Week 8 is here and I am still looking for a bright sun shiny day. I went 1-2 last week and my teams are falling further behind with records of 3-4, 3-4 and 2-5, but I am not ready to throw in the towel yet on any of them. To boost my own spirits, I went back to last week's article and built the best lineup out of last week's streamer options:

QB — Aaron Rodgers — 27.05
RB — Brashard Smith — 13.1
WR — Tez Johnson — 15.8
WR — Alec Pierce — 14.8
TE — Oronde Gadsden — 29.4
TE — Dalton Schultz — 18.8
K — Jake Moody — 15.2
DST — New England Patriots — 18.0
Total — 152.15

That’s an excellent PPR score for an eight-man starting lineup—better than any of my teams last week. What does this mean? Two things:

• The opportunities are out there. Reaching the playoffs, even from here, is possible if we make the right waiver selections. Don’t give up.
• The most opportunity is at tight end. If you have a flex spot and you’re shopping the waiver wire, consider stacking tight ends.

Finally, I’m putting more work into the rankings. Starting this week, I’m using significantly more math to identify the best plays for Week 8. Let’s see how it turns out.

Now on to business…

If you’re familiar with my Streamers for the Desperate series, feel free to skip down to this week’s rankings.

If you’re new, here’s the quick background. These articles are based on the principles I outlined in How To Own Your League's Waiver Wire, and they’re geared toward deep-roster leagues (18–24 spots), where free agents thin out quickly, with extra consideration for dynasty and keeper formats.

Players with an asterisk (*) are available in my toughest 24-man league, where streaming is truly challenging. Rookies and sophomores have an (R) and (S) after their names to indicate they might have longer-term upside potential.

I loosely rank the players, but your roster needs and league type should guide your prioritization. In parentheses after each name, you’ll see the opponent’s rank against that position for the next four weeks — '1st' being the toughest matchup, '32nd' the softest. Then in the blurb, I give each player's four-week stat line, such as (CMP-ATT/YDS-TD-INT) for a quarterback.

If you are playing in more standard formats, such as a Yahoo redraft league, check out ASL’s Fantasy Football Adds - Week 8 by Colton Peters and Injuries & Opportunities - Week 8 by Chris Hexter. 

Finally, a word on philosophy: I put in waiver requests every week for every team, not just to cover immediate needs but to strengthen my roster top-to-bottom. Deep benches build injury resilience and force other managers into weaker options — which opens the door for trades and future draft capital.

Quarterbacks

Aaron Rodgers, Pit v GB (17th, 22nd, 12th, 26th) – Rodgers (62-86/684-7-2, 5/15-0) just posted a four-TD game with two interceptions, flashing a live arm and willingness to challenge tight windows. The Steelers leaned tight-end heavy in scoring areas (two to Pat Freiermuth, one each to Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington), a usage pattern that can buoy red-zone efficiency. Turnover volatility remains, but timing and trust with the TE group are trending up. He profiles as a volatile QB2 streamer with multi-TD upside if Pittsburgh continues to feature its tight ends near the goal line.

*Carson Wentz, Min @ LAC (13th, 21st, 31st, 25th) – Wentz (81-122/899-3-4, 9/53-0) piled up yardage again (313 in Week 7) and pushed verticals to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor, with a fourth-quarter TD to T.J. Hockenson overturned on review. He’s managing a left-shoulder issue on a short week but is expected to start while J.J. McCarthy (ankle) trends toward Week 9. The turnovers are a tax, yet volume and weapons keep him in play as a usable QB2 streamer for Thursday night.

Joe Flacco, Cin v NYJ (16th, 25th, Bye, 30th) – Flacco (76-127/745-5-2, 8/2-0) is coming off a 342-yard, three-TD performance with the Bengals unleashing a Ja’Marr Chase–centric plan. The timing and aggressiveness were evident, and the Bengals showed trust to let him work intermediate windows. Variance will linger, but he’s a viable QB2 streamer while the volume holds.

Spencer Rattler (S), NO v TB (20th, 9th, 7th, 2nd) – Rattler (79-104/811-4-3, 18/102-0) turned it over four times in Chicago but still hit Chris Olave for two scores. Kellen Moore reaffirmed him as the starter, and the Saints continue to call a controlled game that limits exposure while asking him to take selective shots. He’s a matchup-driven QB2 streamer with a low floor until the ball security stabilizes.

Cam Ward (R), Ten @ Ind (22nd, 13th, Bye, 1st) – Ward (82-137/850-2-4, 7/16-0) delivered his most efficient outing (7.5 YPA) with four gains of 15-plus and a deep strike to Chimere Dike. He still took five sacks and lost a fumble, reflecting ongoing pocket-management issues in a shaky environment. Ward's efficiency improved, but sacks and ball security remain problems. He’s a 2QB/Superflex flier more than a 1QB streamer.

*Tyrod Taylor, NYJ @ Cin (26th, Bye, 3rd, 14th) – Taylor (10-22/126-0-2, 3/11-0) relieved Justin Fields and moved the ball unevenly with two late interceptions. The Jets have not named a Week 8 starter, so monitor practice notes. If Taylor draws the nod, a soft draw this week gives him fringe 2QB/Superflex appeal, but the ceiling is modest given the offense’s form.

*Marcus Mariota, Wsh @ KC (6th, 18th, 21st, 27th) – Mariota (20-37/219-2-2, 4/54-0) handled relief duty again, flashing legs but tossing a pick-six. Jayden Daniels’ MRI was clean, yet his hamstring status for Monday remains uncertain. If Mariota starts, a tough Chiefs defense this week caps his ceiling and his rushing offers only a thin streamer case in deep formats.

*Andy Dalton, Car v Buf (8th, 17th, 23rd, 2nd) – Dalton (4-7/60-0-0, 2/-2-0) is expected to start while Bryce Young recovers from a high-ankle sprain. The veteran can operate a timing offense and feed first reads, and the Panthers’ receiving duo of Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette gives him viable targets. He’s a low-end 2QB/Superflex streamer rather than a 1QB play.

Tua Tagovailoa, Mia @ Atl (2nd, 31st, 8th, 24th) – Tagovailoa (77-116/738-6-6, 8/21-0) remains the starter after back-to-back three-INT games and a late benching. The Dolphins are trying to speed up the ball out, but recent turnovers and likely absences in the supporting cast (Darren Waller trending doubtful) squeeze his margin. The Falcons present a tough Week 8 draw, keeping him a volatile QB2 who needs mistake-free, YAC-driven drives to pay off.

Running Backs

Justice Hill, Bal v Chi (24th, 29th, 11th, 2nd) – Hill (9/95-1, 11-14/78-1) continued in the passing-down role before the bye, posting a season-high six carries and catching five of six targets while Derrick Henry handled base work. He’s cleared three receptions in four of six games and remains the preferred two-minute option. Lamar Jackson is expected back this week, which can trim checkdowns but should extend drives and keep Hill involved in hurry-up and long-down snaps. In PPR formats he’s a viable low-end streamer with a modest rushing floor unless Henry is limited.

Kyle Monangai (R), Chi @ Bal (31st, 32nd, 18th, 11th) – Monangai (22/118-1, 3-4/38-0) finally saw real volume and converted at the goal line, functioning as the “1B” to D’Andre Swift’s “1A.” Coaches kept him involved throughout rather than in pure cleanup duty, but his carry count still tilts with game script. He remains behind Swift for base downs and two-minute snaps. A soft Ravens run defense this week helps his rushing floor, but he's still a touchdown-dependent flex unless Swift cedes series.

Brashard Smith (R), KC v Wsh (17th, 27th, Bye, 9th) – Smith (19/52-0, 14-16/122-0) picked up extra carries in a blowout, but his primary value remains as a passing-down option. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt hold the early-down and scoring work, keeping Smith as the distant third in the pecking order. He’s past last week’s illness and should keep the two-minute role when active. In PPR formats he’s a deep-league streamer whose usage spikes when the Chiefs lean on the short passing game.

Tyrone Tracy, NYG @ Phi (25th, 20th, 24th, 4th) – Tracy (13/52-1, 0-0/0-0) ripped a 31-yard touchdown but otherwise found little room and wasn’t targeted. Cam Skattebo led the Giants in snaps and touches, leaving Tracy as the change-of-pace back. His straight-line speed gives him potential for long runs when New York leans on the ground. Without pass-game usage, he’s a depth play who will need a well-blocked lane to deliver startable numbers.

Isaiah Davis, NYJ @ Cin (32nd, Bye, 2nd, 6th) – Davis (8/26-0, 8-11/67-0) continues to work as the top backup, with most of his impact coming as an outlet receiver. Breece Hall holds the lead role, and Davis’ carries have stayed modest. A soft Bengals run defense this week raises his emergency utility if New York leans on quick throws and tempo. He’s a PPR-leaning bye-week patch more than a stand-alone starter.

*Zavier Scott, Min @ LAC (23rd, 3rd, 31st, 24th) – Scott (11/23-0, 7-9/45-1) injured his wrist and was estimated to be limited on a short turnaround. With Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler on IR, Jordan Mason holds the lead job, and the Vikings could elevate depth if Scott sits. If active, his path runs through two-minute and designed-target usage rather than volume carries. Consider him a PPR spot if cleared, with role risk heightened by the short week.

Jerome Ford, Cle @ NE (6th, Bye, 13th, 31st) – Ford (9/34-0, 10-12/47-0) slid to minimal usage while rookie Dylan Sampson siphoned snaps and returned kicks, hinting at a changing hierarchy behind Quinshon Judkins. Special-teams shifts further suggest Ford is trending toward the No. 3 role. A tough Week 8 draw (6th) caps near-term upside even if touches rebound slightly. He’s more stash-and-trade-watch than streamer right now.

*Jeremy McNichols, Wsh @ KC (7th, 15th, 3rd, 29th) – McNichols (7/36-0, 7-11/65-0) operated as Washington’s passing-down back, finishing second in snaps behind rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and ahead of Chris Rodriguez. He led the backfield in targets and should maintain that role when the Commanders chase. A difficult Week 8 matchup against the Chiefs limits rushing efficiency, but hurry-up usage can keep his PPR line afloat. He’s a deeper-league flex when you’re targeting receptions over carries.

Receivers

Xavier Legette (S), Car v Buf (11th, 18th, 17th, 2nd) – Legette (13-16/134-2, 0/0-0) turned his biggest 2025 workload into a career day, leading the Panthers with 9 catches for 92 yards and a touchdown in Week 7. His 81% catch rate over the last four games and a growing route share point to an expanding every-down role. With Tetairoa McMillan, Jimmy Horn and Jalen Coker combining for just 4 grabs in that game, Legette’s grip on the No. 2 spot and primary vertical duties looks secure. Expect the Panthers to keep dialing him up on intermediate and deep routes while his efficiency holds.

Alec Pierce, Ind @ LAC (21st, 29th, 2nd, 6th) – Pierce (7-14/146-0, 0/0-0) just set season highs across the board and paced the Colts in targets and yards. He’s seeing more downfield work as the staff leans into his vertical role, which naturally brings volatility but also spike potential. With his opportunities climbing after a layoff earlier in the month, Pierce projects as the primary field-stretcher. If the Colts lean pass, his air-yard share can carry a usable line.

Tez Johnson (R), TB @ NO (17th, Bye, 19th, 11th) – Johnson (10-17/170-2, 1/5-0) has touchdowns in back-to-back games and just played a career-high snap share. With Mike Evans suffering a broken collarbone and Chris Godwin still sidelined, the Buccaneers have turned to Johnson for speed and vertical stress. The rookie’s target volume ticked up in Week 7; even with some inefficiency, the role is expanding. Expect designed shots and schemed YAC chances to remain part of the plan.

Rashid Shaheed, NO v TB (15th, 20th, 3rd, Bye) – Shaheed (16-25/229-1, 0/0-0) has logged exactly four receptions in six straight games while leading the Saints in Week 7 targets. The deep shots have been rarer with Spencer Rattler tasked to manage the offense, but the weekly routes and target share remain stable. His above-60% catch rate over the last month supports a usable floor even if the explosive plays come and go. Expect the Saints to keep him active on crossers and posts with designed space touches.

Jaylin Noel (R), Hou @ SF (14th, 1st, 26th, 21st) – Noel (7-11/88-1, 2/7-0) followed his first career touchdown with a season-high 77 yards on Monday night. With Christian Kirk out and Nico Collins exiting late last game, the rookie’s role has expanded on perimeter and slot snaps. Noel’s efficiency is solid and the staff trusted him in key situations. If Houston’s starters sit or are limited, he projects for another elevated target share.

Sterling Shepard, TB @ NO (17th, 19th, 11th, 20th) – Shepard (15-19/114-1, 2/1-0) soaked up seven targets last week with Tampa Bay’s top wideouts sidelined. His average depth of target (aDOT) was shallow and he lost a fumble, but the staff clearly trusts him as a chain-mover. With Mike Evans out for a while and Chris Godwin uncertain, Shepard’s role should remain expanded. The volume floor is the appeal while the depth chart is thinned.

*Van Jefferson, Ten @ Ind (32nd, 8th, Bye, 5th) – Jefferson (9-11/122-0, 0/0-0) is cleared and starting with Calvin Ridley out, and he immediately handled a larger route load after Ridley's injury in Week 6. The Colts rank 32nd versus WRs this week, boosting the outlook for perimeter targets. Jefferson’s recent efficiency (over 80% catch rate the last four) adds confidence if the Titans lean on play-action. He profiles as a volume-plus matchup play while Ridley sits.

*Jalen Nailor, Min @ LAC (8th, 25th, 27th, 23rd) – Nailor (6-12/66-1, 1/15-0) held the No. 3 role again, logging 41 snaps while operating behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The Vikings keep him on the field enough to matter when script tilts pass-heavy. Targets will be inconsistent with T.J. Hockenson commanding middle-field looks, but the role is stable. He remains a viable deep-league streamer tied to volume spikes.

*Andrei Iosivas, Cin v NYJ (9th, 23rd, Bye, 29th) – Iosivas (10-16/158-0, 1/5-0) continues to carve out steady work and delivered a key 40-yard conversion in Week 7. The Bengals trust him on vertical and boundary concepts, which creates downfield leverage even on modest volume. His catch rate north of 60% the past month supports weekly utility. He’s a live deep-shot option whenever Cincinnati pushes tempo.

*Xavier Hutchinson, Hou @ SF (14th, 1st, 26th, 21st) – Hutchinson (6-10/48-2, 0/0-0) is set for more snaps with Christian Kirk ruled out, and he already flashed with two scores in Week 5. The Texans hinted at a run-heavy approach, but injuries can funnel ancillary targets to him. His catch rate sits around 60% the last month, offering competence if routes rise. Should game flow force throws, Hutchinson is one of the first beneficiaries.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC v Wsh (24th, 11th, Bye, 1st) – Smith-Schuster (12-15/145-1, 0/0-0) stayed efficient in Week 7, but Rashee Rice’s return immediately condensed the Chiefs’ looks to JuJu. With Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce also drawing designed targets, JuJu is living on secondary reads and situational usage. He can still convert red-zone concepts, but volume projects thin week to week. He’s a deep-league streamer where you’re betting on play design rather than targets.

Tight Ends

Pat Freiermuth, Pit v GB (31st, 29th, 7th, 32nd) – Freiermuth (6/7-122-2) delivered a true breakout game with 111 yards and two scores, reasserting his red-zone role. The Packers ranks 31st versus tight ends, setting up another strong opportunity. The Steelers still rotate three tight ends, but Freiermuth’s targets are the most secure and highest leverage. He profiles as a top streamer with touchdown equity.

Oronde Gadsden (R), LAC v Min (13th, 9th, 30th, 21st) – Gadsden (17/21-262-1) erupted for 7-164-1 and now has 232 yards over his last two, flashing downfield ability while the Chargers chased points. He remains behind Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey for raw targets, but the rookie’s routes and trust with Justin Herbert keep trending up. He appears to have secured the Chargers’ No. 1 receiving-TE role ahead of Will Dissly, giving him weekly TE1 upside.

Dalton Schultz, Hou v SF (8th, 21st, 9th, 2nd) – Schultz (19/22-188-0) set new season highs with a 9-98-0 on 10 targets under the Monday night lights. His usage spiked after Nico Collins exited with a concussion, and the veteran worked as the Texans’ primary chain-mover. The 49ers are a top-10 matchup for slowing tight ends (8th), so yardage may be harder to come by, but the volume holds TE1/TE2 value if Collins sits. In PPR, he’s a solid floor play.

Darnell Washington, Pit v GB (31st, 29th, 7th, 32nd) – Washington (9/13-84-1) scored in Week 7 and played 63% of snaps, but Pittsburgh’s three-man rotation with Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth caps routes. The matchup is friendly for tight ends, which keeps him on the streamer radar. He’s a touchdown-leaning TE2 in deeper formats.

Kickers

Jake Moody, Chi @ Bal (26th, 11th, 27th, 8th)

Brandon Aubrey, Dal @ Den (23rd, 25th, Bye, 18th)

Lucas Havrisik, GB @ Pit (21st, 9th, 32nd, 27th)

Will Reichard, Min @ LAC (19th,3rd, 28th, 7th)

Joey Slye, Ten @ Ind (6th, 19th, Bye, 1st)

Defense / Special Teams

New England Patriots v Cle (27th, 19th, 13th, 31st)

Houston Texans v SF (21st, 8th, 12th, 32nd)

Chicago Bears @ Bal (26th, 28th, 24th, 30th)

Atlanta Falcons v Mia (25th, 21st, 1st, 22nd)

Minnesota Vikings @ LAC (18th, 7th, 26th, 2nd)