It is barren for Week 8, with bye-maggeddon and tons of injuries; it is mostly bench stashes and desperation flex plays. However, there are a few options for those looking for upside and some to stash for a future bye week replacement to a starter or two. You always want position insurance on your bench, depending on the strength and depth of your teams. Here are some last-minute waiver wire adds who could make a difference in Week 8.
Running Backs to Add for Week 8
Although Kareem Hunt came back into the game for the Chiefs, rookie Brashard Smith saw his highest usage as a receiver in garbage time. However, even if Isiah Pachecho is still seeing more snaps, Smith’s touches have been about the same or more, so in certain game scripts, we could see more of the rookie. After Breece Hall left the game but came back for the Jets, Isaiah Davis is the next handcuff to stash in case of another injury.
Brashard Smith, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Washington Commanders) ESPN- 11.1%, Sleeper- 32%, Yahoo- 14%
Honorable Mention: Isaiah Davis, RB, New York Jets (@ Cincinnati Bengals): ESPN- 7%, Sleeper- 17%, Yahoo- 7%
Wide Receivers to Add for Week 8
The Houston rookie duo at receiver could be desperation flex plays, as Collins and Christian Kirk could be out this week. With a lack of a run game with Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks, that could lead to more passing volume. Xavier Hutchinson could get in the mix as well, but a decent showing from any of the three could lead to more playing time, especially the rookies Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins.
Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins, WRs, Houston Texans (vs. San Francisco 49ers): ESPN- 2.9% and 20.4%, Sleeper- 7% and 21%, Yahoo- 3% and 12%
Honorable Mention: Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts (vs. Tennessee Titans): ESPN- 9.5%, Sleeper- 29%, Yahoo- 26%; Xavier Legette, WR, Carolina Panthers (vs. Buffalo Bills): ESPN- 32.5%, Sleeper- 24%, Yahoo- 17%
Tight Ends to Stream for Week 8
If Cole Kmet is out with a back injury, it might be Colston Loveland’s time to shine, finally, as the Baltimore Ravens defense is weak against tight ends. Pick up the Chicago Bears rookie more as a stash, just so you are a week ahead of the breakout. The other tight end is Noah Fant, who had chemistry with Joe Flacco last Thursday Night and could find pay dirt by scoring again, potentially this time against the Jets.
Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears (@ Baltimore Ravens): ESPN- 24.3%, Sleeper- 23%, Yahoo- 21%
Honorable Mention: Noah Fant, TE, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. New York Jets): ESPN- 4%, Sleeper- 6%, Yahoo- 3%
Quarterbacks to Stream for Week 8
These are just desperation streaming quarterbacks, but they both can run with the starters, Jayden Daniels in Washington, and with Fields likely benched in New York. For the Commanders, even against the Kansas City Chiefs‘ defense, veteran Marcus Mariota could put up a modest stat line. Tyrod would be a riskier start if he suits up on Sunday, but still a last-resort option in a good matchup for offenses in general.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Washington Commanders (@ Kansas City Chiefs): ESPN- 6.5%, Sleeper- 13%, Yahoo- 7%
Honorable Mention: Tyrod Taylor, QB, New York Jets (@ Cincinnati Bengals): ESPN- 5.7%, Sleeper- 8%, Yahoo- 2%
Defenses to Stream for Week 8
San Francisco 49ers (@ Houston Texans): ESPN- 16.7%, Sleeper- 29%, Yahoo- 19%
Cincinnati Bengals (vs. New York Jets): ESPN- 12.6%, Sleeper- 15%, Yahoo- 36%
There are a few high-profile defenses with easy matchups on paper, but I wanted to list some underrated ones that may be available. It’s clear the Houston Texans’ offense isn’t the same, especially with CJ Stroud. Now, without potentially Nico Collins due to a concussion, even a banged-up San Francisco 49ers unit could get after him with their porous offensive line.
This next suggestion is desperate but valid, just because the New York Jets’ offense has been horrendous besides Week 1. If Tyrod Taylor is the starter over Justin Fields, that raises the floor, but even a bad defense like the Cincinnati Bengals could get a turnover or two if it becomes a higher-scoring back-and-forth.
