon, sidelining him for the rest of the season. As a result, it’s created more opportunities for the Commanders’ wide receivers to take on more responsibility, and rookie wideout Antonio Williams is one of them.

His last game against the Philadelphia Eagles wasn’t eye-popping, but he recorded his second consecutive game with over 50 receiving yards, and it was the second straight outing in which he led the receivers in snaps and routes run, per Yahoo Sports. Against the Eagles, he caught 5 receptions off 7 targets for 54 yards. Even though the Commanders offense also has Treylon Burks and Chig Okonkwo, Williams is easily the No. 2 wideout behind veteran Stefon Diggs, and he could contribute more on offense as the season goes on. He’s only rostered in 19% of leagues, per Fantasy Pros.