Week 8 was one of the most exciting weeks in fantasy football in a while. We saw star players shine and offenses ball out. A whopping 13 non-quarterbacks put up 25 or more PPR points. It was certainly a week to remember – or to forget if you played against Alvin Kamara, Christian McCaffrey, or A.J. Brown.
This week’s waiver wire appears a bit bare, but there are some stashes and fliers, which could pay off in a big way.
1. Justin Fields, QB, Bears
Recommended FAAB to spend: $15
Well, well, well, hello, Justin Fields. After this summer, where many touted Fields as a fringe QB1, it was disappointing to see not a single 20-point performance in the first six weeks of the season. But in his last two games, Fields has finished as a QB1 with five total touchdowns, one turnover, and 142 rushing yards against two stout defenses in New England and Dallas. Fields and the Bears have seemingly found an offensive style that works, helping him become a top-15 fantasy quarterback.
2. Khalil Herbert, RB, Bears
Recommended FAAB to spend: $15-$2o
Back-to-back Bears in the waiver report — who would’ve thought? Chicago’s rushing attack this season has been well-balanced and efficient. Herbert is rostered in 47 percent of ESPN leagues as David Montgomery’s backup. Herbert is also, *checks notes*, seventh in the NFL in rushing yards. If Chicago continues with this hot-hand approach, there’s no reason to believe why Herbert can’t be fruitful as a flex play.
3. Deon Jackson, RB, Colts
Recommended FAAB to spend: $5-$10
Jackson is Week 9’s top stash. Jonathan Taylor battled an ankle injury in the Colts’ loss to the Commanders in Week 8, and Jackson has already stepped in for the star running back once this season. Plus, now that Nyheim Hines has been traded to Buffalo, Jackson has tremendous upside as a handcuff. He also carries serious value as a pass catcher, which we saw in Week 6 against the Jaguars (10 receptions for 79 yards).
4. Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, Panthers
Recommended FAAB to spend: $5
Terrace Marshall Jr. has slipped through the cracks that are the Panthers’ trade deadline moves. Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson have found new homes, while DJ Moore and Marshall Jr. now headline Carolina’s receiving corps. Marshall Jr., a former standout at LSU, earned a 90.7 percent snap share and nine targets against Atlanta last Sunday. If P.J. Walker continues to sling it, Marshall Jr. is a great beneficiary.
5. Kadarius Toney, WR, Chiefs
Recommended FAAB to spend: $5-$10
Kadarius Toney has had an interesting start to his career, to say the least. He’s shown flashes but has yet to establish himself whatsoever. Now a Chief, Toney has a legitimate chance to be an exciting cog in their electrifying offense. Kansas City sent a third-round pick in exchange for the wide receiver, which certainly lends itself to the idea that Toney will be used from the jump.
6. Devin Duvernay, WR, Ravens
Recommended FAAB to spend: $5-$10
The injury bug is back yet again for Baltimore. Mark Andrews is not 100 percent, and Rashod Bateman will miss the rest of the season due to foot surgery. In steps the versatile Duvernay, who is sneakily WR31 on the season. Duvernay isn’t a target hog like Andrews, nor is he a sharp route runner like Bateman. But he provides the ability to score in a myriad of ways in Lamar Jackson’s offense. If you need a fill-in pass catcher who plays a team that allows a ton of fantasy points to receivers, Duvernay is your guy.
7. Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens
Recommended FAAB to spend: $5
Isaiah Likely is an athletic backup tight end in a good offense. The rookie is coming off his career-best game against Tampa Bay (six receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown), where Andrews and Bateman exited with injuries. If Andrews misses time, Likely is a top option as a TE to stream.
[Photo courtesy: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports]
