Recommended Fantasy Football Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

Week 7 was a minefield to navigate for fantasy football managers, as six NFL teams had the weekend off. There’s a good chance that someone in your starting lineup was on bye, and you had to mix and match as a result. Week 8 is a little more forgiving, but adding strength to your roster can only benefit you in the long run.

The Dolphins square off against the New England Patriots next week, which has been an advantageous matchup for strong fantasy defenses. Miami welcomed pass rusher Jaelan Phillips back into the fold for Week 7, and he looked spry and fresh. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Dolphins were successfully able to pressure Mac Jones with their front four.

Demercado was tabbed as the player to own in Arizona’s backfield a couple of weeks ago, but his opportunity to be the lead back didn’t materialize until Week 7. If he was cut by another fantasy team due to minimal output in the last couple of games, it may not be a bad idea to scoop him up now to see if he can hold down the fort until James Conner returns.

The Rams backfield looked like a potential boon for fantasy managers looking to get a boost in the middle of the season. It still might be, but just not how people envisioned. Rookie Zach Evans was not as involved in the offense as veterans Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman. Either player would make for a fine flier over the next couple of weeks.

The Chargers defense has been much maligned this season, but fantasy football is all about playing the matchups. Los Angeles has an appealing one on paper against the Chicago Bears next week. Although rookie Tyson Bagent looked competent in his first NFL start, he may be more inclined to struggle in front of a Sunday Night Football national audience.

Allgeier is one of the most valuable handcuffs in the NFL, but was phased out of Atlanta’s offense as Bijan Robinson commanded a larger share of snaps. Robinson essentially missed the last game battling a headache, and should be back for next week’s game. However, having Allgeier at the back end of the roster could pay dividends down the road.

D.K. Metcalf isn’t expected to miss much more time with injury, but Smith-Njigba proved to Seahawks fans why he was worthy of a first round pick in last year’s draft. With Metcalf on the mend, the former Ohio State star notched 63 yards and a touchdown. If Metcalf or Lockett miss any more time, Smith-Njigba could be a valuable player to own.

He’s not going to jump off the waiver wire page in any league, but many fantasy teams are looking to piece things together at tight end. Smith has quietly been a reliable source of targets in the Falcons’ offense. His opportunities dipped a bit against Tampa Bay last week, but his familiarity with Arthur Smith’s offense will keep him in the mix for opportunities.

The Patriots offense has been hard to watch for much of the season, but it seems clear that Mac Jones has found his go-to target in Bourne. The latter has 16 catches and 18 targets in his last two games, including his first touchdown since Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday. The sheer volume Bourne is receiving makes him relevant in fantasy.