Pat Fitzmaurice | Tue, Oct 21st 2025, 8:47am EDT

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Pickups to Target, Stash & Drop (Week 8)

Repent your fantasy football sins and pray for salvation. The Bye-pocalypse is nigh.

We’ve been pummeled by a relentless onslaught of injuries, and now we have to stagger our way through a week in which 19% of the league will be idle.

Yipes.

On bye this week: Cardinals, Lions, Jaguars, Raiders, Rams, Seahawks. That’s a lot of unavailable manpower.

A lot of people will be spending big on the waiver wire this week, and yet it’s not exactly a banner week for waiver talent. Spend sensibly, friends.

All right. We have work to do. Let’s get to it.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Week 8

Week 8 Waiver Grade: C

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings

Note: Players chosen based upon having early-week consensus roster percent below 50%.

(Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues; Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.)

Running Backs

Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson

Kyle Monangai (RB – CHI): 44% Rostered

Next Opponents: @BAL, @CIN, NYG
True Value: $9
Desperate Need: $15
Budget-Minded: $5

Analysis: Bears head coach Ben Johnson has found the secret sauce to the Chicago running game. Over their last two games, the Bears have dominated on the ground. They piled up 222 rushing yards against the Saints, and both D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai found pay dirt. Although Swift continues to operate as the lead back, the snap divide has been closing. Last week, Swift saw 52.9% of the snaps to Monangai’s 45.6%. This allowed both backs to pay off, with Swift rushing for 124 yards and a score, and Monangai rushing for 81 yards and a score. We know Johnson is no stranger to split backfields. In fact, Johnson presided over a split backfield in Detroit that included Swift. The Bears’ two running backs should continue to operate as a Walmart version of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. With Swift taking the Gibbs role and Monangai a discount version of Montgomery.

Zonovan Knight (RB – ARI): 22% Rostered

Next Opponents: BYE, @DAL, @SEA
True Value: $5
Desperate Need: $7
Budget-Minded: $3

Analysis: Usually, I don’t recommend grabbing a committee back heading into his bye. However, with the upcoming schedule for the Cardinals, you might want to get ahead of the curve on this one. After their bye, the Cardinals face the Cowboys. Dallas is allowing nearly 150 total yards to opposing running backs each week. That’s a lot of yards to go around, which is good, because Zonovan Knight is sharing work with Michael Carter and D’Ernest Johnson. With Emari Demercado missing Arizona’s Week 8 loss to the Packers due to an ankle injury, Johnson played on third downs, leaving Carter and Knight to split the early-down work. Knight was the lead back, playing on 13 of the team’s 16 first-quarter snaps. In contrast, Carter didn’t see a touch until the second quarter and only had 11 yards on seven rushing attempts. With Carter’s inefficiency issues, the Cardinals might give Knight more work coming out of their bye. Knight will get an excellent Week 9 matchup against the Cowboys, who have struggled against the run.

Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL): 38% Rostered

Next Opponents: MIA, @NE, @IND
True Value: $4
Desperate Need: $6
Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: Please pick up Tyler Allgeier. I have repeated that sentiment in recent weeks, yet he is still only 38% rostered in Yahoo leagues. Allgeier is a premier backup on a team leading the league in rushing attempts per game (31.8). Even with Bijan Robinson having a career season, there is plenty of rushing goodness to go around on the Falcons. Buckle up, because this week the Falcons face the Dolphins, who have allowed an average of 170 rushing yards over their last four games. On Sunday, we saw the Browns’ Quinshon Judkins light up Miami for three touchdowns. Robinson will almost certainly be ranked as the RB1 this week, with Allgeier being playable as an RB3/Flex option.

Brashard Smith (RB – KC): 6% Rostered

Next Opponents: WSH, @BUF, BYE
True Value: $3
Desperate Need: $5
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: The Chiefs’ offense is cooking. Being able to bench your starters in the middle of the third quarter against a division rival is a power move. Brashard Smith‘s increased involvement was partly the result of a blowout game script in the Chiefs’ 31-0 win over the Raiders. However, Smith was given an opportunity while the starters were still playing. Smith finished the game with 14 carries for 39 yards and five receptions for 42 yards. Smith’s receiving ability sets him apart as a weapon. With the Chiefs averaging the sixth-most pass attempts per game, Smith should continue to see opportunities. Also, monitor the status of Kareem Hunt, who sustained an ankle injury on Sunday, and adjust bids on Smith accordingly. Smith can be a Flex option in full-point PPR formats this week, and he could become more valuable in the weeks to come.

Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN): 30% Rostered

Next Opponents: @IND, LAC, BYE
True Value: $2
Desperate Need: $3
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The Titans are a mess. If you are a Tyjae Spears believer, hang your hat on the fact that he led the team in rushing on Sunday, and don’t read any more of this paragraph. Spears had 22 rushing yards in the Titans’ 31-13 loss to the Patriots and was out-snapped by Tony Pollard on third downs. Both backs had similar production in Week 7, but we had hoped Spears would have the third-down role. If Pollard outproduces Spears in the passing game, that means Spears is the 1B option on the worst team in the league. This may not sound appealing, but Spears remains one injury away from a dominant workload. With his electric playmaking ability, a full workload could catch the league by surprise despite the Titans’ offensive struggles.

Kenneth Gainwell (RB – PIT): 44% Rostered

Next Opponents: GB, IND, @LAC
True Value: $0
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Who would have thought that two 40-year-old quarterbacks would put on the kind of performance we saw last week in the Bengals’ win over the Steelers? With seven passing touchdowns between Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers, it was one of the better Thursday-night games we’ve seen. Jaylen Warren had a big game, with 158 yards from scrimmage. He is clearly the lead back in Pittsburgh, but Kenneth Gainwell continues to play about one-third of the snaps. In Week 4, Gainwell showcased what he can do if Warren misses time, finishing as the fantasy RB3 for the week with 19-99-2 rushing and 6-35-0 receiving. In Week 8, against a tough Packers defense, Gainwell will be a desperation Flex play, and he has contingent value if Warren misses time.

Running Back Stash Candidates

The only good thing about the Jets for fantasy right now is how concentrated the backfield is. With Breece Hall holding the lead role, Isaiah Davis is the only other Jets back to have a rushing attempt in each of the last two games. If Hall were to be injured or traded, Davis would gain immense value.

Kendre Miller left the Saints’ Week 7 loss to the Bears in the first quarter and was ruled out before halftime. Miller’s injury opened the door for rookie Devin Neal, who got his first rushing attempts since Week 1. It turned out that Miller tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the year. Neal could split rushing work with Taysom Hill behind Alvin Kamara. Taking a swing on a rookie back who’s playing behind an aging veteran is not the worst way to use a bench spot.

Speaking of running backs playing behind aging veterans, Brian Robinson Jr. is the clear backup to Christian McCaffrey. So far, McCaffrey has been one of the healthiest players on the 49ers (*vigorously knocks on wood*). On his own, Robinson is not a playable option. I won’t even say it, but if something were to happen to a certain individual on the team, Robinson would become a potential league winner.

Wide Receivers

Written by Derek Brown

Kayshon Boutte (WR – NE): 32% Rostered

Next Opponents: CLE, ATL, @TB
True Value: $5
Desperate Need: $7
Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: Kayshon Boutte balled out in Week 6 as the WR4 in fantasy, with a 19.2% target share, 93 receiving yards, two touchdowns and a 16.7% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. While he didn’t equal that performance in Week 7, Boutte still had a nice day, turning his two targets (8.6% target share) into 55 receiving yards and a score. He offers flex appeal again this week, tied to MVP candidate Drake Maye. Cleveland has allowed the third-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Darnell Mooney (WR – ATL): 29% Rostered

Next Opponents: MIA, @NE, @IND
True Value: $3
Desperate Need: $6
Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: Darnell Mooney returned to the Falcons’ lineup Sunday night against the 49ers. While he had only a 13.1% target share, he led the team with 68 receiving yards. In Mooney’s previous two full games played this season, he finished as the WR87 and WR43 in weekly scoring. In Weeks 2-3, he had a 21.3% target share while averaging 32 receiving yards with 1.03 yards per route run and a 26.2% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Mooney offers sneaky Flex appeal this week against a Dolphins’ secondary that has allowed the 10th-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Troy Franklin (WR – DEN): 21% Rostered

Next Opponents: DAL, @HOU, LV
True Value: $3
Desperate Need: $6
Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: Troy Franklin entered Week 7 as the WR48 in fantasy points per game, with two top-36 weekly finishes this season (WR7, WR36). He had a 71.8% route share, a 17% target share, 41.7 receiving yards per game (1.53 yards per route run) and an 18% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Against the Giants, he had a 20% target share, finishing with 19 receiving yards and a score. Franklin offers solid Flex value this week against a horrible Dallas secondary that is allowing the most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Tez Johnson (WR – TB): 17% Rostered

Next Opponents: @NO, BYE, NE
True Value: $2
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: In Week 7, Tez Johnson assumed a full-time role in the Bucs’ offense, commanding an 18% target share and finishing with 58 receiving yards and a score. Baker Mayfield will have to rely upon the talented rookie even more moving forward, with Mike Evans out for an estimated 6-8 weeks with a broken collarbone and Chris Godwin’s health in the wind. Entering Week 7, Johnson had a solid 17% target per route run rate and 1.87 yards per route run, per Fantasy Points Data. Johnson is a strong flex this week against the Saints, who have allowed the 12th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to wide receivers.

Marvin Mims Jr. (WR – DEN): 23% Rostered

Next Opponents: DAL, @HOU, LV
True Value: $2
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Marvin Mims Jr. entered Week 7 as the WR67 in fantasy points per game, with one top-20 weekly finish (WR9). Before Week 7, Mims had a 45.4% route share with an 11.7% target share, 24.8 receiving yards per game and a 15.1% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. None of these numbers will make you feel great, but Mims still has Flex value this week in what should be a high-scoring game against the Cowboys. Sunday against the Giants, Mims finished with a 58.9% route share, a 14% target share and 85 receiving yards. Even in a part-time role this week, he could pop off with a nice game. Dallas has allowed the most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Josh Downs (WR – IND): 49% Rostered

Next Opponents: TEN, @PIT, ATL
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Josh Downs missed Week 7 with a concussion. Hopefully, he’s back for Week 8. Downs has been a part-time player for much of the season, with a 59.1% route share, an 18% target share, 1.85 yards per route run and a 21.1% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. He had been on a hot streak before missing Week 7, with WR34 and WR15 scoring finishes in PPR formats his last two games and four red-zone targets. This week, Downs has a tough matchup against the Titans, who have held slot receivers to the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game, but he could still return low-end Flex value in a Colts offense that’s humming right now.

Malik Washington (WR – MIA): 15% Rostered

Next Opponents: @ATL, BAL, BUF
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Malik Washington makes the waiver wire list this week after Jaylen Waddle left last week’s game in the fourth quarter with an injury. Washington could operate as Miami’s top receiver this week if Waddle sits out. In Weeks 5-6, after Tyreek Hill was lost for the season, Washington only had a 53.9% route share, a 14.5% target share, 11 receiving yards per game and a 13.3% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Last week, while Washington finished with only 30 receiving yards, he did have a 76.3% route share and 25.8% target share, so there is some volume-fueled Flex appeal this week if Waddle is out. The matchup isn’t great this week, as Atlanta has allowed the sixth-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season.

Elic Ayomanor (WR – TEN): 28% Rostered

Next Opponents: @IND, LAC, BYE
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Elic Ayomanor entered Week 7 as the WR58 in fantasy points per game, with six deep targets and three red-zone looks this season. He hasn’t finished with more than 44 receiving yards in a game since Week 2. Ayomanor also hasn’t finished higher than WR56 since Week 3. Before Week 7, he had a 15.8% target share with 32.7 receiving yards per game (1.14 yards per route run) and a 19.4% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Ayomanor didn’t fill up the box score against the Patriots with his 14.7% target share and 29 receiving yards, but he could turn things around this week against the Colts. The last time Ayomanor faced the Colts, he was the WR27 in fantasy for the week, securing four of his five targets with 38 receiving yards and a score. He could offer similar Flex production this week against an Indy secondary that has allowed the 11th-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Sterling Shepard (WR – TB): 15% Rostered

Next Opponents: @NO, BYE, NE
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Entering Week 7, Sterling Shepard had a 13.8% target share, 40.3 receiving yards per game with 1.64 yards per route run, and an 11.5% first-read share. The sturdy veteran had only one game with more than 60 receiving yards and two top-36 weekly wide receiver finishes (WR33, WR32). Against the Lions, he secured all seven of his targets with 25 receiving yards. Even with Mike Evans’ injury, I don’t foresee Shepard evolving into more than a weekly deep league flex play. Still, he does offer some PPR flex appeal, especially this week against the Saints, who have given up the 12th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to wide receivers.

Wide Receiver Stash Candidates

Luther Burden (WR – CHI)

Luther Burden remains only a part-time player in the Bears’ offense and a stash only. In Week 6, he had a 36.4% route share and a season-high 13.8% target share and 13% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. His role didn’t increase against the Saints, with only 19 snaps, two targets and 22 receiving yards. Burden’s talent is undeniable, and with the Bears’ passing attack struggling, Ben Johnson could shake things up soon and make Burden a full-time player over Olamide Zaccheaus. If that happens, Burden would immediately vault into the weekly Flex discussion. Stash him now.

Quarterbacks

Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson

Jaxson Dart (QB – NYG): 41% Rostered

Next Opponents: @PHI, SF, @CHI
True Value: $12
Desperate Need: $21
Budget-Minded: $7

Analysis: Here we thought Tommy DeVito was the only Giants quarterback to serve up saucy starts. It turns out Jaxson Dart has stolen the recipe and opened a chain of great performances. The Giants have something special going on. Despite not being able to hang onto the 19-0 lead they took into the fourth quarter, the Giants played valiantly Sunday in Denver, and Dart gave it his all. It’s hard to blame the quarterback when your defense allows 33 points in the fourth quarter. Dart has now proven he is matchup-proof. He had a season-low 11 rushing yards against the Broncos (with one touchdown run), but passed for 283 yards and three scores on the way to a top-five fantasy finish. It’s daunting to see the Eagles and 49ers coming up on the Giants’ schedule, but stay in the flames with the hottest young quarterback in the league.

Sam Darnold (QB – SEA): 47% Rostered

Next Opponents: BYE, @WAS, ARI
True Value: $5
Desperate Need: $8
Budget-Minded: $3

Analysis: Forget everything you think you know about Sam Darnold, and start believing that he is playing at an elite level. The Seattle offense has been clicking all season, and Darnold seems to get more comfortable each week. From Week 3 to Week 6, Darnold was a top-10 fantasy quarterback three times. To have that kind of production widely available on waiver wires is wild. After a Week 8 bye, Darnold will get a Week 9 matchup against a Washington defense that just gave up 264 passing yards and three touchdown passes to Dak Prescott and the Cowboys. Keep an eye on the waiver wire for someone who could be your starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

Joe Flacco (QB – CIN): 11% Rostered

Next Opponents: NYJ, CHI, BYE
True Value: $2
Desperate Need: $5
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Joe Flacco has done it again. For a third consecutive year, Flacco has stepped onto a new team and breathed life into a fantasy offense. We could discuss the Steelers’ defense looking atrocious last Thursday, but let’s focus on how Flacco distributed the ball. Peppering Ja’Marr Chase with 23 targets is a recipe for success. Being able to throw 33 passes toward Chase and Tee Higgins (for 257 yards) is a quarterback’s dream. That’s the sort of situation Flacco is in, which makes him a viable fantasy option most weeks. The Jets and the Bears are on deck, and neither team should scare fantasy managers. With the Bengals’ defense allowing nearly 400 offensive yards per game, Flacco will be forced into passing game scripts regardless of opponent.

Aaron Rodgers (QB – PIT): 27% Rostered

Next Opponents: GB, IND, @LAC
True Value: $2
Desperate Need: $5
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Maybe Tom Brady actually did discover the Fountain of Youth. If so, Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco have clearly followed Brady’s tracks. Rodgers is dealing for a well-structured Steelers’ offense and has led the team to a 4-2 record. On the other side of the ball, despite having superstar names such as T.J. Watt, Jalen Ramsey and Cameron Heyward on defense, this is the worst Steelers defense in years. People are calling it the “Shower Curtain.” The Pittsburgh defense is allowing the fourth-most yards per game to opponents. As a result, the Steelers will be forced to pass more than they would like. Don’t be afraid that DK Metcalf and Jaylen Warren are the only notable receiving weapons on the team. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has an affinity for the tight end position and will always find a way to get multiple tight ends open. With three of the league’s top offenses coming up on the schedule, Rodgers will need to turn back the clock and air it out to keep the Steelers in games.

Michael Penix Jr. (QB – ATL): 23% Rostered

Next Opponents: MIA, @NE, @IND
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $3
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: If the last two Falcons’ primetime games have taught us anything, it’s that this team is legit. The Falcons’ defense has been playing at an elite level, allowing a league-low 155.3 passing yards per game. On the other side of the ball, we have one of the league’s best receivers and running backs, plus a strong offensive line. Considering that Michael Penix Jr. has only started nine NFL games, his poise in big moments has been impressive. Last week, we saw that he isn’t afraid to use his legs in the right moments, and he can stabilize the team’s run-first approach. Penix does not possess a high ceiling for fantasy, but his floor is sturdy in large part because of the weapons around him.

Tight Ends

Written by Derek Brown

Mason Taylor (TE – NYJ): 39% Rostered

Next Opponents: @CIN, BYE, CLE
True Value: $3
Desperate Need: $5
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Well, the Jets squandered another plus matchup for Mason Taylor in Week 7. Taylor finished with only a 14.7% target share, three receptions and 31 receiving yards, as quarterback Justin Fields played poorly enough to be benched. If Tyrod Taylor is the starting quarterback moving forward, the Mason Taylor train might get back on track. In Weeks 4-5, Taylor was the TE11 and TE8, respectively, in weekly scoring. In Weeks 4-6, Taylor had a 22.2% target share, 44.7 receiving yards per game (1.41 yards per route run) and a 22.4% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Taylor could return to the TE1 realm this week against a Cincy defense that has surrendered the third-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Oronde Gadsden II (TE – LAC): 3% Rostered

Next Opponents: MIN, @TEN, PIT
True Value: $3
Desperate Need: $5
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: In Week 6, Oronde Gadsden II became the Chargers’ full-time tight end with a 69.2% route share, a 21.1% target share, 68 receiving yards (2.52 yards per route run) and a 31.6% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. He even saw an end-zone target. He was the TE12 for the week. Gadsden made that look like a weak-sauce box score in Week 7. He destroyed the Colts in comeback mode with a 77% route share, a 16.3% target share, 164 receiving yards and a score. I’m not expecting these types of numbers weekly from him, but Gadsden could easily be a TE1 again this week. Minnesota has allowed the 10th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Cade Otton (TE – TB): 42% Rostered

Next Opponents: @NO, BYE, NE
True Value: $3
Desperate Need: $5
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: With Mike Evans expected to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a shoulder injury on Monday night, and with Chris Godwin on the shelf with a leg injury, Cade Otton might play a bigger role in the Bucs’ passing game in the weeks to come. Otton had seven catches for 65 yards Monday night against the Lions. Over his last three games, Otton has produced 12.1, 10.1 and 13.5 PPR points. Fast-forwarding to Week 8, Otton offers decent streaming appeal at tight end against a Saints secondary that has allowed the 14th-most receiving yards to tight ends.

Juwan Johnson (TE – NO): 30% Rostered

Next Opponents: TB, @LAR, @CAR
True Value: $2
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: In Weeks 4-6, Juwan Johnson saw his role in the offense shrink. While his route share stayed steady, his target and first-read shares slipped. Johnson reversed the trend in Week 7. Against the Bears, he had a 71.4% snap share, an 83.7% route share and a 22.5% target share, per Pro Football Focus (PFF), which he turned into 79 receiving yards. Johnson could keep the good vibes rolling in Week 8 against a Buccaneers pass defense that has allowed the ninth-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Colston Loveland (TE – CHI): 22% Rostered

Next Opponents: @BAL, @CIN, NYG
True Value: $2
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Cole Kmet left last week’s game with a back injury. Assuming Cole Kmet is out this week, Loveland could easily return TE1 value in a full-time role against Baltimore. Entering Week 7, Loveland had turned his 38.6% route share into a 16% target per route run rate, 0.96 yards per route run and a 9.8% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Against the Saints, he had a 62.9% route share, a 17.3% target share and 24 receiving yards, per PFF. The Ravens have allowed the 12th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Jonnu Smith (TE – PIT): 19% Rostered

Next Opponents: GB, IND, @LAC
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Across his last two games, Jonnu Smith has had a 74.2% route share, a 15.6% target share, 23 receiving yards per game and an 11.4% first-read share. Last week, he had 28 receiving yards and a score in a nice matchup against the Bengals. He could produce similar numbers this week in a plus-matchup against Green Bay. The Packers have allowed the fifth-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Defenses

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

Indianapolis Colts: 48% Rostered

Next Opponents: TEN, @PIT, ATL
True Value: $2
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Picking on the Titans has been an effective strategy for streaming defenses this season. Tennessee rookie quarterback Cam Ward is getting increasingly sloppy about taking care of the ball. In a 31-13 loss to the Patriots on Sunday, Ward threw one interception and coughed up a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. Ward has thrown five interceptions and lost five fumbles this season, and he’s been sacked a league-high 30 times. The Colts entered Week 7 ranked No. 2 in defensive fantasy scoring. Indianapolis has notched 19 sacks and forced 11 turnovers.

Atlanta Falcons: 8% Rostered

Next Opponents: MIA, @NE, @IND
True Value: $2
Desperate Need: $3
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: The Falcons have been superb on defense this season, and they get a juicy home matchup against the Dolphins this week. Atlanta entered Week 7 ranked first in the league in defensive DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average) and 11th in defensive fantasy scoring. The 1-6 Dolphins are crumbling. A week after criticizing team leadership, Tua Tagovailoa threw three interceptions in a blowout loss to the Browns. He’s thrown 10 interceptions this season, with six in his last two games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 9% Rostered

Next Opponents: @NO, BYE, NE
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: After a Week 7 game against the high-flying Lions, the Buccaneers get an easier Week 8 matchup against the Saints in New Orleans. Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler hadn’t been lighting up the scoreboard this season, but he had been fairly conscientious about avoiding turnovers and sacks — until Week 7. Against the Bears on Sunday, Rattler threw three interceptions, lost a fumble and absorbed four sacks. Expect the blitz-happy Bucs to throw the kitchen sink at young Mr. Rattler in an attempt to (ahem) rattle him.

Buffalo Bills: 38% Rostered

Next Opponents: @CAR, KC, @MIA
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The Bills’ defense should be well-rested and relatively healthy coming off a Week 7 bye. Buffalo gets a Week 8 matchup against Carolina, which might have to start the venerable Andy Dalton at quarterback, depending on the severity of the ankle injury Bryce Young sustained on Sunday.

Houston Texans: 47% Rostered

Next Opponents: SF, DEN, JAX
True Value: $0
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The Houston defense had allowed only three offensive touchdowns in its first five games before giving up three TDs to the Seahawks in Week 6, but the Texans did manage to force the Seahawks into four turnovers. The Texans’ D has scored double-digit fantasy points in two of its last three games and gets a home matchup against the 49ers this week.

New York Jets: 11% Rostered

Next Opponents: @CIN, BYE, CLE
True Value: $0
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: With six teams on bye in Week 8, it’s going to be a feeding frenzy on waivers this week. If you want to add a defense as cheaply as possible, perhaps the Jets are for you. The Jets’ defense hasn’t been particularly effective thus far, but a matchup with the Bengals could make the Jets a sneaky-good option. Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco has pumped new life into the Cincinnati offense in his first two starts with the Bengals, but interceptions are part of the bargain with Flacco, who also takes his fair share of sacks.

Kickers

By Pat Fitzmaurice

Michael Badgley (K – IND): 11% Rostered

Next Opponents: TEN, @PIT, ATL
True Value: $2
Desperate Need: $3
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Michael Badgley is, without question, the best widely available kicking option for Week 8. The Colts have been on fire, averaging a league-high 33.1 points per game this season. They have a Week 8 matchup with the Titans, who are allowing 27.4 points per game. In two games since taking over for the injured Spencer Shrader, Badgley is 2-of-2 on field goals and 7-of-8 on extra points.

Matt Prater (K – BUF): 10% Rostered

Next Opponents: @CAR, KC, @MIA
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: There has been no indication that Tyler Bass is close to returning from the groin injury that landed him on injured reserve (IR). That leaves the 41-year-old Matt Prater as Buffalo’s kicker for the foreseeable future. Prater has been reliable, banging home 10-of-11 field goals and 17-of-17 extra points, and he’s tied to a prolific Bills offense led by reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen. Prater is averaging 8.7 fantasy points per game.

Tyler Loop (K – BAL): 13% Rostered

Next Opponents: CHI, @MIA, @MIN
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: With Lamar Jackson expected to return from a hamstring injury when the Ravens emerge from their bye week, the Baltimore offense should be dangerous once again. That makes Tyler Loop playable again. He’s been fairly dependable, making 9-of-10 field-goal attempts and 15-of-16 extra points, but with Jackson sidelined, Loop has produced only seven fantasy points over his last two games.

Parker Romo (K – ATL): 2% Rostered

Next Opponents: MIA, @NE, @IND
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: For Week 8, Parker Romo gets a cozy dome matchup against the Dolphins, who are giving up 29.3 points per game. We like the spot more than the kicker himself. Since going 5-of-5 on field goals in his first game with the Falcons, Romo is only 3-of-6 on field-goal tries over his last three contests.

Evan McPherson (K – CIN): 46% Rostered

Next Opponents: NYJ, CHI, BYE
True Value: $0
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The arrival of Joe Flacco has perked up the Cincinnati offense. The Bengals have scored 51 points in the two games they’ve played with Flacco. After attempting just one field goal in each of his first five games, Evan McPherson has attempted seven field goals in his last two games (although he’s missed two of them). McPherson has a favorable Week 8 matchup against the Jets, who are giving up 12.7 fantasy points per game to kickers.

Andy Borregales (K – NE): 2% Rostered

Next Opponents: CLE, ATL, @TB
True Value: $0
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The Patriots have averaged 30.3 points over their last four games, and Andy Borregales is 6-of-6 on field goals and 14-of-14 on extra points over that stretch. The Patriots have committed only one turnover in their last four games, which has helped provide Borregales with ample scoring opportunities.

Fool’s Gold

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is a former tight ends coach who loves to use 2-TE and 3-TE sets. Unfortunately, Smith’s tight end usage is largely inscrutable. Take Pat Freiermuth, for instance. He had 8-76-0 receiving on 11 targets over Pittsburgh’s first five games and was tied for TE54 in half-PPR fantasy scoring. Then, in Week 7, Freiermuth exploded for 5-111-2 on six targets against the Bengals. With Freiermuth sharing snaps and targets with Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington, this isn’t a place where you should be investing.

After producing 31 or fewer receiving yards in each of his first four games, Panthers wideout Xavier Legette had 9-92-1 on 11 targets on Sunday against the Jets. Legette was busy largely because Carolina’s best receiver, rookie Tetairoa McMillan, was locked up with Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, one of the NFL’s top cover men, for most of the game. Legette has largely been a disappointment over the first 21 games of his career. That’s not to say he can’t become a valuable fantasy asset, but it will take more than one good performance to pique our interest.

With Calvin Ridley out in Week 7, Titans rookie Chimere Dike helped take up the slack, going for 4-70-1 on four targets. Dike was third in snaps and routes behind Elic Ayomanor and Van Jefferson. When Ridley comes back, Dike will be a No. 4 WR in one of the league’s most impotent passing attacks. No thanks.

Daniel Bellinger is worth monitoring, as the receiver-depleted Giants could follow the Steelers’ lead and run the passing attack through their tight ends. Bellinger had a couple of big plays, including a 44-yard touchdown catch, en route to a 3-88-1 stat line against the Broncos on Sunday. But Bellinger had only four targets in that game, and he’s been targeted only 11 times in the Giants’ first seven games. For now, monitor Bellinger from afar.

Drop Recommendations

Droppable

Kareem Hunt was splitting snaps and touches pretty evenly with Isiah Pacheco early in the season. But then Pacheco seemed to pull away in Week 6, out-snapping Hunt 49-19 and out-touching him 13-7. In Week 7, Hunt sustained an ankle injury that could cause him to miss time. If this were still an even backfield split, Hunt might be worth holding. But with Pacheco apparently the Chiefs’ lead running back now, and with rookie Brashard Smith starting to get more work, Hunt is droppable.

Jordan Whittington seemed like a reasonable Week 7 play with Puka Nacua out for the Rams. Whittington was targeted four times and had two catches for nine yards in the Rams’ 35-7 win over the Jaguars on Sunday. The Rams now go on bye, and Nacua is expected back in Week 9. Whittington can go back on waivers.

Chig Okonkwo is rostered in 24% of Yahoo leagues. That’s an overly generous level of rostership for a tight end who’s topped 50 yards only once this season, hasn’t scored a touchdown and plays in the worst offense in the league. The Titans have also been ramping up the usage of rookie TE Gunnar Helm.

Droppable With a Chance of Regret

There are few things in fantasy football more depressing than a good player coming back from an injury only to immediately succumb to a different injury. So it was with Mike Evans in Week 7. Evans returned from a hamstring injury but broke his collarbone. He’s expected to miss 6-8 weeks, so he might not be back until the fantasy playoffs at the earliest. It will probably be hard for most fantasy managers to hold onto Evans unless it’s a league with deep benches.

With tight end George Kittle returning from a hamstring injury in Week 7 and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall likely to be back from a knee injury in Week 8, Bourne will slip to fifth in San Francisco’s target pecking order behind Christian McCaffrey, Kittle, Pearsall and Jauan Jennings. Bourne had consecutive 142-yard games in Weeks 5-6, but the party is coming to an end.

Perhaps the Jets now understand why the Steelers ended their Justin Fields experiment after six starts last season. Fields was pulled from his sixth start with the Jets on Sunday after completing 6-of-12 passes for 46 yards and taking three sacks in what would turn out to be a 13-6 loss to the Panthers. Fields is a terrific runner, but he’s a Canadian Football League-caliber passer. He presents a Faustian bargain for whichever team employs him, and the Jets appear to be the latest team to grow disenchanted with that bargain. It’s not clear whether Fields will start for the Jets in Week 8, or if they’ll turn to veteran Tyrod Taylor, who relieved Fields on Sunday. As much as we fantasy folk appreciate hearty quarterback rushing numbers, Fields isn’t doing enough as a passer to earn his keep.

Don’t Drop Yet

TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE)
Jakobi Meyers (WR – LV)

TreVeyon Henderson was included in this section last week. We need to talk about him again. Henderson’s already disappointing role was further diminished in Week 8. The rookie played only nine snaps in the Patriots’ 31-13 win over the Titans. Rhamondre Stevenson had 20 touches in that game. Henderson had two carries and zero targets. If your league has shallow benches and you’re scrambling to fill lineup spots in a six-team bye week, you might have no choice but to throw Henderson overboard. But we’re continuing to urge patience. Stevenson has had major fumbling problems. Antonio Gibson is out for the year with a torn ACL. Henderson is one injury or perhaps a Stevenson fumble or two away from a workload spike. And while Henderson hasn’t flashed his talent in the NFL yet, there’s a reason he was a second-round pick. As frustrated as Henderson investors are right now, holding him is still the right move.

Jakobi Meyers missed the Raiders’ Week 7 game with knee and toe injuries. Before being sidelined, Meyers had been held to fewer than 40 receiving yards in three straight games. Normally a dependable possession receiver, Meyers hasn’t clicked with quarterback Geno Smith and hasn’t seemed like a great fit for Chip Kelly’s offense. It’s possible things look different when the Raiders return from their Week 8 bye and presumably have star tight end Brock Bowers healthy again. The presence of Bowers, who has been sidelined by a knee injury, could open up things for Meyers. It’s worth remembering that in the Raiders’ first two games of the season, Meyers had 14 catches on 22 targets. And there’s one other possible path to fantasy redemption for Meyers — a trade. Meyers has reportedly asked to be dealt, and the NFL trade deadline is November 4th. Hold Meyers until after Week 9.

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