The injuries in the NFL this year have been absolutely terrible. It’s part of what makes the waiver options in Week 8 so important. Here’s a quick snapshot of the top receivers in points per game after Week 7:
- A.J. Brown (missed three weeks with injury)
- Nico Collins (on IR)
- Malik Nabers (missed two weeks with injury)
- Cooper Kupp (missed most of the season with injury)
- Ja’Marr Chase!
- Chris Godwin (on IR)
We’re all having fun. Fantasy football is fun. There’s not going to be a Chris Godwin on waivers, but there’s a couple of names that can keep fantasy teams rocking and rolling into the playoffs. Let’s find the best waiver wire options for Week 8.
Week 8 Waiver Wire – Chargers and Panthers Tight Ends, 49ers Wide Receivers and More
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders RB
Is there a better running back than Alexander Mattison when he has no expectations? He’s quietly taken the lead role in Las Vegas and is involved enough in the passing game to provide a relatively safe floor. He’s not a league winner, but he’s a bye week and injury fill in for teams that need one.
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints RB
The trade rumors around Alvin Kamara are likely unfounded, but what if they’re not? Or what if the 29-year-old RB breaks down as the season goes on? The Saints have been rough without Derek Carr, but Kendre is finally active and looks to be operating as the team’s RB2. He’s a handcuff worth throwing at the end of deeper benches.
Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers WR
Pearsall has had a heck of a start to his NFL career, beginning the season out with a gunshot wound. He was targeted five times on Sunday and Aiyuk is now out for the season. Between Pearsall, Jennings and Cowing someone is going to perform in Aiyuk’s absence. Bet on the first-round pick with the most similar skillset to Aiyuk.
Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns WR
The former Tennessee star is finally getting targets (12 on Sunday). With Watson out, it could be a case of addition by subtraction. There are plenty of targets to go around, and Tillman is rostered in under one percent of leagues on ESPN.
Will Dissly, Los Angeles Chargers TE
He’s a pass catcher tied to one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL with no clear number one option. There are certainly worse options at tight end, and teams looking for a streamer could have one here.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers TE
Since being included on a waiver wire article two weeks ago, Sanders has turned it up a notch. It’s been three straight weeks with five or more targets, and his involvement in the offense is promising. He could be more than a streamer, and is a dynasty buy until the market catches up.
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers QB
Okay, maybe Mike Tomlin knew what he was doing. Wilson was just the QB1 against the Jets defense, and now gets a matchup against the New York Giants. There’s not an easier plug and play option available on the waiver wire for Week 8.
Kansas City Chiefs D/ST – Top Defense on Waiver Wire Week 8
A lot of folks dropped the Chiefs ahead of a frightening 49ers matchup. Now they get the Las Vegas Raiders without Davante Adams and on their backup (originally starting?) quarterback. The only player to be afraid of on the Vegas offense is Brock Bowers for the foreseeable future.
