Week 8 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Must-Add Names + FAAB Bidding Advice (Ep. 2293)

Aaron Jones suffered a day-to-day knee injury (same knee as a previous injury), which may actually be week-to-week. Jordan Mason is expected to return and take the lead role. However, Jeremy Bernard notes that even if Jones misses two weeks, once healthy he remains in the Henderson conversation for handcuff value—he showed fringe RB1 value with no Mason available. In typical 12-team leagues with 18-man rosters, Bernard recommends keeping him; in shorter-bench leagues, he may be cuttable.

Adonai Mitchell returned from injury in Week 7 but lost snaps and routes to Omar Cooper; Mitchell played primarily in three-wide sets while Cooper stayed on the field in two-receiver sets, suggesting Cooper has taken over the number two role behind Garrett Wilson. Mitchell was expected to be the number two receiver coming out of training camp but has been outperformed by Cooper.

Jeremy Bernard identifies Antonio Williams as a top waiver wire target for the Commanders following Terry McLaurin's torn patellar tendon; Williams played under 50% of snaps in his first three games but has risen to ~67% in the last three games and is projected to exceed 80% snap share going forward, positioning him as a significant part of the Commanders' passing attack and approaching flex-worthy status.

Gets a better matchup than Traylen Burks going forward; positioned as a waiver wire target with favorable upcoming opponent.

Pat Fitzmaurice ranks Antonio Williams as the number five waiver wire target for Week 8. Jake Seeley also includes Williams in his top five at number five, indicating consensus on his waiver priority.

Pat Fitzmaurice targets Baker Mayfield as a quarterback streamer for Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite a 60-yard performance against the Panthers last week, Mayfield faces a pass-funnel Atlanta defense that allows the highest throw rate in the league due to strong run defense. Fitzmaurice expects Mayfield to get Mike Evans back from concussion and notes Mayfield also gets a favorable matchup against the Bears in Week 9, making him a two-week streaming option.

Bam Knight put up 7 for 48 and a score in Week 7 and may have value this week if Jeremiah Love does not return from injury. However, if Love is activated, Knight's value diminishes significantly.

Looks clearly better than Algier and has emerged as the lead back option; however, Jeremy Bernard cautions he's likely a one-week play due to difficult schedule ahead (Seattle, Rams, Chiefs after Cowboys matchup this week). The Cardinals' decision to sign Evan Hull from practice squad suggests concern about Jeremiah Love's availability, supporting Knight's near-term role.

Jake Seeley ranks Bam Knight as the number three waiver wire target for Week 8, noting he was the better performer in the Denver backfield last week despite low pickup rates. Knight was a fringe RB2 and gets the Cowboys this week, though Seeley acknowledges it may only be a one-week play depending on league needs.

Pat Fitzmaurice identifies Brenton Strange as the tight end number two for the Jacksonville Jaguars, similar to the TJ Hawkinson dynamic. Since Brian Thomas Jr.'s disappearance, Strange has benefited significantly. He was tight end seven in weeks 4-6 (a three-week run) without scoring a touchdown, demonstrating consistent volume. Fitzmaurice notes Trevor Lawrence loves going over the middle, and Strange is positioned as Lawrence's new Evan Ingram (who had a 114-catch season with Lawrence).

Caleb Douglas received only 3 targets in Week 8 but scored on 2 receptions for 70 yards, indicating efficient production despite limited volume.

Positioned as a top waiver wire target; described as likely the best receiver the Dolphins have despite the offense's inconsistency; gets favorable schedule in weeks 13-16 (Bears, Packers, Chargers, Bills) that could help the Dolphins offense click; compared as a lesser version of Denzel Boston but with more target opportunity as the one-to-two receiver behind Malik Washington.

Jeremy Bernard expresses regret about his prior assessment of Christian Kirk, who recorded 3 receptions for 56 yards in Week 8 while rostered by only 1% of leagues, indicating disappointing production relative to expectations.

Christian McCaffrey got banged up in Week 7 and the 49ers are on bye in Week 8, giving him an extra week to recover. He is not expected to jump into a Week 9 starting role immediately upon return.

Jeremy Bernard raises the possibility that DJ Moore may not return as healthy as hoped after the bye week; if Moore doesn't practice or return as expected, Keon Coleman becomes an even more attractive waiver target, though the expectation is Moore will come back.

Jeremy Bernard uses Denzel Boston as a comparison point for Jacoby Lane, noting that just as Boston is a weekly starter despite occasional inconsistency, Lane should be treated as a consistent weekly starter even when production dips.

Jeremy Bernard uses Denzel Boston as a comp for Jacoby Lane's role and volatility profile; Boston is a WR3/4 reliant on big plays with boom-bust outcomes, and managers should expect games where he misses catchable 50-50 balls alongside high-upside performances.

Put up approximately 77 yards with a couple catches and some rushes; rostered on only 10% of Yahoo leagues, indicating significant availability on waivers despite productive output.

Dylan Sampson was activated in Week 7 and put up approximately 77 yards with a couple of catches and some rushes; he is only 10% rostered on Yahoo.

Jeremy Bernard recommends stashing Johnson if he's been dropped, as he represents the type of handcuff or upside player who could become essential if an injury occurs; waiting to pick up such players later forces teams to spend 95% of remaining FAAB budget.

The Cardinals signed Hull from their practice squad to the active roster, a move Jeremy Bernard interprets as a signal that the team is concerned about Jeremiah Love's availability, suggesting Hull may see short-term opportunity.

The Cardinals signed Evan Hull from their practice squad, suggesting they may be concerned about their running back depth or performance.

Jeremy Bernard targets Jacoby Brissett as a quarterback streamer for Week 8 against the Cowboys. Bernard notes that even when Brissett's performances are gross, throwing 40+ times produces fantasy value, and he expects high volume in this matchup. Bernard acknowledges Joey Porter and Michael Wilson's emergence but still sees better upside in the Cowboys matchup.

Watkins is characterized as a fun big-play option, but with Mike Evans and Stribbling likely returning soon, the 49ers' receiver situation is crowded; only worth considering if both Evans and Stribbling remain out.

Jeremy Bernard prefers Coleman over Dobbins in the Denver backfield and would rather not dedicate two roster spots to that situation, but Williams remains cuttable depending on league context and roster needs.

Jeremy Bernard notes the Cardinals' signing of Evan Hull from practice squad suggests concern about Love's availability next week, implying Love may not return immediately after the current week.

Jonah Coleman is the top waiver-wire running back pickup for Week 8 at 34% rostered on Yahoo; the speaker recommended picking him up proactively weeks ago. With Sean Payton taking over, Coleman got the bulk of the workload (11 touches, 9 for 54, 2 TDs) and played 30 snaps compared to 16 for RJ Harvey and 14 for Dobbins. Fitzmaurice recommends a top bid of $50 or ideal bid of $25 in FAAB leagues, though expects it will cost more. Coleman is the best runner in the backfield, averaging 6 yards per carry without any run over 15 yards, and can also catch passes.

Jonah Coleman faces the Chiefs in Week 8, a tough matchup where he may be limited to flex status rather than RB2; however, Week 9 brings the Panthers, who allowed 703 rushing yards to Tampa Bay, making that a much more favorable spot. Beyond Week 9, the schedule includes Raiders, Steelers, Dolphins, Jets, Bills, and Patriots—most are middle-of-the-road or tough run defenses, with few truly favorable matchups outside the Panthers.

Jonah Coleman is expected to operate in a three-way backfield under Sean Payton, who has historically favored three-back committees; Coleman likely gets around 50% of the touches going forward, with Dobbins and Harvey splitting the remainder. Coleman is the best runner and can also pass-catch, making him more versatile than Harvey, though the three-way split limits ceiling. Confidence in starting him in Weeks 8–9 may require patience as the role solidifies.

Pat Fitzmaurice ranks Jonah Coleman as the number one waiver wire target for Week 8, expecting him to cost 25-50 FAAB. Jeremy Bernard also includes Coleman in his top five, preferring him over Javonte Williams in the Denver backfield. Both analysts view Coleman as the primary back to own in Denver.

Jordan Watkins drew 6 targets in Week 8, recording 3 receptions for 56 yards; Jeremy Bernard notes this was an interesting performance worth monitoring.

Pat Fitzmaurice ranks Jordan Tyson as the number three waiver wire target for Week 8, noting this is the last chance to grab him while the Saints are on bye. Expected FAAB cost is 5-10 or 6-11. Jake Seeley notes Tyson has been in the top five consistently and assumes most advanced league managers have already acquired him.

Jeremy Bernard notes he didn't rank Black this high initially because he wasn't expecting Christian McCaffrey to miss time; with McCaffrey sidelined and the 49ers having no receivers left, Black now offers standalone value. McCaffrey has lined up as a receiver in some snaps, but Black's role should expand. Bernard recommends stashing Black now rather than waiting, as emergency pickups later will require spending 95% of remaining FAAB budget.

Keon Coleman was on bye in Week 8, limiting waiver wire availability.

Jeremy Bernard highlights Keon Coleman as a top waiver priority, noting the Bills have shifted him into a big slot role that better suits his skill set; this Sean Payton-influenced usage doesn't require him to run every route with precision, which aligns with his draft profile; even if DJ Moore returns healthy, Coleman could remain in the wide receiver discussion due to his improved role fit; represents potential breakout if Moore's health is delayed.

Malachi Fields recorded 4 receptions for 83 yards in Week 8 while rostered by only 4% of leagues, representing a potential waiver wire opportunity.

Characterized as a low-calorie PPR option in the Dolphins offense; part of a frustrating receiver group where the offense cycles through different receivers weekly without consistent production; not a priority waiver target despite periodic interest.

Expected to return from injury as the 49ers come off their bye week; his return will impact receiver opportunity distribution.

Mike Washington is mildly interesting as a speculative pickup because he has been a more effective runner than Ashton Gentry this season; Washington is averaging 4.9 yards per carry with 2.74 yards after contact per attempt (more than half a yard above league average), while Gentry (sixth overall pick in 2025) is averaging only 3.1 yards per carry and 2.3 yards per carry over his last three games. Gentry has rushed for under 30 yards in three straight games, suggesting Washington could cut into early-down work.

Jeremy Bernard notes Mike Washington can do things after contact, which may lead to a more balanced split with Ashton Gentry; this suggests Washington could see increased opportunity despite Gentry's role. Bernard compares the potential split to peak Austin Eckler (800+ rushing yards, 600+ receiving yards), indicating Washington has receiving upside.

Omar Cooper put up 5 for 115 and a score while under 50% owned in leagues; he stayed on the field in two-receiver sets where he played 15 more snaps than Adonai Mitchell and ran five more routes, establishing himself as the number two guy behind Garrett Wilson. He is averaging 19.1 yards per target on 13 targets this season and is described as a big-play machine with excellent catch-point ability and after-the-catch skills.

Pat Fitzmaurice ranks Omar Cooper as the number two waiver wire target for Week 8, expecting him to cost 8-20 FAAB. Jake Seeley also includes Cooper in his top five at number two, indicating strong consensus on his waiver priority.

Rashod Bateman trails Jacoby Lane in route share (one fewer route) and is expected to fall further behind as the gap widens; he remains a secondary option in the Ravens' passing game with Lamar Jackson's return.

RJ Harvey played 16 snaps in Week 7 compared to Jonah Coleman's 30 snaps and had 5 touches versus Coleman's 11. Harvey is a good pass catcher and will continue to have a role, but Coleman is a better pass blocker and more effective runner, suggesting Harvey will be limited in a three-way backfield.

Sean Tucker returned 7 for 52 and a score in Week 7, though the speaker notes that the rushing game was wide open for all players that week.

Returned 7 carries for 52 yards and a score in a game where the entire rushing attack was inefficient; part of a weak running back core overall.

Tank Dell recorded a 43-yard catch in Week 8 but otherwise had minimal production, suggesting limited overall impact in the game.

Pat Fitzmaurice ranks Terrence Ferguson as the number four waiver wire target for Week 8, though Ferguson remains on injured reserve with unclear return timing. The Rams announced midweek that Ferguson will not return this week. Fitzmaurice notes Ferguson has a high ankle sprain and will eventually return as the number two receiver in the Rams passing offense once Devonta Adams is out for two months, making him a stash candidate.

Terry McLaurin is out for the remainder of the season with a torn patellar tendon, creating a significant vacancy in the Commanders' passing attack that will be filled by Antonio Williams and other receivers.

Tyler Higbee was called as a top 10 tight end play in the ranking show, with the speaker warning that Davis Allen would also produce in the Rams game; Higbee delivered on this projection.