Fantasy Football: Week 8 Waiver Wire Targets
By Conner Grant
Oct 25, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) returns a kick off past Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the NFL game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
With it being week 8 in the NFL season, it is halfway through the season. This makes every week from here on out more and more significant. Between injuries, bye weeks, and tough match ups, you’re going to have to look at the waiver wire for some help. The best teams in fantasy football are the ones that have depth. So here are a few players that will help fill those voids in your line-ups, and keep you in contention for the upcoming playoff hunt because all that is important is just getting in to the playoffs. After that, anything can happen!
Next: Who Is The Best Waiver QB?
Oct 25, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) celebrates after running back Lamar Miller (not pictured) scors a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback – Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins:
After a disastrous start through four games, the Miami Dolphins fired their head coach Joe Philbin. After a week five bye, interim head coach Dan Campbell came out and sent a message to the rest of the league with a 38-10 win against the Titans. They followed up that win with an ass-kicking against the Texans 44-26 Sunday.
Under his new head coach, Tannehill, along with the rest of the offense, have gotten hot. Against the Titans, Tannehill had 266 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Tannehill improved these numbers against the Texans, where he set the record for consecutive completions with 25.
There are plenty of QB’s with byes coming up. Like in week nine with Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford, and Joe Flacco with a week off, so it may be time to look into a back up quarterback. Who better to replace your starting QB with one of the hottest QB’s in the league as of late?
Next: How Deep Do You Have To Dig At RB?
Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson (52) at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Running Back – Alfred Blue, Houston Texans:
After sustaining another devastating injury, Arian Foster finds himself out for the year yet again. Alfred Blue will be in a position to receive a lot of Foster’s targets down the stretch.
Look, yes the Houston Texans have had their struggles, but someone is going to have to carry the ball for this team. If your starting RB is out like Jamaal Charles, Arian Foster, Dion Lewis, or is struggling like Melvin Gordon, you’re going to need some depth at the position. Blue is expected to get a healthy amount of carries and is worth the add for depth purposes.
Blue will likely be snatched up pretty quickly by competitors. Houston’s other RB, Chris Polk, could be a viable back up option. Blue will start with the bulk of the carries, but Polk will be the third down back, with a potential to gain more carries if he gets going.
Next: Who Will Get More Catches At WR?
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) celebrates his touchdown against the New York Jets with wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receiver – Danny Amendola, New England Patriots:
During their 30-23 win against the New York Jets, Patriot wide receiver’s had their struggles. Newly activated Brandon LaFell struggled to catch the ball with six drops, and Julian Edelman was smothered by Pro Bowl CB Darrelle Revis all game. Amendola was left as the WR1 for the Patriots and shined in the spotlight. Amendola finished the game with eight receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. This is following another successful game against Indianapolis where he totaled 105 yards.
Amendola seems to be emerging in Tom Brady’s offense. With Gronkowski and Edelman drawing the majority of the attention, this opens up the field for Amendola. With an offense who’s leading rusher was Tom Brady with 15 yards, there is plenty of passing opportunities for Amendola and the rest of the Patriots receiving corps.
Note: Brandon LaFell struggled in his season debut, but has proved to be able to produce in the past. He may be a buy low candidate if Amendola is gone.
Next: What TE Is Still Lurking On Waivers?
Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green (89) scores a touchdown as Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) defends during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Tight End – Ladarius Green, San Diego Chargers:
In 12 team leagues, the waiver wire is quite empty at the TE position. Trying to find a replacement for your TE on bye has proven to be quite difficult. This is what makes Ladarius Green a top commodity at the position.
Green is a starting TE on majority of teams in the league, but currently backs up Antonio Gates in San Diego. Gates was on the shelf last week, which made Green the starter for week 7. He capitalized with a touchdown and two 2-PT conversions in the game. Although Gates is expected to return for week 8, Green is still valuable, who already has four TD’s in six games.
The Chargers will likely need all the help they can get from the TE spot with their struggling backfield of Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead.
Next: Who Is The Deep Sleeper Pick?
Oct 25, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Albert Wilson (12) attempts to catch a pass as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) defends during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
DEEP SLEEPER – WR Albert Wilson, Kansas City Chiefs:
For those who are looking deep into their waiver wires for the “next big thing,” Albert Wilson could be your guy. In week 6, the rookie came back from injury to catch his first career TD pass. He followed up the performance with a career high 71 yards. With Jeremy Maclin out with a concussion, Wilson was a top target for Alex Smith.
Coming back from a shoulder injury, Wilson has shown potential. Being only owned in 1% of leagues, he could be a guy who you could invest in if you have room on your bench.
Stay tuned to Fantasy CPR for more NBA advice, NASCAR DraftKings picks, FanDuel picks, and all of the college football games picked against the spread!
Next: Who Should You Avoid In Your NBA Fantasy Drafts?
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