2025 Waiver Wire for Week 8

Jim Bednar
2025 Waiver Wire for Week 8

Welcome to the 2025 Waiver Wire for Week 8!

Is there a better feeling in the world than picking up Joe Flacco on Tuesday (with Josh Allen on a bye) and watching him throw for 300+ yards and three touchdowns on Thursday Night Football? I didn’t think so until I was forced to start Jaxson Dart, who scored 29 fantasy points on the road IN Denver on Sunday. Maybe instead, you were the happy recipient of Aaron Rodgers’ 4 touchdowns, or perhaps you enjoyed Oronde Gadsden’s 164-yard performance Sunday afternoon.

I won’t list them all because the entire list gets a little boring (and some of them are named further down). The point is, there were nine players at the quarterback, running-back, and tight-end position that went undrafted in almost every league and finished in the top 12 at their positions in week 7.

That’s right, with the exception of the wide receiver position, you could have picked up a winning lineup off waivers. Speaking of wide receivers, three undrafted wide receivers finished top 24 in scoring this week, so you could have gotten a boost from waivers there as well.

There are players available like these every week, and I don’t really think you should pick them all up and start them. But hey, if you’re 0-7, maybe you can pull off an entertaining win.

Disclaimer: Waiver Wire Rostership Percentages from Sleeper, ESPN, & Yahoo, as well as the Combined Rostership Percentages, will not exceed 50%. Also, fantasy point scoring will be represented from a Half-PPR perspective.

Teams on Bye Week: Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks

Quarterbacks

Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (15%), ESPN (5%), & Yahoo (11%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 10.3%

Base Statistics of The Week:

Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:

Waiver Wire Analysis:

Statistics are fun and vital, but I don’t know how to compare Joe Flacco’s stats from Brown’s to the Bengals’. Obviously, the upgrade at receiver has made a difference, but it’s not like he’s playing behind a better offensive line. We can’t say it’s just because he played the Steelers either, because the week prior against the Packers, he was pretty good too, throwing for 219 yards and two touchdowns.

Even though there are six teams on a bye this week, you’re likely not hurting for QB because of it. But if you are, or need to upgrade at QB, or want to add some depth, or want to deprive your league-mates of starting options, Bengal’s Joe Flacco is the player to add.

Next 3 Opponents: vs. New York Jets, vs. Chicago Bears, Bye Week

Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (0%), ESPN (0%), & Yahoo (0%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage:

Base Statistics of The Week:

Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:

Waiver Wire Analysis:

Andy Dalton played the entire 4th quarter against a mediocre New York Jets defense and underperformed to say the least. Carolina is about to face a tough(ish) slate of defenses, but if you need a body and Bryce Young doesn’t play, maybe we’ll see a Joe Flacco(ish) resurgence from the Red Rifle. He’s probably just the red BB gun, but if he’s got anything left, and you add him now, he’ll cost less.

Worst-case scenario: you trade him to the guy who missed out on Flacco.

Next 3 Opponents: vs Buffalo Bills, @ Green Bay Packers, vs. New Orleans Saints

Running Backs

Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (12%), ESPN (4%), & Yahoo (7%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 7.7%

Base Statistics of The Week:

Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:

Waiver Wire Analysis:

Don’t be fooled, D’Andre Swift’s usage hasn’t really changed since the beginning of the season, but Kyle Monangai appears to have cornered the market on the rest of the Bears’ carries. If he maintains the job, Monangai’s looking at a juicy matchup with the Ravens, who have allowed 808 yards and nine touchdowns to opposing rushers in 6 games this season, and just at the right time, as most fantasy managers are looking to fill bye week roster holes.

Next 3 Opponents: @ Baltimore Ravens, @ Cincinnati Bengals, vs. New York Giants

Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (9%), ESPN (3%), & Yahoo (6%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 6%

Base Statistics of The Week:

Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:

Waiver Wire Analysis:

With only a 35% snap share and the bulk of his carries coming in the 4th quarter, Brashard Smith hasn’t quite yet reached usage marks to start him comfortably. Still, with six teams on a bye, 0RB strategies being popular, and the injury bug going around, there’s a chance you’ll plug him in this week. His 4-week 4-target average is very encouraging and, unlike his rush attempts, doesn’t seem to be affected by game script.

Even if the game script dictates Smith’s usage, the Chiefs are rounding into mid-decade form, and he may see plenty of opportunities in blowout wins if the offense can maintain its pace. Start Smith if you must, but don’t let him sit on waivers for others to snatch up.

Next 3 Opponents: vs. Washington Redskins, @ Buffalo Bills, Bye Week

Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (36%), ESPN (24%), & Yahoo (22%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 27.3%

Base Statistics of The Week:

Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:

Waiver Wire Analysis:

This is the usage we were looking for with Bam Knight. He out-snapped and out-carried Michael Carter, and he doubled Carter in targets. It may be tough to roster Bam through the bye week, but Trey Benson will still be on IR the following week against a Cowboys’ defense that everyone-not-named-Bill can run on. You can drop Bam after that if you want, but at least try to stash him for the Cowboys’ game.

Next 3 Opponents: Bye Week, @ Dallas Cowboys, @ Seattle Seahawks

Wide Receivers

Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (44%), ESPN (27%), & Yahoo (32%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 34.3%

Base Statistics of The Week:

Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:

Waiver Wire Analysis:

Last week, I wrote that Kayshon Boutte, wide receiver for the current AFC #2 seed New England Patriots, is good enough for a WR3 finish the rest of the season, and that’s looking like a pretty good week 7 call as we head into Monday Night Football. I don’t know if Boutte can sustain his numbers, honestly. He may need a touchdown to be relevant each week. But if Drake trusts him in high-pressure situations (and he does), you can trust him in your lineup if you’re low on options.

Next 3 Opponents: vs. Cleveland Browns, vs. Atlanta Falcons, @Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (28%), ESPN (29%), & Yahoo (21%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 26%

Base Statistics of The Week:

Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:

Waiver Wire Analysis:

If I told you a wide receiver had 10 targets and caught a touchdown against the Giants, you’d probably assume he scored more than 10 fantasy points. In most cases, you would probably be correct, but there’s a reason Troy Franklin is only 26% rostered. However, he gets to play the Cowboys and Raiders over the next three weeks, so there’s hope that his target share morphs into fantasy success. You certainly don’t want to see a wide receiver with 10 targets on someone else’s roster.

Next 3 Opponents: vs. Dallas Cowboys, @ Houston Texans, vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Jaylin Lane, Washington Commanders

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (3%), ESPN (2%), & Yahoo (1%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 2%

Base Statistics of The Week:

Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:

Waiver Wire Analysis:

Jaylin Lane led all Washington wide receivers in targets and catches in week 7. The rookie is only a speculative add and not startable if either Deebo Samuel or Terry McLaurin returns to action next week. If both wide receivers sit out again, he technically wins the starting wide receiver “contest”, but be warned: it’s a tough matchup against the Chiefs.

It probably feels weird to read about a player you most likely won’t start, but with six teams on a bye at a deep position you have to get a little creative.

Next 3 Opponents: @ Kansas City Chiefs, vs. Seattle Seahawks, vs. Detroit Lions

Tight Ends

Oronde Gadsden, Los Angeles Chargers

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (12%), ESPN (2%), & Yahoo (4%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 6%

Base Statistics of The Week:

Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:

Waiver Wire Analysis:

This is the last week Gadsden will be available on waivers. Week 7’s fantasy TE1 did his best Antonio Gates impression and is clearly a trusted target for Justin Herbert. If seven catches for 164 yards and a touchdown isn’t enough evidence to pick him up, you must have a really strong roster.

Next 3 Opponents: vs. Minnesota Vikings, @ Tennessee Titans, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Theo Johnson, New York Giants

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (13%), ESPN (12%), & Yahoo (18%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 14.3%

Base Statistics of The Week:

Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:

Waiver Wire Analysis:

Jaxson Dart is elevating the entire offense and Theo Johnson with it. Johnson is averaging 6 targets and just under 10 fantasy points per game since Dart took over at quarterback. Consistency is difficult to find at the tight end position, and while his 2.7 point performance against the Eagles is annoying, he should finish the season higher than his current #15 position.

Next 3 Opponents: @ Philadelphia Eagles, vs. San Francisco 49ers, @ Chicago Bears

Noah Fant, Cincinnati Bengals

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (4%), ESPN (2%), & Yahoo (1%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 2.3%

Base Statistics of The Week:

Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:

Waiver Wire Analysis:

In two games with Joe Flacco as the starter, Noah Fant has had 4 targets and 4 catches. Make no mistake, Fant is well behind standout receivers Chase and Higgins in terms of target share, but we’ve seen what Fant can do with opportunity. There is mild concern that Tanner Hudson could steal some targets, but he is not on the field nearly as much as Fant. If you’re looking for someone to replace McBride or La Porta in week 8, Fant is a solid option against the Jets.

Next 3 Opponents: vs. New York Jets, vs. Chicago Bears, Bye Week

D/ST

Atlanta Falcons

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (9%), ESPN (10%), & Yahoo (10%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 9.6%

Waiver Wire Analysis:

This is only a one-week option, but I’d start anyone against the Dolphins right now. Somehow, McDaniel still hasn’t been fired, which only adds to the dysfunction of the offense. Atlanta is only allowing 141 yards to opposing quarterbacks and is averaging two sacks a game, so if they find a way to stop Achane, they’ll put up points for your squad. Take advantage of the home matchup this week.

Next 3 Opponents: vs. Miami Dolphins, @ New England Patriots, @Indianapolis Colts

Chicago Bears

Percent Rostered on Sleeper (49%), ESPN (35.8%), & Yahoo (35.8%):

Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 40.2%

Waiver Wire Analysis:

The Bears’ defense has quietly been a consistent fantasy force this season. Ranked 11th overall on FantasyPros and averaging 8.3 fantasy points per game, they face an underwhelming Ravens offense that has provided fantasy success to opposing defenses this season. Lamar Jackson still hasn’t practiced, making this matchup even more enticing. The Bears should be rostered anyway, but this week 8 matchup looks to be promising for the under-owned D/ST.

Next 3 Opponents: @ Baltimore Ravens, @ Cincinnati Bengals, vs. New York Giants

Those are our priority suggestions of players to bid for/put in a claim in your league’s 2025 Waiver Wire for Week 8! For more Waiver Wire articles this season, click here. I’m Jim, and you can find me on Twitter/X at @acirfabednar. See you next week!

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