We made it past the week seven ‘byemaggedon’ and fantasy football lineups should be set with confidence going into week eight. Only the Raiders and Ravens are on bye this week. If your favorite player from one of those two teams is not on here, that may be why. Be sure to do your due diligence when making any transactions. As always, all roster percentages are via ESPN Fantasy Football. The threshold to qualify a player for my weekly waiver list is 65% or less.
Quarterback
If you’re confused as to why the quarterbacks are numbered and the rest of the positions are not, check out last week’s waiver list for a description.
5. Trevor Lawrence JAX @ SEA (35.2% Rostered) – Although not my favorite selection, there’s no doubt in my mind that any quarterback can succeed against the Seahawks defense. Trevor Lawrence and Co. need to throw the ball to stay in games, so he is a valid stream against a bad defense.
4. Carson Wentz IND vs TEN (22.1% Rostered) – The Titans have a very inconsistent defense. I believe the game against Kansas City was the Chiefs offense looking bad, rather than the Titans defense looking good. They are still a bottom-10 defense against the pass and top-10 against the run. Look for Carson Wentz to air it out come week eight.
3. Daniel Jones NYG @ KC (28.4% Rostered) – The Chiefs are beaten down, bruised, and battered. It may still be tough for the Giants to win, but Daniel Jones will definitely take advantage of this poor defense.
2. Jameis Winston NO vs TB (26.8% Rostered) – The Bucs have the best run defense in the league, so Jameis Winston is going to have to throw 40+ times if the Saints want to win this game. I’m looking for a week-winning performance from him in what I believe to be a shootout.
1. Kirk Cousins MIN vs DAL (40.4% Rostered) – Coming off of the bye, Kirk Cousins looks to continue his run as a top-10 fantasy quarterback. He is a household name, but never gets the credit he deserves. He is my top stream at the position.
Running Back
Khalil Herbert CHI vs SF (61.7% Rostered) – Khalil Herbert is a must-roster at this point, whether you have David Montgomery or not. Herbert has seemingly passed Damien Williams for the second spot on the depth chart and is going to get work as long as Monty is out. Be aware of the fact that when Monty is officially back, Herbert will be a handcuff.
Kenyan Drake LV on BYE (59.6%) – I know I said Raiders may not be on this list, but with the injury to Josh Jacobs possibly keeping him out for an extended time frame, it may be wise to stash Kenyan Drake on your fantasy football a week early. He showed us that he still has juice when given the workload.
Kenneth Gainwell PHI @ DET (26.3% Rostered) – Miles Sanders went down with an ankle injury and is considered week-to-week. Kenny Gainwell is the next man up and is very potent, especially in the pass game. The Eagles tend to play catch-up in most games, so look for a ton of receiving work to go his way.
Brandon Bolden NE @ LAC (5.5% Rostered) – Brandon Bolden is the new James White. Averaging six targets a game since week three, Bolden is potentially an every week flex regardless of game script.
Wide Receivers
Hunter Renfrow LV on BYE (64.8% Rostered) – Another Raider injury comes into play on this list. Even with Waller healthy, I still like Hunter Renfrow as a weekly flex option. With Waller battling injury it makes me think of Renfrow as a low-end WR2 in fantasy football PPR leagues. Averaging seven targets a game and no less than five yet this season, give me Renfrow all year long.
Arizona Cardinals Receivers vs GB (>40% Rostered) – Now it’s tough to predict which receiver outside of Hopkins will have a good game, but having them as a flex/depth option is definitely worth the roster spot on your fantasy football team. AJ Green stands out as the WR2 on the team, but Kirk and Moore have had their games as well. I always say I want a part of this offense in any fashion.
Rashod Bateman BAL on BYE (19% Rostered) – The Ravens are usually a run-heavy team, but are actually throwing the ball slightly more than handing it off this year. Rashod Bateman had six targets in his first two games this year and is a match-up based flex for your team going forward.
Darius Slayton NYG @ KC (11.2% Rostered) – Darius Slayton is poised to be WR1 for Daniel Jones once again come week eight. Slayton should slay a JV level defense in the Chiefs.
Tight Ends
Zach Ertz PHI @ DET (64.4% Rostered) – Barely making the cut for this list, Zach Ertz found the end zone in his Cardinals debut. As mentioned one too many times, give me all the Cardinals. Ertz looks to be a top-10 tight end the rest of the season.
Ricky Seals-Jones WSH @ DEN (51.8% Rostered) – Logan Thomas is designated to return this week, but it seems unlikely he will. Fire up more RSJ in the meantime.
Foster Moreau LV on BYE (5.7% Rostered) – Another Raider on here due to injury. If Waller misses significant time Foster Moreau is a great substitute. He should be utilized well enough to start weekly until Waller’s return.
D/ST Streamers
Pittsburgh Steelers @ CLE (62.6% Rostered) – An overall good defense facing an injury-riddled Browns team. This division game should be decided by defense and running the ball.
San Francisco 49ers @ CHI (57.3% Rostered) – The Bears have an awful offense. Fire up the 49ers.
Cincinnati Bengals @ NYJ (23% Rostered) – The Bengals currently have a top nine defense. No, that was not a typo. Give me them all day against the Jets.
Kicker of the Week
Younghoe Koo became one of my favorite kickers when I saw his back flip field goal back when he was on the Chargers. I predict Koo to be the best kicker of week eight.
