Fantasy Football Week 8 Waiver Targets: Add Tua Tagovailoa, Ray Davis, Jauan Jennings, and Hunter Henry for a boost to your lineup!
As we approach Week 8 of the fantasy football season, it's crucial to be proactive and strategic as the playoffs draw nearer. Whether you seek players for an instant boost or future potential, exploring the waiver wire could be the key to success. Here are four essential waiver targets for Week 8, along with a lineup of players worth stashing for later, who might become game-changers as the season unfolds.
Waiver Wire Targets (Rostered in less than 50% of leagues)
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins (30% Rostered)
Tua Tagovailoa is set to return in Week 8 after missing time due to injury, and his fantasy value is undeniable. Tua is currently ranked 11th in EPA per game among quarterbacks and leads the NFL in deep passing yards per game (throws of 20+ air yards). His ability to stretch the field will be a major asset for QB-needy teams.
Leads the NFL in deep yards per game with 82 passing yards on deep throws.
11th in EPA per game, showcasing his efficiency and effectiveness when healthy.
A great matchup in Week 8 against the Cardinals, who give up the 10th most passing yards per game and the 3rd highest EPA per pass attempt, making him a priority add for QB streamers.
Ray Davis, RB, Buffalo Bills (14% Rostered)
Ray Davis is solidifying his role as the primary handcuff to James Cook in Buffalo. While Cook has carried the majority of the workload, the Bills may look to preserve his health by incorporating more of a 1-2 punch. Davis is primed to see additional opportunities as the season progresses, making him a valuable add for fantasy managers.
51 carries for 213 yards and an average of 4.2 yards per carry.
Yards After Contact (YAC) of 3.5 per attempt, showing his ability to create yardage.
He’s one injury away from becoming the RB1 for a high-powered Buffalo offense.
Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers (30% Rostered)
Jauan Jennings has been a valuable contributor for the 49ers, leading the team in receiving yards with 404 and ranking 13th in the NFL with 16.2 yards per catch. However, Jennings was a surprise addition to the injury report after suffering a hip injury in Week 6. With Aiyuk sidelined, Jennings is positioned for a major role if healthy, but his Week 8 status needs to be monitored closely.
Leads the 49ers in receiving yards (404) and ranks 10th in EPA per target.
Playing 58.3% of offensive snaps, offering solid volume potential.
Monitor his hip injury status, as he could be a key target in Week 8 against the Cardinals if cleared to play.
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots (27% Rostered)
Hunter Henry reasserted himself as a key target in the Patriots' offense in Week 7, catching 8 passes for 92 yards on 9 targets. He’s one of the few tight ends with top-five weekly upside, though he has been inconsistent in recent seasons. Henry has TE1 potential moving forward, especially with Maye relying on him heavily in the Patriots' offense.
8 receptions, 92 yards (11.5 YPR) on 9 targets, leading all Patriots' pass-catchers.
Averaging 5.5 receptions and 66.5 yards over the last 2 games.
20% target share with rookie QB Drake Maye at the helm.
Stash 'em for later
These players are flying under the radar but have the potential to become significant fantasy contributors down the stretch. Get ahead of your league and stash them now.
Noah Gray, TE, Kansas City Chiefs (1% Rostered)
Gray has seen increased usage due to the Chiefs shifting to 12 personnel with JuJu Smith-Schuster sidelined. He’s becoming more involved and led the team with 66 receiving yards in Week 7.
Key Stat: Four receptions for 66 yards in Week 7.
Reason: Could see more targets with continued 12 personnel usage, making him a sneaky tight-end option.
Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams (5% Rostered)
Corum’s role is expanding in the Rams' offense, and he has the potential to take over in the event of an injury to Kyren Williams.
Key Stat: Played 35% of offensive snaps in Week 6.
Reason: A valuable handcuff with upside if an injury occurs.
Sean Tucker, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11% Rostered)
Tucker shined in Week 6, and with Rachaad White potentially missing more time, Tucker could emerge as a key contributor in the Buccaneers' backfield.
Key Stat: 192 total yards and 2 touchdowns on 17 touches in Week 6.
Reason: Potential league-winner if White continues to miss time.
Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers (8% Rostered)
Vidal is backing up J.K. Dobbins but could see an expanded role with Gus Edwards sidelined, offering value as a handcuff with potential for more.
Key Stat: Scored a 38-yard touchdown on his first touch in Week 6.
Reason: A great stash option as the primary backup to Dobbins.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers (4% Rostered)
With Brandon Aiyuk dealing with an ACL injury, Pearsall could step into a larger role in the 49ers' offense.
Key Stat: Pearsall is set to see an increased role due to injuries in the receiving corps.
Reason: Worth a stash as he could become more involved with Aiyuk out.