Week 7 of the NFL is now in the books, and with four important bye weeks coming up (ATL, DAL, LAC, TEN) along with several injuries, the waiver wire is slimming down. Here is a look at my top waiver wire adds for Week 8:
Quarterback:
Baker Mayfield CLE (41%): Mayfield put together a decent game for fantasy owners in Week 7. He threw for 2 touchdown passes, 215 yards, and an additional 43 yards rushing. Those numbers look much better than reality considering he was sacked 5 times. The offensive line needs to play better for Mayfield and the Browns to see more success. Since taking over as the starting quarterback, Baker has been doing everything he can to keep the Browns in games. He should be considered a top waiver claim for Week 8 as he’s becoming more comfortable in the Browns offense.
Running Back:
Raheem Mostert SF (14%): In Week 7, Matt Bredia re-aggravated his ankle injury which allowed Mostert, who passed up Alfred Morris on the depth chart, to fill in as the 49ers lead back. He rushed just 7 times for 59 yards and caught all 4 of his targets for an additional 19 yards. If Matt Bredia is out of action for the 49ers’ Week 8 game against the Cardinals, Mostert would be a great waiver wire add. The Cardinals defense has allowed an NFL worst 148 rushing yards a game.
Jalen Richard/Doug Martin OAK (24%/26%): Marshawn Lynch has been placed on IR, potentially ending his 2018 season. So far this year, Jalen Richard has seen more playing time than Doug Martin, but you have to wonder who will take on the primary role moving forward. Martin, who signed this past offseason after being cut by the Buccaneers, has only 27 rushing attempts for 99 yards and 4 catches for 5 yards. Richard has 11 carries for just 32 yards with 31 catches for 253 yards. Neither of them have seen the end zone, but that could soon change for them both as the struggling Raiders need to find production from their run game with Lynch out of action.
Wide Receiver:
Jakeem Grant MIA (7%): The Dolphins lost Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson to injury in Week 7. Throughout this season, Grant has shown the ability to make big plays. Whether it’s been returning kicks, punts, rushing, or receiving. Any time the speedy receiver touches the ball he could take it in for a touchdown. Grant will most likely be the number 1 or 2 option with Danny Amendola. He should see more production as the season progresses.
Tre’Quan Smith NO (17%): With Ted Ginn being placed on IR, the rookie Tre’Quan Smith has taken over as the Saints clear number 2 receiver. In Week 7, Smith caught just 3 of 6 passes for 44 yards. With opposing defenses having to worry about Michael Thomas and the Saints 2 dangerous running backs, Smith could have a lot of opportunities for big plays this season. He is worth an add as a top waiver claim. The Saints will find more ways to get the ball to the talented wide receiver.
Tight End:
Chris Herndon NYJ (1%): Herndon has looked good for the Jets the last 2 weeks. He got his first two career touchdowns in Weeks 6 and 7. Herndon was targeted 7 times in Week 7, catching 4 of them for 42 yards and the touchdown. The Jets should look to get Herndon the ball more as he’s been a bright spot in recent weeks for them. With the tight end position very scarce this season, Herndon could prove to be a great waiver wire add.
Benjamin Watson NO (40%): In 2015, Watson saw the best season of his career with the Saints. After spending the last two seasons with the Ravens, he has returned to the Saints. In Week 7, Watson caught his first touchdown of the season. That was Drew Brees’ 500th career touchdown pass. Being part of a dynamic offense with Sean Payton calling plays, Watson should be in line for plenty of red zone opportunities. With how few reliable options there are at the tight end position, Watson is worth a waiver add. That is, if you are one of the many fantasy players struggling at the position.
