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!
- Jauan Jennings (WR, San Francisco 49ers) | 45.6% rostered
- Romeo Doubs (WR, Green Bay Packers) | 37.0% rostered
- Keon Coleman (WR, Buffalo Bills) | 44.4% rostered
- Jalen McMillan (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) | 10.6% rostered
- Sterling Shepard (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) | 10.2% rostered
- Dontayvion Wicks (WR, Green Bay Packers) | 19.2% rostered
- Jalen Tolbert (WR, Dallas Cowboys) | 26.8% rostered
- Cedric Tillman (WR, Cleveland Browns) | 0.3% rostered
- Ricky Pearsall (WR, San Francisco 49ers) | 5.5% rostered
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%
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: