Home Articles Week 8 In the Scope Targets (2024)
Jonnu Smith | Week 8 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Free Agent Stashes To Add

Week 8 In the Scope Targets (2024)

by IBT Media Staff

We are approaching the thick of the fantasy football season, and it’s becoming clear which players are living up to expectations and which ones are just falling short. Whether due to injuries or inconsistent performances, navigating the waiver wire has never been more critical.

As with every week, “In the Scope” is here to dig deeper into the lesser-discussed players on the Week 8 waiver wire who could turn into gems down the stretch!

Rostership percentages courtesy of ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Fantasy Football CTA

Check Your Waivers: Mainstream Fantasy Football Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

Before delving into the deeper names, be sure to look for any of the more obvious pickups that might still be available:

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver

Tight End

  • Cade Otton (TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) | 42.3% rostered
  • Hunter Henry (TE, New England Patriots) | 27.4% rostered
  • Noah Fant (TE, Seattle Seahawks) | 7.7% rostered

In the Scope Targets: Top Fantasy Football Week 8 Free Agent Finds

Without further ado, let’s dive into “In the Scope” and share some players we want to snag for free or cheap after the Week 8 waiver wire runs!

Adam Thielen (WR, Carolina Panthers) | 21.7%

Though Adam Thielen has missed significant time on Injured Reserve (IR), he’s now approaching a return, and his potential impact shouldn’t be overlooked. Last season with the Panthers, Thielen proved he still had plenty left in the tank, finishing as the PPR WR17. His one game with Andy Dalton was a showcase, posting a monstrous 11 catches on 14 targets for 145 yards and a touchdown, totaling 31.5 fantasy points. As he opens up the 21-day practice window, there’s a real possibility that Thielen’s steady vet presence will make him a primary target for the team upon return. That said, there is also a real possibility that he gets traded to another NFL team.

While Thielen may not be the flashiest name on the Week 8 waiver wire, he could be an asset for stability at the wide receiver position. If the former Minnesota Viking can return to form, especially in a pass-heavy system with Dalton, he’s an ideal pick-up. Even in a trade scenario, teams like the Steelers, Buccaneers or Chiefs would benefit from Thielen’s reliability, giving him sneaky value down the stretch.

Jonnu Smith (TE, Miami Dolphins) | 1.8%

Jonnu Smith remains one of the most enigmatic tight ends in the league, showcasing incredible athleticism but rarely becoming the focal point of an offense. This season, however, he’s quietly come alive with the Miami Dolphins, who have been forced to spread the ball around due to injuries and offensive inconsistencies. Smith’s playmaking skills have been on full display, and while he hasn’t seen heavy volume, he has capitalized on the opportunities he has gotten. As Miami’s offense continues to search for answers, Smith could emerge as a consistent option, especially once Tua Tagovailoa returns.

The most intriguing aspect of Smith’s game is his ability to generate yards after the catch, a trait that has him in elite company among tight ends. As the Dolphins’ play-calling continues to evolve, don’t be surprised if Smith sees more targets in key moments, making him a valuable asset for those looking ahead to the fantasy playoffs. His athleticism and versatility make him a zero-Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB), high-upside waiver wire add, particularly for managers needing a streamer or depth at tight end before Week 8.

Jameis Winston (QB, Cleveland Browns) | 0.4%

Few players in the NFL embody the high-risk, high-reward dynamic quite like Jameis Winston. He is reportedly starting in Week 8 after getting action as the emergency QB in Week 7 when both Deshaun Watson and Dorian Thompson-Robinson got injured. Winston’s presence on the waiver wire is intriguing for those who enjoy rolling the dice. The vet has proven time and again that he’s capable of throwing for 400 yards and multiple touchdowns one week, only to follow it up with a disastrous performance the next. Despite this boom-or-bust nature, he has the potential to win fantasy matchups every time he’s on the field.

Even if Winston doesn’t lock down the role permanently, the Browns’ offense will need to pass the ball, and his aggressive playstyle meshes well with the weapons in Cleveland. While he’s a gamble, his potential upside makes him a priority Week 8 waiver wire add, especially if you’re willing to bet on a quarterback who loves to air it out.

Check out all of our Week 8 fantasy football content:

Dynasty Trade Value Chart CTA


Thanks for reading our “In the Scope” targets to add after the Week 8 waiver wire run. Check out more of our fantasy football and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.

*Photo Credit: Paul Rutherford – USA TODAY Sports*

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