Waivers are where fantasy seasons are won. Week 7 gave us a few new names worth adding, and with four teams on bye in Week 8 (Giants, Texans, Saints and 49ers), many managers need help right now.
Here are the best pickups for Week 8, in order of priority.
1. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, New York Jets
Why add him: Cooper has had back-to-back big games. Against Miami he caught 5 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown, including two catches of more than 50 yards. He’s become the Jets’ go-to receiver, while Adonai Mitchell was held without a catch.
Week 8 matchup: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
How much to bid: He’s the top receiver on the wire if he’s still available. Spend 15–20% of your FAAB budget. He’s probably already rostered in many leagues, so move fast.
2. Caleb Douglas, WR, Miami Dolphins
Why add him: Douglas scored two touchdowns as Miami won its first game of the season, 28-25 over the Jets. The Dolphins often play from behind, which means more passes and more chances for big plays.
Week 8 matchup: vs. New England Patriots
How much to bid: 8–12% of FAAB. He’s a high-upside WR3 or flex, especially in PPR leagues.
3. Kaelon Black, RB, San Francisco 49ers (stash)
Why add him: Christian McCaffrey left the Falcons game with a thigh injury, and Black led the 49ers’ running game with 12 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. If McCaffrey misses time, Black becomes a weekly starter in one of the NFL’s best offenses.
Week 8 matchup: Bye week. This is a stash for Week 9 and later, not a Week 8 starter.
How much to bid: 10–15% of FAAB. Running backs with a clear path to a starting job don’t stay on the wire long.
4. Malik Willis, QB, Miami Dolphins (deep leagues / superflex)
Why add him: Willis played well in Miami’s first win and gives the Dolphins a spark. In 2-QB or superflex leagues, a starting quarterback with rushing ability is always worth a look.
Week 8 matchup: vs. New England Patriots
5. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Atlanta Falcons (streamer)
Why add him: If you need a quarterback because of byes (Brock Purdy and J.J. McCarthy are both off this week), Penix just led an upset of the 49ers and gets a division game at Tampa Bay.
Defenses to stream in Week 8
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Falcons): The Bucs had five sacks against Carolina in Week 7.
- Green Bay Packers (vs. Panthers, Thursday): Bryce Young threw two interceptions in Week 7, and the Panthers play on a short week.
Who you can drop
- Players from teams with long-term injuries ahead of them on the depth chart and no clear role.
- Adonai Mitchell (WR, Jets): Cooper has taken over as the main target.
- Kickers and defenses with bad matchups: You can always stream them week to week.
Week 8 bye teams
| Team | Key fantasy players affected |
|---|---|
| New York Giants | Cam Skattebo, J.J. McCarthy, Malik Nabers |
| Houston Texans | C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ receivers |
| New Orleans Saints | Tyler Shough and the Saints’ skill players |
| San Francisco 49ers | Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Kaelon Black |
For lineup decisions, read our Week 8 start/sit guide.
