Fantasy Week 8 Waiver Wire: Find Opportunity Before Your League Does
A big Sunday can put a player on your radar, but touches, targets, and the path to playing time should decide your claim. Below is the SLM Fantasy pickup board. Availability varies by league, so treat these names as players to check, not as a promise that every one of them is widely available.
Suggested FAAB bids are editorial ranges expressed as a percentage of your original season budget. They are built for typical 12-team redraft leagues, so adjust them for your league's depth and competition.
Quarterbacks
Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins
Willis delivered 208 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 37 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown against the Jets. His legs give fantasy managers another route to points when passing volume is limited. He is my preferred upside check at quarterback, especially in Superflex. In a one-QB league, treat him as a streaming option rather than an automatic replacement for your established starter.
Suggested FAAB: 3–7% in one-QB leagues; more in Superflex.
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
Penix belongs on the streaming shortlist. If you need a quarterback, compare his upcoming matchup with Willis and the other available starters before spending heavily. A short-term replacement should solve an actual lineup need. There is little reason to burn a premium claim on a backup you will not start.
Suggested FAAB: 1–4% in one-QB leagues.
Running Backs
Jonah Coleman, Denver Broncos
Coleman led Denver's running backs with 30 offensive snaps in Week 7, ahead of RJ Harvey and JK Dobbins. That makes him a priority workload watch. I would add him for the possibility of a larger role, while allowing for a committee that can still change from week to week.
Suggested FAAB: 8–15%.
Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings
Check Mason's availability immediately. Aaron Jones aggravated his knee, and Mason would have a clearer path to carries if Jones cannot play. Reports indicate Jones avoided a serious injury, so do not bid as if a long absence has been confirmed. Mason moves toward the top of this list if Jones is ruled out.
Suggested FAAB: 5–10% before clarity; 15–25% if Jones is out and you need a starter.
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins
Gordon is worth an availability check as Jaylen Wright's quad issue develops. For a running back pickup, the key question is how much work is actually available. Add him if your bench needs upside, then follow practice participation before committing a starting spot.
Suggested FAAB: 5–10%, adjusted to Wright's status.
Wide Receivers
Omar Cooper Jr., New York Jets
Cooper has produced consecutive 100-yard games, making him my first receiver check this week. I would prioritize him over a bench player who has no realistic route into your lineup. Remember that two productive games do not guarantee a weekly floor.
Suggested FAAB: 10–18%.
Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders
Tucker followed his recent success with five catches for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Rams. He is an appealing receiver-depth add. My approach is to buy the opportunity without paying in advance for another touchdown.
Suggested FAAB: 5–10%.
KC Concepcion, Cleveland Browns
Concepcion's 129-yard receiving performance puts him firmly on the pickup radar. I like him as an upside addition for managers who can tolerate some uncertainty. In a shallow league, compare him with your weakest receiver rather than assuming every breakout requires a roster move.
Suggested FAAB: 7–12%.
Tight Ends
Mason Taylor, New York Jets
Taylor caught five passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns against Miami. He is worth checking if you need tight-end help, but a two-touchdown game is a poor baseline for your lineup decision. Watch his targets and involvement after the breakout.
Suggested FAAB: 3–7%.
Chig Okonkwo, Washington Commanders
Okonkwo is another streaming or depth option. If your usual starter is available and healthy, keep the bid modest. Prioritize your actual weekly need over collecting another tight end for the bench.
Suggested FAAB: 1–3%.
Our Claim Strategy
My first receiver check is Cooper. Coleman is my workload-growth pickup, and Mason becomes a stronger immediate priority if Jones cannot play. Willis leads my quarterback upside checks. At tight end, Taylor is worth a claim without chasing last week's touchdown total.
Before waivers run, check injuries again, compare each player with the roster spot you would give up, and submit backup claims. Build a better roster one useful move at a time.
Sources
- Week 8 waiver options, SB Nation
- Miami's Week 7 quarterback performance, The Phinsider
- Denver's backfield snaps, Mile High Report
- Aaron Jones injury update, Reuters
- Raiders Week 7 recap, Silver and Black Pride
- Mason Taylor game log, NFL.com
- Additional Week 8 options, Big Blue View
Analysis and suggested bids are SLM Fantasy editorial recommendations. Injury status and player availability can change after publication.
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