Fantasy football managers heading into Week 8 should pay close attention to the waiver wire, where several under-rostered players could provide immediate production or valuable depth for the weeks ahead. Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis and Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman headline this week's recommended pickups, while emerging wide receivers and streaming defenses offer additional options.
The best waiver additions depend on roster needs, league format and available free-agent budget (FAB). Managers should prioritize players with growing roles, consistent opportunities and favorable upcoming matchups rather than chasing one big performance.
Here are the top fantasy football free-agent targets for Week 8, including recommended FAB bids based on the supplied rankings.
Top Waiver-Wire Targets by Position
Quarterback: Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins
Rostered: 6.3% | Recommended FAB bid: 3%
Willis delivered an encouraging performance against the New York Jets, scoring 26.02 fantasy points while throwing two touchdown passes. Both scoring throws went to rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas.
His rushing production makes him particularly appealing in fantasy formats that reward quarterbacks for running. Willis has accumulated 111 rushing yards over his past two games and scored a rushing touchdown in each contest.
That combination of passing and rushing ability gives him an attractive fantasy ceiling, even if his passing volume remains inconsistent. Willis faces the New England Patriots in Week 8, followed by matchups against the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts.
Managers needing a quarterback replacement or looking for a potential streaming option should consider adding him.
Other quarterback options
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 25.5% rostered, 2% FAB: Mayfield returned from a thumb injury after missing three games. His modest 6.66-point performance against Carolina came in a comfortable victory, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions from his limited passing workload. His upcoming schedule includes Atlanta, Detroit, Carolina and two meetings with New Orleans later in the season.
Geno Smith, New York Jets — 13.1%, 1% FAB: Smith scored 23.48 points against Miami, throwing three touchdown passes. His inconsistency remains a concern, but he is a reasonable short-term option against Las Vegas.
J.J. McCarthy, New York Giants — 21.7%, 1% FAB: McCarthy managed 10.18 fantasy points without a touchdown in the Giants' road win over Houston. New York is on a bye in Week 8, so he is a longer-term stash rather than an immediate starter.
Deep-league quarterback streamers
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons — 12.9%, 1% FAB: Penix has recorded consecutive games with three touchdown passes and more than 20 fantasy points. He gets Tampa Bay in Week 8.
Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals — 19.7%, 1% FAB: Brissett attempted more than 45 passes for the third time this season and scored 16.48 points against Denver. Arizona's potential to trail in games could create additional passing volume against Dallas.
Running Back: Jonah Coleman, Denver Broncos
Rostered: 24.2% | Recommended FAB bid: 4%
Coleman returned from injured reserve after an ankle injury and immediately earned 11 touches, producing 69 yards and 8.9 fantasy points.
Although his workload was modest, those 11 touches matched the combined total of higher-profile teammates J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey in the performance described. That makes Coleman worth monitoring as Denver's backfield rotation develops.
The challenge is that the Broncos have multiple running backs competing for opportunities, while the quarterback's rushing production can further limit the available fantasy touches. A three-player rotation makes Coleman difficult to trust as an automatic starter.
Still, running back depth is often scarce on the waiver wire. Coleman has the physical profile to earn a larger role, and managers who need help at the position may want to add him before his roster percentage rises.
Other running back options
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns — 8.7% rostered, 1% FAB: Sampson returned after missing five games with a knee injury. He recorded nine touches for 77 yards and 10.7 fantasy points while operating behind starter Quinshon Judkins. Sampson's receiving ability could give him value in deeper leagues.
Kaelon Black, San Francisco 49ers — 21.9%, 2% FAB: Black rushed for a team-high 63 yards and a touchdown, finishing with 10.9 fantasy points. San Francisco has a Week 8 bye, but Black could become valuable if Christian McCaffrey's health limits his workload again.
Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals — 17.0% rostered: Knight split opportunities with Tyler Allgeier while rookie Jeremiyah Love missed another game with an ankle injury. Knight rushed for 48 yards on seven carries and caught three passes. His value depends heavily on Love's availability.
Seth McGowan, Indianapolis Colts — 4.0%: McGowan has yet to reach six fantasy points in a game, but he could be a speculative bench stash because of his position behind Jonathan Taylor. His value would increase significantly if Taylor were traded or injured.
Devin Singletary, New York Giants — 1.7%: Singletary could see more opportunities with Tyrone Tracy Jr. on injured reserve. Cam Skattebo remains the more appealing option for immediate production, and Singletary should be viewed primarily as a depth addition.
Wide Receiver: Omar Cooper Jr., New York Jets
Rostered: 34.8% | Recommended FAB bid: 4%
Cooper has delivered back-to-back breakout performances, scoring 22.3 fantasy points against New England before following that with 22.5 points against Miami.
His recent production is particularly encouraging because Adonai Mitchell returned to the lineup after missing four games, yet Cooper continued to thrive. He recorded more than 100 receiving yards and a touchdown for the second consecutive outing.
The next step is determining whether Cooper can maintain his production alongside Jets star Garrett Wilson. If both receivers begin producing strong fantasy numbers in the same game, Cooper's value could climb further.
For managers searching for a wide receiver with immediate upside, Cooper is one of the strongest options available this week.
Other wide receiver options
KC Concepcion, Cleveland Browns — 43.0%, 2% FAB: Concepcion scored 23.2 points against Tennessee, catching eight passes on 10 targets for 129 yards. He also added 23 rushing yards on three attempts. His expanding role makes him an attractive pickup, particularly after strong performances over the past two weeks.
Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins — 9.7%, 1% FAB: Douglas caught two passes against the Jets, and both went for touchdowns. One reception turned into a 63-yard scoring play. He still needs a larger target share to become a dependable weekly starter, but his big-play potential makes him worth a speculative addition.
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills — 29.0%, 1% FAB: Coleman has shown considerable week-to-week volatility, but his previous performances demonstrate that he can deliver useful fantasy totals. With Buffalo returning from its bye, he is worth considering in leagues where he was dropped.
Jordyn Tyson, New Orleans Saints — 34.3%, 1% FAB: Tyson remains a speculative stash while recovering from a hamstring injury. A possible return in Week 9 could give managers a chance to add a promising rookie receiver before he becomes more widely rostered.
Tight End: Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
Rostered: 47.2% | Recommended FAB bid: 2%
Henry has quietly become one of the more reliable tight-end options available in many fantasy leagues.
He has recorded double-digit fantasy points in four consecutive games. His latest performance included seven receptions for 71 yards and 14.1 fantasy points.
With only eight tight ends having scored more fantasy points this season in the supplied rankings, Henry's availability in more than half of standard leagues makes him a priority for managers struggling at the position.
His upcoming schedule includes Miami, Green Bay and Detroit over the next three weeks. Henry's recent consistency makes him a more attractive target than a tight end who depends almost entirely on scoring a touchdown.
Other tight end options
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars — 36.2%, 1% FAB: Strange has averaged 13.2 fantasy points over his past three games. After Jacksonville's Week 7 bye, he returns against Indianapolis.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders — 28.2%, 1% FAB: Mayer saw only three targets against the Los Angeles Rams, but his receiving efficiency has been encouraging. He has averaged at least 10 yards per reception in four of his five games and faces the Jets in Week 8.
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals — 14.1%, 1% FAB: Gesicki has scored five touchdowns in six games, including at least one touchdown in four consecutive contests. However, his recent lack of receptions outside those scoring plays makes him a risky option who relies heavily on finding the end zone.
Deep-League Stashes Worth Monitoring
Some waiver additions are less about immediate production and more about getting ahead of a potential change in workload.
Black is worth monitoring during San Francisco's bye because he could benefit if McCaffrey misses time. McGowan is a speculative option behind Taylor, while Tyson could become more valuable if he returns from injured reserve.
At running back, managers should also monitor Love's ankle injury and the Arizona backfield rotation. Knight's value could rise if Love remains unavailable, but his role is less secure if the rookie returns.
These players are best suited to deeper leagues or benches with room for speculative additions. Managers in smaller leagues should generally prioritize players who can contribute immediately.
Best Fantasy Football D/ST Pickups for Week 8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST
Rostered: 17.7%
Tampa Bay's defense produced an outstanding fantasy performance against Carolina, recording a touchdown, two interceptions and five sacks for 28 fantasy points.
The unit has been a surprisingly productive option this season, delivering at least six fantasy points in all but one game. Its next matchup against Atlanta makes it an appealing streaming choice for managers looking to replace an underperforming defense.
Cincinnati Bengals D/ST
Rostered: 16.0%
Cincinnati recorded eight fantasy points in its comeback victory over Baltimore, reaching at least seven points in four of its six games.
The Bengals have benefited from defensive improvements, and their Week 8 matchup against Tennessee offers another opportunity for useful production. They are a reasonable alternative for managers who cannot secure Tampa Bay.
Week 8 Waiver-Wire Strategy: Who Should You Add First?
Managers should prioritize their needs rather than spending aggressively on every available player.
Best quarterback upside: Malik Willis, thanks to his combination of passing touchdowns and rushing production.
Best running back stash: Jonah Coleman, who could earn a larger role if Denver's backfield rotation changes.
Best wide receiver target: Omar Cooper Jr., following consecutive games with more than 22 fantasy points.
Best tight end pickup: Hunter Henry, whose four-game streak of double-digit fantasy performances offers a relatively dependable floor.
Best defensive streamer: Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST, coming off a 28-point fantasy performance.
FAB recommendations should be adjusted to league size, remaining budget and individual roster needs. In most cases, managers should avoid overspending on a player whose role remains uncertain, but they should also be willing to make a competitive bid when a potential difference-maker becomes available.
The waiver wire can be one of the biggest advantages in fantasy football. Finding the right player before the rest of the league catches up can turn a struggling roster into a playoff contender.
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