Considering six teams were on bye, it's not a surprise there weren't many breakout performances or major injuries on Sunday. However, there were a few, as Miles Sanders (ankle) exited early and opened the door for popular preseason sleeper Kenneth Gainwell to take over at RB. A few pass-catchers also stepped up, with Russell Gage scoring in his first game back, Rashod Bateman continuing the impressive start to his rookie season, and C.J. Uzomah throwing his hat in the ring as breakout TE of the year. All will be among our top Week 8 fantasy waiver wire pickups and free agent adds in a week that lacks a lot of high-quality options.
However, what we lack in quality, we make up for in quantity. Our full free agent list features several more interesting WRs (Allen Lazard, Darius Slayton, Kalif Raymond), some worthwhile handcuffs (Brandon Bolden, Devonta Freeman), and a couple key players returning from injury (Rashaad Penny, Michael Gallup, Tre'Quan Smith). And even though there are just two Week 8 byes (Raiders, Ravens), we also have also have a ton of Week 8 streamer suggestions at QB, WR, TE, and D/ST, which can be found at the end of this list.
Gainwell is going to command a top waiver claim unless we get optimistic news on Sanders before Tuesday night (which we probably won't). Depending on how Penny performs on Monday night, he could also require a high claim. Other than those two, chances are you won't use a waiver claim unless you really need help at a certain position or want one of the returning IR guys. (Also, check to see if yours is one of the 26 percent of Yahoo leagues where Jerry Jeudy is available.)
Overall, this a poor waivers week but a strong free agent week. There are a bunch of widely available and decent players, especially at QB, TE, and D/ST, with favorable matchups this week. Don't settle for a borderline player with a poor to mediocre matchup just because they're already on your roster. Always be looking to upgrade. As long as you're not dropping a legitimately good player with long-term upside, check the matchups and consider some of these streamers.
Top fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 8
Unless otherwise noted, only players owned in fewer than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues considered.
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Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Eagles
Gainwell caught a 13-yard TD on Philadelphia's first drive, then he led the backfield after Miles Sanders' ankle injury. He finished the day with 71 total yards and a TD on 10 touches, though it's worth noting he actually had one fewer carry than Boston Scott, who also scored. Gainwell figures to operate as the lead back in Week 8 in a favorable matchup against Detroit if Sanders can't go, giving him RB2 value, especially in PPR leagues. Gainwell saw eight targets (many in garbage time), dwarfing Scott's two targets. -- Matt Lutovsky
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Rashaad Penny, RB, Seahawks
Penny (calf) will come off the IR on Monday night. It's unclear what his role will be, but he should at least split touches with Alex Collins. Beyond that, he'll face another position battle when Chris Carson (neck) returns in a couple weeks. It's possible Penny is the Seahawks' lead back going forward; it's also possible he sees five-to-seven touches for a few weeks before getting injured again. It's tough to know what to do with him, but he's worth stashing on your bench until we see him in action. -- ML
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Russell Gage, WR, Falcons
Gage was a popular preseason sleeper, but a slow start and an ankle injury derailed him in a hurry. He got back in the field in Week 7 and immediately made his presence felt, catching four-of-six targets for 67 yards and a score. He figures to be the Falcons' No. 3 target, but given how often Atlanta throws, there's still plenty of potential value there. Gage has flex upside against a struggling Carolina defense in Week 8. -- ML
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Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens
Bateman had a decent showing in his season debut in Week 6, and he followed that up by catching three-of-six targets for 80 yards in Week 7. At the very least, the talented rookie has big-play potential every week, and it appears he's just scratching the surface. He's been helped by the absence of Sammy Watkins (hamstring) -- and he's clearly no higher than third in the receiving pecking order behind Marquise Brown and Mark Andrews -- but Bateman is worth stashing for the second half. -- ML
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Allen Lazard, WR, Packers
Lazard has been on the field a lot this year, but it wasn't until Week 6 he finally saw some modest production. That continued in Week 7 when he caught five-of-six targets for 60 yards and a TD. Lazard has clearly established himself as the No. 2 receiver in this potentially potent offense, and that always has value in fantasy leagues. Lazard will look to keep his hot streak going next week against the Cardinals before getting three straight favorable matchups (Chiefs, Seahawks, Vikings). -- ML
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Brandon Bolden, RB, Patriots
Bolden saw just two carries in Week 7, but he starred as New England's receiving back, catching six-of-seven passes for 79 yards and a TD. It's tough for an RB to make a fantasy living based completely on his receiving stats, but Bolden will likely get more carries in some games and remain active in general. If starter Damien Harris puts it on the ground again, Bolden could take over given Bill Belichick's fickleness. A highly favorable matchup against the Chargers in Week 8 will have Bolden in flex territory in PPR leagues. -- ML
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C.J. Uzomah, TE, Bengals
Uzomah continued his breakout season in Week 7, catching all three of his targets for 91 yards and two scores. He's been mostly all-or-nothing, but that's true of most waiver wire TEs. With five TDs in his past four games, there's still a lot to like here. A favorable matchup against the Jets in Week 8 puts him squarely in the streamer conversation. -- ML
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Devonta Freeman, RB, Ravens
The absence of Latavius Murray (ankle) didn't lead to Freeman dominating RB touches. It was a three-headed "attack" for the Ravens, as Le'Veon Bell (5), Freeman (4), and Ty'Son Williams (2) all saw playing time. However, Freeman got the goal-line carries and entered the game more often in passing situations. He finished with seven touches, 39 total yards, and a TD against the Bengals. Obviously, if he doesn't get the TD, he has a disappointing day, but he has the most upside of those backs if Murray remains out after Baltimore's Week 8 bye. -- ML
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Darius Slayton, WR, Giants
Slayton might be nothing more than a one-week flash, as Kadarius Toney (ankle), Kenny Golladay (knee), and Sterling Shepard (hamstring) were all out in Week 7, but we know Slayton is talented and capable of big plays. He led the Giants in targets (9) and receiving yards (63) against the Panthers, and if any of the three players mentioned above are out next week against Kansas City, Slayton will be in play as a boom-or-bust flex. -- ML
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Kalif Raymond, WR, Lions
Raymond was far and away the target leader among Detroit WRs in Week 7, catching six-of-eight looks for 115 yards. The Lions are an unreliable passing team, at least when it comes to the WRs, so Raymond likely won't be consistent going forward, but he has some PPR upside if he continues to operate as Detroit's No. 1. He'll be ranked as a borderline flex next week against Philadelphia. -- ML
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Tim Patrick, WR, Broncos
Patrick had been remarkably consistent prior to a Week 7 dud, and with Jerry Jeudy (ankle) set to return in Week 8, it's tempting to think Patrick will be phased out of the Bengals passing attack. It's possible, but it's also worth holding him until we see how targets shake out. Denver has a highly favorable matchup against Washington coming up in Week 8 and a potential high-scoring game against Dallas in Week 9. -- ML
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Boston Scott, RB, Eagles
Scott actually saw one more carry (7) than Kenneth Gainwell after Miles Sanders (ankle) exited. He totaled 29 total yards on eight touches and scored a short TD. Gainweel had just 10 touches, but he saw eight targets and had 71 total yards. If Sanders misses next week, it's possible Scott is as involved as Gainwell. As it stands, we think Gainwell will get more playing time, especially if the game is relatively close. Scott took advantage of garbage time in Week 7 and can certainly do it again, which gives him value in PPR leagues, so he's still worth adding on the chance he does play more than we think. -- ML
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Marquez Callaway, WR, Saints
Callaway is abaout to be joined by Tre'Quan Smith (hamstring), and Michael Thomas (ankle) could return in the next couple weeks. Still, until Thomas is back, we expect Callaway to be the Saints' top wide receiver target. That means plenty of potential value against Tampa, Atlanta, and Tennessee in Weeks 8-10. -- ML
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Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys
Gallup (calf) is expected to return in Week 8. He hasn't played since Week 1, but we know he can be an explosive part of the Cowboys' high-powered offense. He's worth having on your bench and possible WR3/flex value going forward, especially in Week 8 against Minnesota. -- ML
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Hunter Renfrow, WR, Raiders
It was another high-volume, medium-production day for Renfrow. He caught seven-of-eight targets for 58 yards. That kind of line is good enough in a PPR league, so if he's available, stash him now. He should be poised for a solid finish after Vegas' Week 8 bye. -- ML
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Jamycal Hasty, RB, 49ers
We'll have to see Hasty's role on Sunday night, but we know he was involved prior to his Week 2 knee injury. The 49ers love to use multiple RBs, so Hasty is at least a must-have handcuff. -- ML
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Marlon Mack, RB, Colts
Mack's placement on this list is all about his potential landing spot in a trade. He's been rumored to be on the move for a while, and with the trade deadline coming up, we should know soon whether he has any additional value and is worth keeping around or if he's nothing more than a handcuff who will be on the waiver wire in most leagues. -- ML
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Peyton Barber, RB, Raiders
Barber isn't worth more than a free agent pickup -- and even that might prove useless. He's been a healthy scratch the past couple weeks, but with Josh Jacobs exiting Week 7's game early in the second half because of a chest injury, Barber could find himself with some value after the Raiders' Week 8 bye. He was the primary ball carrier when Jacobs was out earlier in the season, although that was when Jon Gruden was coach. Kenyan Drake seems like the firmly entrenched handcuff -- and it's entirely possible Jacobs will be back -- but stashing Barber isn't a bad move if you have the space. -- ML
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Jameis Winston QB, Saints
Winston has a great matchup with the Bucs in Week 8, so regardless of how he plays on Monday, he's a pentital streamer. -- ML
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Carson Wentz, QB, Colts
Wentz has been better than expected this year and plays a banged-up, porous Titans' secondary in Week 8. He'll be a streamer regardless of how he performs against the 49ers on Sunday night. -- JS
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Daniel Jones, QB, Giants
Jones will take on Kansas City in Week 8, and any quarterback is worth consideration against the Chiefs. He had a couple of boom weeks early in the season, and this is a get-right game for him -- especially if some of his key receivers are back. -- JS
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Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Broncos
Bridgewater continues to draw awful defenses, and he's delivered on a few occasions this season as a streaming option. Washington is the worst defense against fantasy QBs, so it's wheels up for Teddy two gloves once again in Week 8. -- JS
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Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars
Lawrence is coming off of a much-needed bye week, and he'll get a favorable matchup right out of the gate. Seattle's defense is as bad as many expected, so Lawrence could have a solid Week 8 fantasy outing, even if he has a few turnovers. -- JS
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Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans
Many expect Watson to be traded by the Nov. 2 trade deadline, with the Dolphins or Panthers as the most likely landing spots. It's unclear if he'll actually be able to play, as the NFL hasn't yet ruled on his availability because he's been on the Texans' exempt list this whole season. Until the NFL says something, Watson will be eligible to play right away, so he could have value as soon as Week 9. Of course, he could just easy not see the field at all this year. We know the talent Watson has, so he's worth stashing just in case. Even if you don't need him, it's not a bad idea to keep him off someone else's team. -- ML
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Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Dolphins
Tagovailoa continues to be plagued by turnovers, losses, and Deshaun Watson trade rumors, but he's also putting up some big fantasy numbers. He threw for 291 yards and four TDs and rushed for another 29 yards against Atlanta in Week 7. A brutal matchup against Buffalo will have Tua on fantasy benches in Week 8, but after that (assuming he's still the Dolphins starter), he gets Houston. Depending on your QB situation in Week 9 when the Lions, Seahawks, Bucs, and Washington are on bye, Tua might be worth stashing now. He has some long-term appeal even in neutral matchups, too. -- ML
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Trey Lance, QB, 49ers
Jimmy Garoppolo should remain the starter in San Francisco, but we still like the idea of stashing Lance for the possibility of late-season upside. We saw signs of what he can do in his first career start with 89 rushing yards. -- JS
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T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts
Hilton (quad) missed Week 7 after making his season debut in Week 6. And so it goes for the veteran WR. Perhaps Hilton will be a constant injury worry, but he's worth stashing if he can stay in one piece. The Colts have Tennessee next week, so Hilton is a borderline must-start if active. -- ML
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Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Jaguars
Shenault's ownership has dropped to just over 50 percent in Yahoo leagues, but don't forget about him just because he had a bye. He tied a season-high with 10 targets in his last game, and he figures to be Jacksonville's No. 2 receiver going forward. Jamal Agnew has made some noise lately, too, but Shenault has more overall upside, especially in Week 8 in a favorable matchup against Seattle. -- ML
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Tre'Quan Smith, WR, Saints
Smith (hamstring) is expected to make his season debut on Monday night against the Seahawks. Regardless of his performance, he'll have upside in Week 8 against the porous Bucs secondary. Now's the time to stash him, as he could have plenty of long-term value, too. -- ML
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Mecole Hardman, WR, Chiefs
Hardman disappointed against Tennessee, but that was true for virtually the entire Chiefs offense. We're still encouraged by some of the positive trends we've seen from Hardman the past few weeks, so he's in play as a boom-or-bust flex in a favorable Week 8 matchup against the Giants. -- ML
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Dan Arnold, TE, Jaguars
Arnold has seen regular targets since going to Jacksonville, and next week he's an optimal matchup against a Seattle defense that's struggled against every fantasy position, including TE. Arnold will be a top streamer in a week where Darren Waller and Mark Andrews are on bye. -- ML
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Ricky Seals-Jones, TE, Washington
Seals-Jones saw another healthy amount of targets (7) in Week 7. He caught six for 51 yards, which isn't overly impressive but still shows he has some PPR chops. His Week 8 matchup against Denver isn't exactly favorable, but RSJ is a big enough part of the Washington offense that he'll continue to have streaming value until Logan Thomas (hamstring) returns. -- ML
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Evan Engram, TE, Giants
Engram continues to see a decent amount of targets (eight in Week 7), but his production doesn't match up (six catches, 44 yards). If that's all he can do when Kadarius Toney (ankle), Kenny Golladay (knee), and Sterling Shepard (hamstring) are out, what will he do when they're healthy? Well, we have no idea when any will be healthy, so Engram will continue to have some streaming value in a favorable matchup in Week 8 (@ Chiefs). Use him in PPR if you need him. -- ML
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Gerald Everett, TE, Seahawks
The Seahawks take on a Jaguars defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game in Week 8, so Everett has a little extra upside if you're looking for a streamer. -- ML
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Jonnu Smith, TE, Patriots
Smith looked to be having his best day as a Patriot in Week 7, catching two early passes (five targets) for 52 yards. However, he was knocked out of the game due to a shoulder injury late in the first half. If he's ready for Week 8, he has a great matchup against the Chargers, but obviously his health will determine whether he's worth streaming. -- ML
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Tyler Conklin, TE, Vikings
Conklin has been more involved in the Vikings' offense over the past few weeks, showing some big-play upside. Dallas is slightly below average against TEs, so Conklin is in play as a Week 8 streamer and a potential hold. -- ML
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Juwan Johnson, TE, Saints
Johnson is a classic TD-or-bust TE, and in Week 8, he gets a good matchup against the Bucs. He's risky, but if you need a streamer, Johnson has some upside. -- ML
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Los Angeles Chargers DST vs. Patriots in Week 8
The Patriots have given up the most points to fantasy defense, including a few defensive touchdowns. Its offense lacks big-play ability, so Joey Bosa, Derwin James, and co. should be able to take advantage in Week 8. -- JS
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Cincinnati Bengals DST @ Jets
This isn't the same ole Bengals defense from past seasons, and its pass-rush and secondary should outmatch Zach Wilson and the Jets' skill group in this Week 8 matchup. Consider the Bengals a top streaming option. -- JS
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Seattle Seahawks DST vs. Jaguars
Seattle's defense is bad, but Trevor Lawrence is due for an interception or two every time he takes the field. Seattle has some boom-or-bust streaming upside in Week 8. -- JS
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Philadelphia Eagles DST @ Lions
The Lions lack decent WRs, and Jared Goff is turnover prone.Philadelphia has played well on defense against mediocre QBs, so that should be the expectation in Week 8. --JS
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Chicago Bears DST vs. 49ers
This could be a risky pick, but Chicago's defense has too much talent to write them off entirely (especially at home), and the 49ers' offense often looks pedestrian led by Jimmy G. -- JS
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