Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 8: Who to Add — Jaxson Dart, Kyle Monangai, Alec Pierce & Oronde Gadsden II Top Must-Add Players

Week 8 is here, and by now, fantasy managers should know if they are contenders, making the playoffs, or in full crisis mode. Between injuries, key teams on bye, and backfields in flux, fantasy managers are scrambling to plug roster holes before the midseason push.

Jump to Position Group

QB | RB | WR | TE

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Quarterbacks

Jaxson Dart (Giants) – 43% rostered

Averaging 23.0 fantasy points per game over his last four starts, Dart has become a legit QB1 thanks to his dual-threat upside. He’s scored multiple touchdowns in every outing and faces a familiar Philadelphia defense he torched earlier this year. A must-add in any league he’s still available.

Joe Flacco (Bengals) – 5% rostered

Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns in his second Bengals start, instantly syncing with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. With one of the easiest QB schedules remaining, he’s a viable short- and long-term starter while Joe Burrow remains sidelined.

J.J. McCarthy (Vikings) – 28% rostered

Returning from an ankle injury, McCarthy is a speculative stash for fantasy managers in deeper leagues. Minnesota’s offensive line is getting healthier, and the rookie has a favorable rest-of-season schedule once he returns to full action.

Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons) – 17% rostered

Penix has quietly hit 240+ passing yards in three straight games and draws the Dolphins in Week 8, who’ve allowed the second-most QB fantasy points. He’s a steady streamer with QB2 upside, particularly for those navigating bye weeks.

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Running Backs

Kyle Monangai (Bears) – 4% rostered

Chicago’s rookie back has carved out nearly a 50/50 split with D’Andre Swift, logging 81 yards and a touchdown in Week 7. He’s now seeing work on third downs and at the goal line, giving him immediate Flex appeal against Baltimore and Cincinnati.

Tyler Allgeier (Falcons) – 37% rostered

Allgeier’s workload spikes in Atlanta wins, averaging 14 carries per game in victories. With Miami up next — a defense that’s struggled against the run — he’s a priority add for anyone short on RB depth during the bye-week crunch.

Bam Knight (Cardinals) – 25% rostered

Knight started his first game since 2022 and out-snapped Michael Carter, handling 17 touches for 64 total yards. Arizona’s on bye this week, but he’s worth stashing ahead of a Week 9 matchup with Dallas’ vulnerable run defense.

Isaiah Davis (Jets) – 4% rostered

Davis has emerged as Breece Hall’s clear backup and would inherit a full-time role if Hall is traded or injured. Deep-league stash with league-winning upside if the Jets make a move before the deadline.

Tyjae Spears (Titans) – 30% rostered

Spears continues to share snaps with Tony Pollard and remains one trade away from RB1 volume. His explosiveness and growing role make him a strong hold through the trade deadline.

Bhayshul Tuten (Jaguars) – 27% rostered

Tuten has been more efficient than Travis Etienne in recent weeks and could see his role expand after Jacksonville’s Week 8 bye. He’s one of the few backups with a real shot to take over his backfield.

Tahj Brooks (Bengals) – 0% rostered

A deep-league stash with massive contingency upside — if Chase Brown or Samaje Perine go down, Brooks would step into meaningful carries in one of the league’s most favorable RB schedules.

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Wide Receivers

Alec Pierce (Colts) – 3% rostered

Pierce led the Colts with 98 yards in Week 7 and remains the team’s primary deep threat. He’s averaged nearly 10 PPR points per game without scoring — meaning positive touchdown regression is coming. A strong WR3/Flex add for Week 9 and beyond.

Kayshon Boutte (Patriots) – 27% rostered

Boutte continues to flash red-zone chemistry with Drake Maye, scoring four touchdowns in limited volume. His role as New England’s X receiver keeps him on the field, and an uptick in targets could turn him into a long-term fantasy starter.

Troy Franklin (Broncos) – 29% rostered

Despite inconsistent results, Franklin has seen steady routes and scoring opportunities in Denver’s offense. He faces a Dallas defense allowing the most fantasy points to wideouts — giving him breakout potential in Week 8.

Elic Ayomanor (Titans) – 26% rostered

A steady role and upcoming matchup with the Colts’ soft secondary make Ayomanor one of the best streaming options this week. He’s due for another spike game as Tennessee leans more on its passing attack.

Xavier Legette (Panthers) – 23% rostered

The rookie finally broke out with nine catches for 92 yards and a score. Carolina’s passing game is trending upward, and Legette could solidify himself as the WR2 behind Tetairoa McMillan.

Chris Moore (Commanders) – 7% rostered

With multiple injuries in Washington’s receiver room, Moore stepped up as the primary X receiver. If Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel remain out, he’s a worthwhile one-week fill-in.

Jaylin Lane (Commanders) – 1% rostered

Lane caught three passes for 60 yards and continues to see expanded usage in three-receiver sets. In deeper leagues, he’s a short-term Flex with potential to grow if injuries persist.

Jack Bech (Raiders) – 4% rostered

Bech filled in for Jakobi Meyers and looked comfortable working from the slot, finishing second in team receiving. If Meyers is traded, Bech would instantly become a viable WR3 in PPR formats.

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Tight Ends

Oronde Gadsden II (Chargers) – 2% rostered

The rookie erupted for 164 yards on seven catches, cementing himself as the Chargers’ new TE1. With an 80% snap share and heavy usage in all situations, Gadsden is a must-add and potential rest-of-season starter.

A.J. Barner (Seahawks) – 12% rostered

Barner ranks near the top of PFF’s receiving grades among tight ends and continues to produce efficiently despite low volume. His target share could climb post-bye, making him a smart long-term hold.

Colston Loveland (Bears) – 25% rostered

With Cole Kmet sidelined, Loveland stepped into an every-down role, logging 21 of the final 23 snaps. If Kmet misses more time, Loveland is an instant streaming option in a resurgent Chicago offense.

Isaiah Likely (Ravens) – 5% rostered

Likely’s role is quietly expanding alongside Mark Andrews, and a potential trade could elevate him into full-time TE1 territory. He’s one of the best forward-looking stashes at the position.

Theo Johnson (Giants) – 11% rostered

Johnson delivered a career-high 66 yards and a touchdown in Week 7, emerging as a reliable safety blanket for Jaxson Dart. The Giants’ thin receiving corps keeps his weekly target floor steady.