Waiver Wire Targets: Week 8

The difference in your week one game may have been changed based on one injury or one player putting up a dud. In order to prevent that from happening next week and each week following, here are a couple guys at each position who are owned in 50% of leagues or less according to NFL.com:

Quarterback:

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buccaneers – Owned in 12.5% of leagues

Despite the roller-coaster of a season Bucs’ QB owners have had, they have had significant success every game they have played from a fantasy point perspective. While there is risk with this pickup, the Buccaneers’ QBs combined average score this season is 26 fantasy points per week. That is good enough for 2nd best behind only Patrick Mahomes. If the Bucs can finally decide to keep Fitzmagic in, fantasy owners should reap the benefits.

Derek Carr, Raiders – Owned in 11.4% of leagues

Not many would expect the week that the Raiders decide to trade away one of their best playmakers to be the week that Derek Carr puts up 30 points. While part of that had to do with the poor defensive play of the Colts, Carr did show some resurgence that we haven’t seen much of this season. Expect that to continue into next week when the Raiders take on the 49ers.

Josh Rosen, Cardinals – Owned in 0.6% of leagues

Josh Rosen had the best fantasy week of his NFL career this past week. It is not surprising that the firing of Mike McCoy has led to improvement to the Cardinals’ offense as a whole. Josh Rosen should continue to learn and grow as this season goes on. It should also help that the next two games are both against bottom nine defenses against fantasy QBs.

Running Back:

D’Onta Foreman, Texans – Owned in 1% of leagues

Although has yet to fully return from the Achilles injury he suffered last season, he is close to returning to practice. The Texans rushing attack this season has not been anything special and if he can prove he is healthy, he could be a great stash player when the fantasy playoffs come around. Expect to hold him out for a couple of weeks, but if you have an open bench spot, he is worth the pickup.

Devontae Booker, Broncos – Owned in 42.4% of leagues

Booker was given more snaps and carries this week after Royce Freeman was ruled out with an injury. He was able to take advantage and gain over 100 total yards for the first time this season. So long as Freeman remains out, Booker should continue to have a role within the Broncos RB committee with Phillip Lindsay. He is still worth picking up for anyone who needs an RB during bye weeks.

Elijah McGuire, Jets – Owned in 0.2% of leagues

Since the injury to Bilal Powell two weeks ago, people have been discussing McGuire as a good pick up option. Like Foreman, McGuire is technically not on the active roster as he continues to heal from his own injury issues. We see McGuire taking back the backup and change of pace role when he is able to return. He is eligible to be activated this week so now is definitely the time to pick him up if you need RB help.

Doug Martin, Raiders – Owned in 20.4% of leagues

Martin stepped up this week with Lynch out and he really took over the lead back role. Besides a very costly fumble late in the game, he was highly productive. He was able to gain 72 yards on only 13 carries. If he can continue to maintain this level of efficiency while also adding a TD in some weeks, he will be a great RB to watch for the rest of the season.

Josh Adams, Eagles – Owned in 0.2% of leagues

Just when you think you know who the Eagles are going to make their lead back, you get hit with a curveball that changes your entire thought. Josh Adams was this week’s curveball as he led the team in carries and rushing yards. After rushing for over 6 YPC against a tough Jacksonville Defense, expect him to get more opportunities following the Eagles week 9 bye.

Wide Receiver:

David Moore, Seahawks – Owned in 0.4% of leagues

When you score four TDs in three weeks, fantasy owners will begin to notice. That is exactly what David Moore has done the last three games for the Seahawks. While he may not be able to continue at this rate of TDs, it’s good to get in on the action while you can. Wilson has always had a special ability to extend and create big plays. David Moore has definitely solidified himself at the number three WR behind Baldwin and Lockett.

Courtland Sutton, Broncos – Owned in 1.7% of leagues

Following the trade of Demaryius Thomas to the Texans, Sutton is expected to move up the depth chart and see a significant increase in role. The rookie has already shown an ability to make significant plays this season and the increased snaps should do nothing to stop that. The Broncos clearly felt confident enough with him and Sanders to send DT away. Sutton is one of a couple rookies who has a tremendous chance to have a significant impact late this season.

D.J. Moore, Panthers – Owned in 5.8% of leagues

With Torrey Smith out this week, Moore was given the increased role he has desired for most of the season. It definitely worked out well as Moore was able to gain 129 total yards against a Ravens’ defense that has been very tough on WRs all season. If this is any indication of what is to come, Moore could be another rookie contributing from a fantasy perspective before the end of this season.

Richard Matthews, Jets – Owned in 32.4% of leagues

After joining the Jets a week ago, Matthews has yet to catch a pass for them. With Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa still dealing with injuries, the Jets are in dire need of a reliable and consistent receiver like Matthews. Expect him to be in the lineup sooner rather than later and he will make an immediate contribution. He may be more of a short-term option however since his outlook will be worse once Enunwa and Anderson return.

Tyrell Williams, Chargers – Owned in 15% of leagues

Following his week 8 bye, Tyrell has been on fire and a real spark to the Chargers’ offense. He is one of Rivers’ most trusted targets and he should continue to be so for the rest of the season. While he may throw up duds every once in a while due to his reliance on big plays, he will make up for it on days when he has games over 100 yards and touchdown like he has the past two games.

Tight End:

Vance McDonald, Steelers – Owned in 16% of leagues

McDonald has been a constant target for Big Ben since returning from injury. He has clearly taken the receiving tight end role away from Jesse James and barring injury again, he should continue to produce at a position that has a dire need for consistency. McDonald could be a great spot start for bye weeks in the upcoming weeks.

Austin Hooper, Falcons – Owned in 30.6% of leagues

Hooper was not as impressive in his last start as he was in the previous two, but that still does not change the fact he is currently a top 10 TE ahead of others such as Kyle Rudolph, Jimmy Graham and Jordan Reed. Expect a comeback this week from Hooper and look for Ryan to continue to use him in mismatches and the redzone.

Jordan Thomas, Texans – Owned in 0.1% of leagues

Two TDs scored on TNF last week were scored by Jordan Thomas. While that was pretty disappointing for anyone besides Deshaun Watson owners, it could signal a larger role for Thomas moving forward. He was given more opportunity with Griffin out and he took advantage. While Griffin should be back by the next game, Thomas should still have a done enough to prove that he deserves to be on the field.

Defenses:

This section of the article is based primarily on streaming defense options for each week. It will sight defenses that have good matchups and are owned in less than 15% of leagues according to NFL.com:

Miami Dolphins – Owned in 7.9% of leagues

Miami has a talented defense, but they have struggled tremendously with consistency. This week they take on the Jets who they scored 15 points against earlier in the season. If they can play similarly to how they played in that game, this could be a big rebound from the negative output they gave their fantasy owners in last week’s TNF game.

Tennessee Titans – Owned in 11.2% of leagues

The Titans were one of the better fantasy defenses in the NFL near the beginning of the season. The past couple weeks, they have struggled scoring just 5 combined points in the past two games. This week brings a matchup with the Dallas Cowboys and it should be a favorable matchup for the Titans. The Cowboys have currently allowed the 13th most points to fantasy defenses.