With week 8 officially in the books, there are more names you need to know on this week’s waiver wire. You may be dealing with injuries, bye weeks, or just need to cycle players out on your bench. Whatever it is, the waiver wire is there to help. Let’s take a look at some of the best players that should be added this week on waivers.
Jump to a Player
Cedric Tillman WR (CLE)
Tillman was a priority waiver claim last week after a career-high 8 catches for 81 yards on 12 targets. He followed his breakout performance with 7 catches for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns in the upset win over the Ravens. So far in two games without Amari Cooper, he continues to lead the Browns receivers in target share and air yards share. His usage over the last two weeks suggests his breakout performances are no fluke and that he will continue to produce. With Jameis Winston at quarterback, this team has instantly improved on offense. Tillman is a FLEX play going forward and needs to be the number 1 priority on the waiver wire this week.
Bo Nix QB (DEN)
Nix was impressive against the Panthers, throwing for 284 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown. In the last four weeks, he has posted three 22+ point outings, which has boosted him to the QB9 position in fantasy football. Nix is starting to jump from being a matchup-dependent streamer, to a guy you need to be starting every week. This week the Broncos face the Ravens who recently gave up over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns to Jameis Winston. Nix is available in 63% of leagues and should be a priority on the waiver wire for a QB-needy team.
Matthew Stafford QB (LAR)
Stafford got Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back from injury against the Vikings, which helped him throw 4 touchdown passes in the win. We know that this offense will continue to get better when their offensive line gets healthier down the stretch making him an intriguing long-term stash. Their defense this season currently ranks 22nd in points and 21st in yards allowed providing the opportunity for many shootouts down the stretch. This week, Stafford is a top 10 quarterback with a matchup against the Cardinals who have allowed the 7th most points to opposing quarterbacks this season.
Hunter Henry TE (NE)
National Tight End Day led to many big performances for tight ends but was a quiet day for Henry as he finished with 5 catches for 45 yards on 6 targets. When Drake Maye is at quarterback the Patriot’s passing game is intriguing in fantasy football. When Maye is in, Henry has a 20% target share and has yet to post under 40 receiving yards. Depending on Maye’s status in week nine, Henry is someone you need to keep your eye on. If he is on the waiver wire stash him because he is in line for more TE1 performances down the stretch.
Ricky Pearsall WR (SF)
Pearsall is an intriguing option to increase his snaps and role within the 49ers offense down the stretch. The rookie wide receiver caught 4 passes for 38 yards and had 1 carry for 39 yards in the win over the Cowboys. In that game, he was 3rd on the team in snaps and routes run but managed to fall right behind Deebo Samuel on wide receiver targets. Considering he is a rookie, his contribution to the 49ers over the last two weeks might be enough to earn him more snaps down the stretch. Pearsall is a guy we need to stash off the waiver wire and could have league-winning potential down the stretch.
Xavier Legette WR (CAR)
Without Diontae Johnson, Legette had 4 catches for 34 yards and a touchdown on 7 targets in the loss to the Broncos. The Panthers will likely wind up trading Diontae Johnson before the trade deadline, making Legette an intriguing option on the waiver wire this week. Despite leading the team in targets this week his snap share did take a dip surprisingly without Johnson on the field. Where Legette can be lethal down the stretch is the red zone. This season he is tied for 1st in the NFL in contested catch rate and ranks 32nd in red zone targets. He has the upside of a consistent FLEX play and is worth an add this week.
Top Priority (If Available)
Keon Coleman WR (BUF)
54% Rostered
The addition of Amari Cooper has brought the best out of Coleman in the last two weeks. In those two weeks, he had 9 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown showcasing his upside in the Bills offense. This week he led all Bills receivers in snap share % and was second on the team in routes run. As Cooper gets up to speed with the Bills offense, Coleman is a good FLEX play in PPR formats.
Jalen McMillian WR (TB)
50% Rostered
One of the biggest questions heading into week eight was how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiving room was going to shake out after the Mike Evans and Chris Godwin injuries. I mentioned how Jalen McMillian would be the biggest beneficiary of the injuries and showed that this week. McMillan led the receivers in snaps, routes run, targets, catches, and yards on the day showing his potential outlook until Mike Evans returns.
Josh Downs WR (IND)
42% Rostered
After his 1 catch performance, he followed it up with a 100-yard performance and added a touchdown in week eight. I mentioned this week it is hard to trust Colts pass catchers as long as Anthony Richardson is at quarterback but that might be changing this week. Shane Steichen mentioned that he has not committed to a starter against the Vikings this week. If Flacco is back at the helm, Downs immediately becomes a low-end WR2.
Honorable Mentions
Jameis Winston QB (CLE) rostered: 6%
Braelon Allen RB (NYJ) rostered: 35%
Tyler Allgeier RB (ATL) rostered: 41%
Kimani Vidal RB (LAC) rostered: 12%
Isaac Guerendo RB (SF) rostered: 7%
Rashod Bateman WR (BAL) rostered: 37%
Jerry Jeudy WR (CLE) rostered: 54%
DeMario Douglas WR (NE) rostered: 26%
Zach Ertz TE (WAS) rostered: 40%
Will Dissly TE (LAC) rostered: 2%
Will Reichard K (MIN) rostered: 23%
Cincinnati Bengals DEF rostered: 31%
Washington Commanders DEF rostered: 17%
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