“In the Scope” is a unique weekly article that won’t solely focus on giving readers mainstream fantasy football waiver wire pickups. Instead, we aim to recommend the top free agents to acquire after waivers run. These players may be the top pickups next week, saving you Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) and waiver priority. So whether you’re trying to grab the leftover mainstream fantasy football waiver wire Week 8 pickups or the longer-ranged free agents, below are some options to consider.
Rostership percentages are based on ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Wednesday, Oct. 26.
Check Your Waivers: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 8 Pickups
• D’Onta Foreman (RB, Carolina Panthers) | 53.3 percent
• Chuba Hubbard (RB, Carolina Panthers) | 31.6 percent
• Tyler Allgeier (RB, Atlanta Falcons) | 42.1 percent
• Gus Edwards (RB, Baltimore Ravens) | 43.7 percent
• Isiah Pacheco (RB, Kansas City Chiefs) | 26.7 percent
• Daniel Jones (QB, New York Giants) | 56.2 percent
• Wan’Dale Robinson (WR, New York Giants) | 21.5 percent
• Parris Campbell (WR, Indianapolis Colts) | 17.2 percent
• Greg Dulcich (TE, Denver Broncos) | 20.5 percent
In the Scope Targets: Top Fantasy Football Free Agent Week 8 Finds
D’Ernest Johnson (RB, Cleveland Browns) | 0.6 Percent
This “In the Scope” candidate rests solely on the Kareem Hunt trade rumors circulating. We’re a week away from the NFL Trade Deadline. Fellow Cleveland running back Jerome Ford is on Injured Reserve (IR), securing the No.2 role for D’Ernest Johnson if Hunt is dealt.
In games where he was the No. 2 back last year, Johnson averaged six Points Per Reception (PPR) points per game. Those aren’t staggering numbers but could be enough to get you through as a low-end RB2 during larger bye weeks.
More importantly, though, Johnson would become the lead handcuff to Nick Chubb without Hunt. When Johnson saw at least 60 percent snap share last season (three games), he averaged 22.3 PPR points per game. – Seth Woolcock
P.J. Walker (QB, Carolina Panthers) | 1.4 Percent
When Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield went down with an ankle injury in Week 5, journeyman P.J. Walker stepped in and finished off a loss by going five for six for 60 passing yards. With no other real options for new interim head coach Steve Wilks, Walker got the starting nod in Week 6 against the Rams. Despite a mediocre performance, Wilks again named him the starter in Week 7 against a stout Buccaneers defense.
All expectations were that Walker and company would certainly be overwhelmed by the superior division rival. The team had recently traded away wide receiver Robbie Anderson and running back Christian McCaffrey, leaving few weapons for them on offense. However, what we got was a stellar performance from the Panthers and Walker in a decisive 21-3 victory.
Walker was the star of the show, completing 72.7 percent of his passes and unlocking wide receiver D.J. Moore on his way to an overall QB14 finish. To be clear, we still need to see him do this consistently for the rest of the season to believe there is any long-term value here. That said, given the volume of injuries and benchings we are seeing in the NFL this season, he is worth a roster stash following the waiver wire run in Week 8. – Nate Polvogt
Bailey Zappe (QB, New England Patriots) | 1.8 Percent
Bailey Zappe entered the scene on Monday night with magical hands and eyes. He was called to action after Mac Jones threw yet another interception and was benched. Zappe connected on his first drive for a 30-yard pass and score to Jakobi Meyers. He was electric. The next three drives he had were all successful, and the Patriots ended the first half with 14 points on the board in under four minutes.
Not that you can expect that kind of production every week from Zappe (especially since he hasn’t been named the starter – yet). However, he was an elite quarterback in college and threw for 5,953 yards and 62 touchdowns in his senior year. The thing you can rely on with Zappe is his volume. He throws the ball a lot and needs time in the NFL to hone his skills, but he’ll get there if head coach Bill Belichick lets him.
The Patriots face the Jets this week, and the Colts in Week 9 before a Week 10 bye. That will be “get right” week for Zappe. With some attention to detail and practice time, he will likely be the starter after their bye week. – Jen Polvogt
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