NFL Week 8 Fantasy Waiver Wire: The Pickups Worth Adding Now

Week 8 is here, and the waiver wire has some genuinely useful names this week. If you lost a player to injury or you are staring at a bye-week hole in your lineup, this is the week to act early, because the top adds will not stay free for long.

Four teams are on bye in Week 8: the Giants, Saints, Texans, and 49ers. That means you may need cover at several positions, so it helps to add a player a week early when you can.

Roster percentages vary by platform, so a player listed as widely available on one site may already be taken in your league. Check your own wire first, then work down this list in order.

Top priority adds

1. Rachaad White, RB, Commanders

White is the top running back add of the week. He scored 15.7 fantasy points in his first game before the bye while filling in for Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who is on injured reserve and out for at least three more games. White is a strong pass catcher, and his workload should stay solid. He faces the Eagles in Week 8, which is a tough matchup, but volume like this is hard to find on the wire.

2. Jonah Coleman, RB, Broncos

Coleman returned to action and led all Broncos running backs in snaps in a win over the Cardinals, playing 30 snaps compared with 16 for RJ Harvey and 14 for J.K. Dobbins. He scored just 8.9 fantasy points in that game, but the snap share is the encouraging part. Denver’s backfield is still a committee, yet Coleman already looks like the back to own there.

3. Malik Willis, QB, Dolphins

Willis has scored 18 or more fantasy points in two straight games, helped by his running. Over his last two games he has 111 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, which gives him a safe floor even when his passing numbers are modest. He faces the Patriots in Week 8, then gets the Lions in Week 9. If you need a quarterback streamer or a backup with upside, he is the first name to check.

4. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Jets

Cooper had his breakout game in Week 7, catching all five of his targets for 115 yards and a touchdown. That performance pushed other Jets receivers down the pecking order, and with Garrett Wilson’s future uncertain, Cooper’s role looks secure for now. He is the kind of add who can help right away rather than just sitting on your bench.

More adds worth a look

Geno Smith, QB, Jets

Smith is a matchup streamer, not an every-week starter. He threw for three touchdowns against Miami and keeps getting weapons back around him. In Week 8 he faces a Las Vegas defense that has struggled, which makes him a solid one-week play if you need a quarterback. Just be ready to move on from him the following week.

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Falcons

Penix has thrown six touchdowns in his last two weeks and has just one interception in five games played this season. He faces Tampa Bay and Cincinnati in his next two games, both of which look friendly on paper. He is a good stash if you want quarterback cover beyond Week 8.

Seth McGowan, RB, Colts

McGowan gained 42 yards on 11 carries in his latest outing, with the Colts giving him a real look behind Jonathan Taylor. He may still share work with veteran DJ Giddens, but McGowan is the more interesting fantasy option of the two and is worth adding in deeper leagues.

Bam Knight, RB, Cardinals

Knight has been the better of the two Cardinals running backs since Jeremyiah Love went down with an ankle injury, ahead of Tyler Allgeier. He is not a star, but he is getting real touches, and that alone makes him a useful flex option in deeper leagues.

Dylan Sampson, RB, Browns

Sampson returned to action, saw nine touches, and played 32 snaps. He is mainly worth adding as insurance for Quinshon Judkins managers, but he has enough of a role to be a bench stash in most leagues.

Kaelon Black, RB, 49ers

Black scored a touchdown and 10.9 fantasy points against the Falcons. The 49ers are on bye in Week 8, so he will not help you this week, but he is a valuable handcuff for Christian McCaffrey managers. McCaffrey was banged up and missed part of that game, which is a reminder of why the backup matters.

How to set your waiver order

Put the player you need most at the top, not just the biggest name. If you need a starting running back this week, White and Coleman should lead your claims. If your quarterback is on bye or injured, Willis comes first.

In most leagues, waivers run overnight before Wednesday’s games, so get your claims in early. If you miss out on the top names, work down to Smith, McGowan, and Knight rather than spending a high claim on a player you will only bench.

One last tip: do not drop a player with a good schedule ahead just to add a one-week streamer. The best waiver adds are the ones who can still help you in Week 9 and beyond, and most of the names above fit that test.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the top waiver wire pickup for Week 8?

Rachaad White of the Commanders is the top add for most leagues, thanks to his workload while Jacory Croskey-Merritt is on injured reserve. Jonah Coleman and Malik Willis are close behind.

Which teams are on bye in Week 8?

The Giants, Saints, Texans, and 49ers are all on bye in Week 8.

Is Malik Willis worth adding in fantasy?

Yes, especially if you need a quarterback. He has scored 18 or more points in two straight games, and his rushing gives him a safe floor even in a tough matchup.

Should I add Kaelon Black even though the 49ers are on bye?

If you have Christian McCaffrey or a free bench spot, yes. He will not help in Week 8, but he is a valuable handcuff if McCaffrey misses time.

When do Week 8 waivers run?

It depends on your league settings, but in most leagues waivers process overnight before Wednesday. Check your league’s waiver rules so you do not miss the deadline.