Finding the right Fantasy Football Week 8 waiver wire targets can make or break your season. With injuries, breakout performances, and shifting depth charts after Week 7, the waiver wire is packed with must-add players who can give your roster an edge. Whether you’re looking for a running back to replace an injured starter, a wide receiver with breakout potential, or a quarterback stream for Week 8, we’ve got you covered with the top waiver wire pickups you need to prioritize.
Kyle Monangai, RB (CHI)
Rostered: 44%
Kyle Monangai has become one of the more intriguing running back pickups on the waiver wire in fantasy football. Monangai has been on my waiver list for four straight weeks, and he is finally breaking out. The rookie’s snap share has climbed steadily the past two weeks, cutting into D’Andre Swift’s workload and earning touches in key situations. In Week 6, Monangai logged his first goal-line snap, and in Week 7, he took over a majority of the Bears’ third-down work. He has now played 45.6% of the offensive snaps compared to Swift’s 52.9%, turning his 13 carries into 81 yards and a touchdown. With Chicago committing to a split backfield under head coach Ben Johnson, Monangai looks poised to carve out a steady role in this rushing attack.
The Bears’ ground game has exploded over their last two contests, racking up 222 rushing yards against the Saints and finding consistent success with both Swift and Monangai. Chicago faces the Ravens and Bengals over the next two weeks, two defenses that have given up the most fantasy points to opposing running backs. With 10 teams on bye, Monangai provides immediate short-term value as an RB3/Flex play in fantasy football. His rising usage, combined with Johnson’s track record of managing two fantasy-relevant backs in Detroit, makes Monangai a priority add off the waiver wire. If he continues to earn 10–15 touches per game, Monangai could emerge as one of the most impactful waiver pickups of the season.
Oronde Gadsden, TE (LAC)
Rostered: 3%
Oronde Gadsden has officially put himself on the fantasy football map after a monster breakout performance in Week 7. The rookie tight end erupted for 164 receiving yards on seven catches, the best single-game mark at the position this year. His playing time has steadily increased, hitting nearly 79% of offensive snaps while allowing Tyler Conklin and Will Dissly to become obsolete in the offense. Last week, Gadsden was productive as well hauling in 7 catches for 68 yards. He has now produced back-to-back strong games, showing both volume and explosive playmaking ability with increasing trust from Justin Herbert
Heading into Week 8, Gadsden draws a favorable matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, who have allowed one of the highest fantasy point totals to tight ends this season. Gadsden becomes one of the best waiver wire options for fantasy football managers in need of a tight end. His route share and target involvement suggest his role will be consistent the rest of the season, making him more than just a one-week streamer. Fantasy managers should treat Gadsden as a potential TE1 for the rest of the season, especially in an offense that leans heavily on Herbert’s arm. If he is available on your waiver wire, he should be one of the first claims this week.
Jaxson Dart, QB (NYG)
Rostered: 41%
Jaxson Dart has become one of the most exciting waiver wire quarterbacks in fantasy football. The Giants’ starter has averaged 23 fantasy points per game over the last four weeks, ranking fourth among all quarterbacks in that stretch. Dart’s rushing ability has provided a strong floor, topping 50 rushing yards in three of his four starts, while also adding a rushing touchdown last week against Denver. Even in a tough matchup versus the Broncos, he managed 283 passing yards, three passing scores, and one rushing touchdown. The rookie’s dual-threat profile gives him weekly top-10 upside, regardless of opponent.
Looking ahead, Dart faces the Eagles in Week 8, a defense he already hurt earlier this season with both his legs and arm. Even with tough matchups ahead, fantasy football managers should continue to trust him as a starter. His combination of rushing upside and growing skillset as a passer makes him one of the best midseason quarterback adds off the waiver wire. With six teams on bye in Week 8, Dart could be a difference-maker for managers in need of a starter. If available, he is a must-add in both one-QB and superflex fantasy football leagues.
Mason Taylor, TE (NYJ)
Rostered: 25%
Mason Taylor remains a sneaky tight end pickup on the waiver wire in fantasy football despite a quiet Week 7. He saw a 14.7% target share with three catches for 31 yards, but inconsistent quarterback play from Justin Fields limited his production. However, Taylor has already shown flashes of TE1 potential this season, finishing as a TE1 with strong target shares. Over Weeks 4–6, he averaged 44.7 yards per game and posted top-15 marks in air yards and target separation among tight ends. If Tyrod Taylor takes over under center, Mason Taylor could return to fantasy relevance immediately.
The Jets face the Bengals in Week 8, who have surrendered the most fantasy points per game to tight ends and lead the league in touchdowns allowed to the position. That matchup, combined with Taylor’s consistent role in the offense, makes him a viable streaming option. While Garrett Wilson’s injury may cap the offense overall, it should also boost Taylor’s role as a consistent option. Fantasy football managers in need of a tight end should prioritize Taylor as a waiver wire stash with immediate streaming appeal. If the Jets improve at quarterback, Taylor could settle in as a reliable low-end TE1 for the rest of the season.
Darnell Mooney, WR (ATL)
Rostered: 29%
Darnell Mooney made his return in Week 7 after missing time with a hamstring injury and looked sharp with three receptions for 68 yards. The Falcons’ wideout has battled injuries all season, but his speed and big-play ability remain evident. In his return, he posted a 13.1% target share and led Atlanta in receiving yards, including a 38-yard grab to set up a field goal. Mooney now has 147 yards across his last three healthy games, which is not super impressive, but notable. With Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback, Mooney has an opportunity to reestablish himself as a fantasy football Flex play in a high volume passing game.
The Falcons face the Dolphins in Week 8, a defense that has struggled against perimeter receivers, ranking top 10 in most fantasy points allowed per target. While his role behind Drake London limits his weekly floor, Mooney offers boom-or-bust upside for fantasy managers dealing with bye weeks. He remains available in most leagues, making him a smart waiver wire addition for those looking for depth at wide receiver. Mooney is best viewed as a matchup-dependent WR3/Flex, but his big-play potential gives him the ability to swing fantasy football matchups. If he can stay healthy, Mooney could carve out a consistent role in Atlanta’s passing game.
Zonovan “Bam” Knight, RB (ARI)
Rostered: 22%
Zonovan Knight has taken over as Arizona’s lead back, making him a priority add on the waiver wire in fantasy football. Over the last two weeks, he has handled 12+ touches per game and has scored double-digit fantasy points in back-to-back outings. With James Conner out for the season and Trey Benson still on injured reserve, Knight has leapfrogged Michael Carter as the Cardinals’ early-down option. He ran 14 times for 57 yards and caught three passes for seven yards in Week 7, while Carter managed only 11 rushing yards on seven attempts. Knight has clearly earned the coaching staff’s trust and is now the top option in this backfield.
Arizona heads into a bye in Week 8 but returns to face the Dallas Cowboys, who have given up the third-most fantasy points to running backs. That matchup sets up Knight as a strong RB2/Flex option in Week 9, particularly if he continues to dominate early-down work. Fantasy football managers should take advantage of the bye week to stash Knight off the waiver wire before he becomes even more sought after. If Benson’s recovery drags on, Knight could hold this role well into the second half of the season. His combination of volume and favorable matchups makes him one of the best under-the-radar running back adds this week.
Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims, WR (DEN)
Rostered: 21 and 23%
The Broncos’ WR duo of Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims are both emerging as intriguing wide receiver adds on the waiver wire in fantasy football. Franklin has been more consistent in terms of routes and targets, logging a 71.8% route share and averaging over 40 receiving yards per game. He has already delivered two top-36 fantasy finishes this season and found the end zone in Week 7. Meanwhile, Mims exploded for 85 yards against the Giants, showing his big-play upside even in a part-time role. Both receivers are gaining trust in Denver’s offense and offer Flex appeal in the right matchups.
Denver faces the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, a defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per target to perimeter receivers. That sets up Franklin as a solid Flex option due to his consistent playing time, while Mims is more of a boom-or-bust flier. Fantasy football managers dealing with bye weeks or injuries should consider both players as waiver wire pickups, with Franklin offering stability and Mims providing ceiling. As Denver continues to rotate receivers, both players may remain inconsistent, but the upcoming matchup makes them worthwhile short-term plays. In deeper leagues, stashing either wideout could pay off as the Broncos’ passing game develops.
Tyler Allgeier, RB (ATL)
Rostered: 38%
Tyler Allgeier continues to be one of the best handcuff running backs in fantasy football and is available on many waiver wires. Even with Bijan Robinson healthy, Allgeier has remained involved, averaging 10+ carries per game in Falcons wins. Atlanta leads the NFL in rushing attempts per game, which has allowed both backs to maintain value. Allgeier logged 14 carries in Week 7 and should see similar usage against the Dolphins in Week 8. With six teams on bye, he provides immediate RB3/Flex appeal for fantasy football managers.
Miami’s defense has struggled to stop the run recently, giving up three rushing touchdowns to Quinshon Judkins in Week 7. That sets up both Robinson and Allgeier for success, with Allgeier being a sneaky waiver wire addition for anyone in need of depth. Should Robinson ever miss time, Allgeier would instantly become a must-start fantasy football running back. For now, he remains one of the top contingency plays in the league while also providing short-term streaming value. Fantasy managers should not leave Allgeier sitting on the waiver wire any longer.
Atlanta Falcons, DEF
Rostered: 8%
The Atlanta Falcons’ defense has quietly become one of the better defenses in the NFL, and Week 8 provides another opportunity. They currently rank eighth in defensive fantasy scoring at 8.2 points per game and have already posted two double-digit outings. Atlanta has not scored fewer than three points in any game this season, showing a reliable weekly floor. In Week 7, the Falcons forced three interceptions off Tua Tagovailoa and now face a struggling Dolphins offense averaging just 20 points per game. With Miami turning the ball over at one of the highest rates in the league, this is a prime streaming spot.
At only 8% rostered, the Falcons’ defense is widely available on waiver wires in fantasy football leagues. Their elite ranking in defensive DVOA highlights just how strong this unit has been, especially at home. The Dolphins’ offensive line issues and Tua’s turnover woes create a path for Atlanta to post another double-digit fantasy performance. For managers needing a defense in Week 8, the Falcons are one of the best streaming options on the waiver wire. Their combination of consistency and matchup upside makes them a defense worth stashing even beyond this week.Â
Honorable Waiver Wire Mentions
- Sam Darnold QB (SEA) – 33% rostered
- Joe Flacco QB (CIN) – 10% rostered
- Brashard Smith RB (KC) – 6% rostered
- Tyjae Spears RB (TEN) – 38% rostered
- Alec Pierce WR (IND) – 8% rostered
- Kayshon Boutte WR (NE) – 21% rostered
- Elic Ayomanor WR (TEN) – 22% rostered
- Malik Washington WR (MIA) – 17% rostered
- Jalen Coker WR (CAR) – 17% rostered
- AJ Barner TE (SEA) -13% rostered
- Juwan Johnson TE (NO) – 24% rostered
- Indianapolis Colts DEF – 48% rostered
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers DEF – 9% rostered
- Michael Badgley K (IND) – 11% rostered
Droppable Players
- Michael Carter RB (ARI)
- Hassan Haskins RB (LAC)
- Kendrick Bourne WR (SF)
- Jerry Jeudy WR (CLE)
- Michael Mayer TE (LV)
Don’t Drop these Guys Just Yet
- Justin Fields QB (NYJ) – If he is announced as the backup, then yes, you can drop him
- TreVeyon Henderson RB (NE)
- RJ Harvey RB (DEN)
- Jakobi Meyers WR (LV)
- Jauan Jennings WR (SF)
- Hunter Henry TE (NE)
