NFL Waiver Wire: Week 8 Deep Dive

At the halfway point of the fantasy season, pickings on the waiver wire are understandably slim. That means digging deeper for possible production and taking a look at the sort of players who could flame out as easily as they could reliably produce the rest of the way. Filtering through the list is sure to produce at least a handful of gems, as we're retaught every season the lesson that consistent production doesn't always come from the most alluring names. 

This article represents our second waiver wire piece of the week, intended to give a broad overview of players worth fantasy consideration every Thursday. Every Monday, Kevin Payne's first edition of the Waiver Wire series summarizes the top names.

For add/drop, start/sit, or any other questions relating to fantasy, just comment below or hit me up on Twitter (@ivilloth). 

The list below includes players rostered in no more than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues and is listed in order of preference based on half-point per reception scoring and a 12-team league. Depending on your league's scoring and roster settings, certain players might warrant higher consideration than what is listed. Each player's listed roster percentage is based on Tuesday's Yahoo statistics, to give a general sense of availability for a given week.

Quarterback 

Teddy Bridgewater vs. Falcons (44 percent) - A primetime TNF matchup with the Falcons is reason enough to stream any quarterback, and Bridgewater has also been perfectly serviceable against poor defenses all year. He still has yet to hit three passing touchdowns in a game this season, but this represents the perfect divisional stage for Bridgewater to unleash DJ Moore and Robby Anderson.

Derek Carr at Browns (30 percent) - Taking out a Week 1 letdown, Carr now has five straight games with over 250 passing yards and multiple TDs. His three most recent contests have come against stout opposing defenses - Buffalo, Kansas City and Tampa Bay - and now gets a much more favorable matchup against a susceptible Browns' secondary which has allowed an average of 2.6 passing touchdowns per game.

Baker Mayfield vs. Raiders (33 percent) - Coming off a battle against the Bengals with season-high marks in terms of completions (22), yards (297) and touchdowns (five), Mayfield now gets a Las Vegas secondary that's given up the fifth-most yards to opposing quarterbacks per game (290). Losing Odell Beckham Jr. (torn ACL) for the year may not be as devastating to Mayfield's fantasy prospects as it might seem on paper, as all of Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Harrison Bryant looked convincing as emerging weapons in Week 7.

Tua Tagovailoa vs. Rams (29 percent) - Few fantasy managers will have the guts to plug Tagovailoa in during his first game as a starter, and for good reason: Miami's O-line versus Aaron Donald and the Rams' defensive front looks like a clear-cut mismatch. Still, with fellow rookie QBs Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow having emerged as real fantasy options - an understatement in Herbert's case - Tua is a tempting stash. He's a much higher upside bench option than the other guys on this list, although with a floor that could be nonexistent. Ryan Fitzpatrick (16 percent) is still worth a bench spot in multi-QB leagues, in case he gets traded or Tagovailoa doesn't show well.

Jimmy Garoppolo at Seahawks (30 percent) - It's tough to have much confidence in Garoppolo as he's yet to log a 300-yard passing game this season and his 7:4 TD:INT ratio doesn't paint the picture of a high fantasy ceiling. However, a matchup against Seattle's secondary is about as tantalizing as it gets. The Seahawks are averaging an absurd 374 (!) passing yards allowed per game, and the 49ers boast plenty of weapons capable of manufacturing separation in the red zone even without Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and Raheem Mostert (ankle). Not to mention a scheme that doesn't ask its quarterback for deep passes in order to score. 

Running Back

Carlos Hyde vs. 49ers (19 percent) - Hyde could be a three-down player in Week 8, with Chris Carson (foot) and Travis Homer (knee) both dealing with injuries that may force them to miss time. The catch - of course - is that Hyde is dealing with his own hamstring injury, so he'll need to be closely monitored throughout the week. DeeJay Dallas (8 percent) would become a tempting option if Hyde can't go, as he'd essentially be the only running back on Seattle's roster.

Tevin Coleman at Seahawks (31 percent) - The 49ers designated Coleman for a return to practice Wednesday, so he's eligible to join the roster as early as Sunday's game in Seattle. Coleman hasn't seen action since Week 2, but returning this weekend would set him up to join a backfield currently holding only Jerick McKinnon and JaMycal Hasty. If healthy, it's conceivable Coleman could lead that group.

JaMycal Hasty at Seahawks (28 percent) - If the aforementioned Tevin Coleman isn't able to go Sunday, Hasty may top San Francisco's coveted backfield. He played 11 of 17 snaps after Jeff Wilson (ankle) was forced out, subbing out for Jerick McKinnon on obvious passing downs. 

La'Mical Perine at Chiefs (21 percent) - By scoring the first touchdown of his career, Perine put together a serviceable fantasy day against the Bills. He had a 70 percent snap share but only tied Frank Gore (26 percent) with 11 carries. While it's still hard to trust Perine in fantasy lineups, there's reason to hope he'll eventually earn the clear top role from the 37-year-old Gore. Maybe.

Wayne Gallman vs. Buccaneers (4 percent) - Gallman took over as New York's clear lead rusher after Devonta Freeman (ankle) left last Thursday's game in the third quarter, only defaulting to Dion Lewis in passing scenarios. He produced 10 carries for 34 yards and a score, while perhaps most notably catching five passes for 20 yards. It's difficult to imagine the Giants running effectively against Tampa Bay on Monday, but Gallman should get most of the backfield touches if Freeman misses another game.

Joshua Kelley at Broncos (43 percent) - Kelley's 53 scrimmage yards against Jacksonville were his highest mark since Sept. 20, but he needed Justin Jackson (knee) to be a game-time decision in order to get that opportunity. It seems like the upside for Kelley is a 50/50 split on an offense that's most effective leaning on Justin Herbert in the red zone, with Austin Ekeler (hamstring) remaining a threat to return down the stretch. 

Malcolm Brown at Dolphins (23 percent) - Brown scored his first touchdown since the season opener on Sunday, while carrying the ball 10 times for 57 yards. He's a Flex-worthy option in positive gamescripts as long as he remains the Rams' primary change-of-pace back, with the Dolphins providing a favorable matchup. But if coach Sean McVay ever makes good on his promise of giving Cam Akers more touches, Brown could be the one to have his role decrease.

Gus Edwards vs. Steelers (16 percent) - Mark Ingram (ankle) seems like he has a real chance to miss this week, in which case Edwards and J.K. Dobbins (57 percent) could realistically split the backfield roughly evenly.

Zack Moss vs. Patriots (47 percent) - Moss outproduced Devin Singletary against the Jets in Week 7, posting 72 scrimmage yards and a team-high 11 carries. The rookie is worth a speculative hold to see if his role grows, but he'll be tough to trust in a backfield split against the Patriots.

Cam Akers at Dolphins (43 percent) - It's easy to envision Akers eventually succeeding in Los Angeles, but for now he clearly remains behind both Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown. He played just three snaps Week 7 and has now gone back-to-back games without an offensive touch. At this point, the rookie is just an upside stash. 

AJ Dillon vs. Vikings (12 percent) - It's too late to grab Jamaal Williams (64 percent) in most leagues, and Dillon only had five carries versus the Texans with Aaron Jones (calf) out. Any sort of emergence from Dillon would require Jones to continue missing time, and probably for Williams to get nicked up. He also managed just 11 yards on five carries in Week 7.

Rashaad Penny vs. 49ers (3 percent) - The Seahawks still haven't given a timetable for Penny's return to practice. With Carlos Hyde (foot) not expected to miss a lot of time, Penny probably isn't worth rostering in all but the deepest formats. That could change once/if he's finally designated to return. 

Eno Benjamin BYE (0 percent) - Chase Edmonds is already rostered in 65 percent of leagues, but  Benjamin could be worth a look in deep formats with Kenyan Drake (ankle) expected to miss some action. The Cardinals have operated with an RB tandem all season, so Benjamin could receive change-of-pace duties if Edmonds takes on the lead role. 

Wide Receiver

Brandon Aiyuk at Seahawks (47 percent) - The rookie first-rounder is coming off six-catch, 115-yard performance, the first time he's exceeded the century mark during his young career. With Deebo Samuel set to miss at least Week 8 due to a hamstring injury, Aiyuk could post another big total against Seattle's hapless secondary. 

Cole Beasley vs. Patriots (41 percent) - Beasley broke out with 11 catches for 112 yards against the Jets, his second time with at least 100 receiving yards this season. He's quietly produced double-digit PPR points in six straight games, though four of those outings were below 15 fantasy points.  

Rashard Higgins vs. Raiders (5 percent) - Higgins enjoyed a nice breakout - six catches for 110 yards - after Odell Beckham (torn ACL) left Sunday's game against the Bengals with a season-ending injury. He's shown chemistry with Mayfield in the past, and will now receive a starting opportunity the rest of the way.  

Mecole Hardman vs. Jets (32 percent) - Hardman made up for his Week 6 goose egg with 70 scrimmage yards on three touches during Sunday's freezing game against the Broncos, including a team-high 57 receiving yards. On one hand, it's easy to imagine the speedster exploiting the Jets' secondary for a big play this week, but if New York can't make the game competitive (ha) the Chiefs could lean heavily on the running game and just grind things out. The Le'Veon Bell revenge narrative seems more legit than most. 

Sterling Shepard vs. Buccaneers (29 percent) - Shepard represents a good enough wide receiver to warrant Flex consideration in moderately favorable matchups, especially in PPR formats. However, the Buccaneers boast a defense capable of almost entirely shutting down New York's offense. After this week, Shepard will be set for juicy matchups against the Football Team, Eagles, Bengals, Seahawks and Cardinals, with a bye sandwiched in Week 11.

Corey Davis at Bengals (28 percent) - Davis has slipped in as a solid fantasy option this season by compiling double-digit PPR points in each of his appearances, including a Week 3 effort against the Vikings where he left early due to injury. Facing the Bengals in Week 8 should provide a solid opportunity to keep his streak going.

Preston Williams vs. Rams (21 percent) - Coming off a bye, Williams will now get his first real opportunity to establish on-field chemistry with rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa. He's notched three touchdowns on the season in addition to a 100-yard game, and could be nearing a return to full form after last year's ACL tear. There are hints of upside in stashing Williams, though a matchup against the Rams isn't ideal for immediate production.

Curtis Samuel vs. Falcons (15 percent) - By virtue of his first TD of the season - a five-yard rushing score - Samuel finally enjoyed a double-digit fantasy day versus the Saints. He also hauled in a season-high six catches, so there could be room to produce against the Falcons on Thursday even as a distant third behind DJ Moore and Robby Anderson. 

Scotty Miller at Raiders (10 percent) - Miller is quickly making it impossible to predict when to start him, as he racked up a career-high 109 yards and a score versus the Raiders. With Chris Godwin (finger) set to miss at least a week, Miller will certainly be in play during Monday's game against the Giants. Whenever Antonio Brown gets established in Tampa Bay, the slot man's role will almost certainly disappear. 

Denzel Mims at Chiefs (4 percent) - Yes, the Jets are a below-competent football team, but for Mims to post four catches for 42 yards on seven targets in his first NFL action is encouraging. Breshad Perriman (concussion) and Jamison Crowder (groin) both look up in the air for Week 8, so Mims could even get an uptick in target volume in Kansas City.  

Nelson Agholor at Browns (6 percent) - Agholor has burned fantasy managers enough times in his career that many simply won't be able to trust him again, but he's now got three straight games with a score. It wouldn't be out of the question to call him - who also had 107 yards against the Buccaneers on Sunday - the Raiders' WR1 at this point, though one would expect those opportunities to gradually shift over to Henry Ruggs (51 percent). The Browns make for an enticing matchup. 

Jakobi Meyers at Bills (0 percent) - Meyers posted his best game of the season in Week 7 by catching four of six targets for 60 yards against the 49ers - unfortunately leading the Patriots in both marks. His opportunity only came after N'Keal Harry (head) left the game, but Meyers may get similar chances versus Buffalo on Sunday. In 16-team leagues or similarly deep formats, he's at least a hail-mary waiver wire option. 

Jalen Guyton at Broncos (0 percent) - Guyton has only managed eight catches this season, but he's turned three of those into touchdowns. He's only a boom-or-bust fantasy option, but the rookie deep threat has shown solid chemistry with Justin Herbert. Guyton turned two catches into 84 yards and a score versus Jacksonville last weekend.

Marquez Callaway at Bears (1 percent) - Callaway was forced out of last week's win over the Panthers with an ankle injury, but not before hauling in eight catches for 75 yards. The UDFA has looked impressive for New Orleans, though Week 7 was his first game with double-digit PPR points. If Michael Thomas (hamstring) misses more time and Callaway can make a quick recovery, the latter could be in play. 

Tight End

Dallas Goedert vs. Cowboys (46 percent) - Goedert has been designated to return from IR, but it sounds like his ankle injury still has a legit chance of keeping him out until Week 10. Still, it appears Goedert will be locked in as Philly's top TE once he's back, which could make it worthwhile to hold for two weeks. In the meantime, Richard Rodgers (19 percent) should be a more than capable streaming option versus Dallas. 

Trey Burton at Lions (22 percent) - Last we saw of Burton before Indy's bye, he was busy putting up two scores against the Bengals. Granted, it was a strange game where the Colts had to play from a huge deficit early, but this is a team that features the tight end position enough to offer real fantasy upside. The question with Burton is whether he can handle the main job consistently or if he'll form a rotation of relevancy with Mo Alie-Cox and Jack Doyle.

Albert Okwuegbunam vs. Chargers (0 percent) - We don't want to read too much into one week from a rookie TE, but Okwuegbunam led the Broncos in receiving versus the Chiefs in Week 7 by hauling in all seven of his targets for 60 yards - with two catches for 45 yards the previous week. An injured Noah Fant (ankle) may have drawn enough coverage to open things up for Albert O, but it's nonetheless interesting to see the uber-athlete out of Missouri showing game-time prowess. 

Harrison Bryant vs. Raiders (3 percent) - Bryant looked convincing in his first game as a starter, with four catches for 56 yards and two scores versus the Bengals. The rookie has gotten steady hype since training camp, but it took an injury to Austin Hooper (appendectomy) for him to get a chance starting. Hooper seems like he won't return until Week 10, until which time David Njoku (4 percent) could also be in the mix as a streaming option (and also may get traded). 

Irv Smith at Packers (7 percent) - Perhaps the Smith breakout is actually beginning? He's had five targets (and four catches) in each of his last two games while exceeding 50 receiving yards. The young TE's offensive role is quietly growing, and Sunday's matchup against the Packers has a fair chance of being uptempo.