Another week, another batch of previously unknown fantasy players become breakout stars either due to a big game or a suddenly favorable opportunity. But are those players worth picking up? Below, we take a look at all of Week 8’s enticing waiver wire gems and identify the players that the internet’s most esteemed fantasy gurus think could be the most impactful.
Michael Fabiano’s weekly list of 10 standout waiver wire pickups include a couple of quarterbacks drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft: Robert Griffin III and Ryan Tannehill.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Griffin has been sidelined with a dislocated ankle since Sept. 14, but has since resumed training with the team. With Kirk Cousins failing to take advantage of his opportunity and Colt McCoy less of a viable long-term option, Griffin should have his starting place waiting when he comes back, which could be as soon as Week 8 against the Cowboys.
Fantasy owners in need of a starting quarterback should also take a long look at Tannehill, who produced perhaps his best game of the season in a win against the Bears. The third-year QB will have a great opportunity to have another big outing when he takes on the Jaguars next week.
Fabiano also suggests picking up another pair of draftmates in rookie wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. of the Giants and Davante Adams of the Packers. The two have been big contributors for their teams of late – Beckham has three touchdowns in the last three weeks, while Adams has two. Both should continue to get consistent targets in their teams’ respective pass-oriented offenses.
Nate Loop – Bleacher Report
Position
Player
Running Back
Anthony Dixon
Running Back
Tre Mason
Wide Receiver
Allen Robinson
Wide Receiver
Andrew Hawkins
Tight End
Jermaine Gresham
Tight End
Coby Fleener
Nate Loop of Bleacher Report offers his take on three big pickups (and worthy alternatives) on the three key skill positions – running back, wide receiver and tight end. His picks for running back – the Bills’ Anthony Dixon and the Rams’ Tre Mason – also appeared on Fabiano’s list as both look set for some added workload in the coming weeks.
Dixon will benefit from the injuries to the Bills’ top two backs, Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller, but starting him against a Jets defense that’s still capable of stopping the run is a little dicey. If you’re not ready to take that risk, Mason might be a better option. Mason broke out in the Rams’ upset win over the Seahawks, and should be rewarded with more carries against a Chiefs defense that has been inconsistent against the run this season.
The Sporting News’ Brad Pinkerton fancies a couple of teammates to benefit from recent developments in their respective teams.
In Seattle, Percy Harvin’s shock trade to the Jets has opened up a significant void in the team’s passing attack. While neither Doug Baldwin nor Jermaine Kearse are exactly WR1 material capable of stepping into Harvin’s boots, his exit could have a mutually beneficial effect on both of their fantasy stocks going forward.
Similarly, the Saints’ pairing of Kenny Stills and Travaris Cadet took advantage of playing time opened up by the injuries to stalwarts Jimmy Graham and Pierre Thomas. But anyone who’s looking to add either to their lineup must keep in mind that the productivity of Stills and Cadet will vary from week to week, especially in a Saints offense with more than enough depth at receiver and running back.
