What a wild and entertaining week of football that was! From Cincinnati QB Joe Flacco reminding everyone why he’s still elite on Thursday night, to the Giants managing to blow one of the worst games I’ve ever seen, Week 7 had everything a football fan could ask for. Upsets, highlight plays, and plenty of fantasy drama — this week was just plain fun.
Before we dive into the top Week 8 waiver wire pickups, let’s get caught up on some of the major injury news that could shake up fantasy rosters moving forward.
Carolina QB Bryce Young was ruled out against the Jets with an ankle injury, while Bears TE Cole Kmet exited the Saints game and did not return. Both Miami TE Darren Waller and WR Jaylen Waddle were forced to leave the Dolphins matchup early, which could have big fantasy implications depending on the severity of their injuries. Jet's QB Justin Fields also left his game, though that appeared to be more of a benching than a serious physical issue.
Adding to the list, Saints' RB Kendre Miller left with a knee injury, and unfortunately, the big one of the week was Washington QB Jayden Daniels. The initial injury looked bad, but reports later indicated he was able to jog to the locker room — a promising sign. Still, this is a situation to monitor closely, not just for those streaming quarterbacks, but also for anyone rostering Commanders wide receivers, as Daniels’ status could heavily impact their production heading into Week 8.
For additional potential Week 6 pickups, check out ASL's Chris Hexter's Injuries & Opportunities - Week 8 or ASL Founder Leonard LaPadula's Streamers For The Desperate - Week 8.
Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold (47% Rostered, Yahoo)
Seattle QB Sam Darnold should now be viewed as a legitimate starting fantasy quarterback for the rest of the year. With three straight top-10 performances, it’s becoming clear that this Seattle offense is just getting warmed up. The young wide receiver corps continues to improve every week, and the chemistry between Darnold and his pass catchers is visibly growing.
Another major reason for optimism is the return of a healthy offensive line. Rookie Grey Zabel, in particular, is starting to show real potential, giving Darnold more time and confidence in the pocket. To make things even more interesting, the Seahawks face a struggling Commanders defense next week — one that just got torched by Dallas QB Dak Prescott for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns.
As a result, everything points toward another strong outing for Darnold and the Seattle offense. If he’s somehow still available in your league, don’t hesitate — add him immediately. Darnold is now a player you can confidently start every week, regardless of matchup.
Joe Flacco (11% Rostered, Yahoo)
In his primetime debut with Cincinnati, Joe Cool reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most dependable veterans in the game. Completing 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns is impressive enough — but doing it while barely knowing the playbook is downright incredible.
Flacco’s instant chemistry with WR Ja’Marr Chase was on full display, as Chase saw a ridiculous 23 targets, turning this Bengals offense into the explosive unit fantasy managers have long been waiting for. When you combine an aggressive passing attack with one of the league’s worst defenses, you get the perfect recipe for fantasy gold: constant shootouts and heavy volume.
The Bengals now face the Jets and Bears in the coming weeks — both favorable matchups for quarterbacks. If you’re streaming the position or need a short-term starter, Flacco is your guy. Consider him a strong play for the next two weeks, with legitimate top-12 upside in both matchups.
Running Backs
Brashard Smith (6% Rostered, Yahoo)
Kansas City RB Kareem Hunt sustained an ankle injury this past week. While it appeared to be minor, fantasy managers are still waiting for more clarity. This Cleveland backfield remains messy, but rookie RB Brashard Smith looks like the player with the most burst and upside right now. Each week, he continues to earn more opportunities and makes the most of them when called upon.
Smith logged 14 carries for 39 yards and added five receptions for 42 yards in limited action. While much of that came during a blowout, it’s becoming clear that HC Andy Reid (and the coaching staff) knows he needs to develop a more consistent running game if the team's offense is going to stay balanced down the stretch.
What people often forget is just how talented Smith has been his entire career. A former five-star recruit, he flashed at Miami before transferring to SMU, where he became one of college football’s most dynamic offensive weapons. He’s got elite athletic traits — 4.3 speed and soft hands — in a Patrick Mahomes-led offense. That combination alone makes him a high-upside stash and someone worth adding now before his role continues to expand.
Kyle Monangai (7% Rostered, Yahoo)
Wow — we might really have something brewing here. Bears' HC Ben Johnson has long preferred a two-running-back approach, and this week it looks like he may have found the perfect complement to RB D’Andre Swift.
Rookie Kyle Monangai made the most of his touches, rushing 13 times for 81 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, the offensive identity appears to be shifting toward the run game, which could open things up even more for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams through play-action.
The Rutgers product showed impressive vision, balance, and burst — all traits that translate well to long-term fantasy success. While Swift remains the clear lead back, Monangai’s 49% snap share is encouraging, especially for a player trending upward this quickly.
He’s not a must-start just yet, but if you need a reliable flex option or injury fill-in, Monangai should be on your radar. Another week or two of consistent usage could easily make him a weekly fantasy starter.
Wide Receivers
Malik Washington (15% Rostered, Yahoo)
With the injuries to Dolphins' WR Jaylen Waddle and TE Darren Waller, it’s hard to see where else the ball will go in Miami’s passing game. Even if Waddle suits up, it’s obvious he won’t be close to 100%, and Waller seems to be following the same frustrating injury pattern that’s plagued his entire career.
Last week, WR Malik Washington (not Cedric) commanded an impressive 25% target share, and he continues to pass the eye test with his burst, route running, and body control. It’s still unclear whether QB Tua Tagovailoa or QB Quinn Ewers will start under center next week. Still, either way, Washington should see a steady diet of targets — especially if those key injuries linger.
The Dolphins face Atlanta in Week 8, and while the Falcons have been fairly solid against opposing wideouts, volume is king in fantasy football. Washington’s usage and athletic profile make him a solid PPR flex option with sneaky upside, particularly if Waddle is ruled out. He may not explode every week, but his path to consistent opportunity makes him one of the better short-term adds available.
Alec Pierce (9% Rostered, Yahoo)
I’ve always been a fan of Colt's WR Alec Pierce dating back to his college days — and he’s finally starting to show why. He hauled in five catches for 98 yards on 10 targets last week, proving that his combination of speed and size can make an impact at the NFL level.
What’s also becoming clear is that QB Daniel Jones wasn’t the issue — the Giants were. Pierce looks much more comfortable in this rejuvenated offense, and the connection between him and Jones seems to be growing stronger each week. With WR Michael Pittman Jr. locked in as the WR1 and TE Tyler Warren getting his share of short targets, Pierce and WR Josh Downs both remain viable complementary options with upside.
Pierce has seen consistent targets over the past few games, which gives him a solid floor, while his deep-threat potential gives him boom-or-bust flex appeal. Against Tennessee’s vulnerable secondary, he’s a great plug-and-play option for managers looking to swing for upside or fill a bye-week gap.
Tight Ends
Oronde Gadsden II (25% Rostered, Yahoo)
The Chargers have been searching for a reliable tight end for years, and it looks like Oronde Gadsden II might finally be the answer. The towering 6’5”, 236-pound rookie exploded for 164 yards and a touchdown on nine targets from QB Justin Herbert, showcasing the kind of athleticism and hands that made him a standout at Syracuse.
This wasn’t a one-week fluke either — Gadsden saw eight targets two weeks ago against Miami, signaling that his role in the offense is becoming consistent. Even with WR Keenan Allen still performing well, it’s clear that HC Jim Harbaugh wants another young playmaker to help usher this team into a new era.
Gadsden currently ranks 9th among all NFL tight ends in contested catch rate, and with the Chargers ranking 4th in pass plays per game, the volume and talent are both there. Given how thin the tight end position is this season, you can confidently slide Gadsden into your lineup this week against Minnesota as a legit TE1 option with top-10 upside.
Mason Taylor (13% Rostered, Yahoo)
With Jets QB Justin Fields benched, it’s officially time to fire TE Mason Taylor back up. The box scores haven’t popped yet, but the underlying metrics — routes run and target share — suggest a breakout could be imminent once the quarterback play stabilizes. If the Bears can get someone under center who can distribute efficiently, Taylor will immediately emerge as the number two target behind WR Garrett Wilson.
This week’s matchup couldn’t be better: Cincinnati has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, and their linebackers have struggled in coverage all season. Taylor’s pedigree as an elite prospect, paired with his size, athleticism, and reliable hands, gives him a real chance to take advantage of this opportunity.
With talent meeting matchup, Taylor is a strong streaming TE1 this week — especially in deeper leagues or formats where tight end production has been scarce.
