NFL Week 8 Overreactions
Mackenzie Salmon breaks down the wildest games from Week 8.
Sports Seriously
The biggest surprise from last week’s NFL action was the sudden resurgence of the Cleveland Browns offense under new quarterback Jameis Winston.
For a team that had not put up even 20 points in any game previously to score 29 in an upset win over the Ravens was nothing short of miraculous. And it also opened up a number of new possibilities for fantasy managers.
Not to say that we didn’t alert you. Both Winston and wide receiver Cedric Tillman were mentioned as potential pickups last week in this space – and they’re both still available in many leagues. Who else can help bolster fantasy rosters?
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Due to the wide variance in types of leagues and individual team needs, the players listed here are in the lowest to highest availability rates in Fantrax leagues, which may or not match rates on other platforms. (Suggested bid values based on $100 free agent acquisition budget for the season.)
The running back supply on the waiver wire these days is dangerously low. That’s why McLaughlin, coming off a season-high 47 rushing yards, heads our list. His 9-yard touchdown reception was his second in four weeks. If you need a running back this week, he might be your best bet. FAAB bid: $5.
Coming back from a rib injury he suffered in Week 4, Hill jumped right back into his familiar utility role, catching two of four targets for 21 yards, rushing four times for 20 yards and completing a 3-yard pass. There’s always a chance on any given week he can score a touchdown. FAAB bid: $4.
Starting wideout Jameson Williams still has one more week to go on his suspension. Last week’s pick to click, Tim Patrick, didn’t as QB Jared Goff only threw for 85 yards in a blowout win. But Raymond caught a 7-yard touchdown pass and ran a punt back 90 yards for another score. It’s hard to count on return TDs, but the possibility is always there. FAAB bid: $2.
Paradoxically, the return of top wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua last week helped Robinson have his best game of the season. He caught just two of his three targets against the Vikings, but both were for touchdowns. The Rams offense looks much more potent with the big guns back. Perhaps it’s a sign of things to come for Robinson, too. FAAB bid: $3.
The Niners are on bye this week and Christian McCaffrey could potentially return in Week 10, so why even bother with a third-string running back who won’t provide any immediate return? For one, he’s healthy. Second, he’s been productive. The rookie rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries vs. Dallas (and also caught three passes for 17 yards). With Jordan Mason (shoulder) banged up and McCaffrey not ready to be the workhorse, there’s plenty of room for Guerendo. FAAB bid: $8.
Moore is not Cedric Tillman (still 56% available!) but he’s still a viable option with gunslingin’ Jameis Winston taking over at quarterback. The fourth-year wideout was the team leader in targets on Sunday, catching eight of 12 for 85 yards. The only drawback is a tough Chargers pass defense this week and a bye next week. FAAB bid: $3.
Like Raymond, Austin supplemented his 54 yards and a touchdown receiving with a long punt return for a score. Although he plays second fiddle to George Pickens, both should continue to see their numbers improve with Russell Wilson at quarterback. Van Jefferson (89% available) could also be an option. FAAB bid: $5.
Let’s get this straight: Bryce Young is not giving his receivers the same kind of boost Winston and Wilson are. But Coker, an undrafted rookie from Holy Cross, did have the best game of his young career on Sunday (4-78, TD) with Young under center. Of course, Diontae Johnson didn’t play due to a rib injury, but there’s a strong possibility he gets traded very soon, opening the door for Coker even wider. FAAB bid: $6.
A season-ending injury to veteran wideout Christian Kirk and a chest contusion for hotshot rookie Brian Thomas leaves a pretty big void in the Jaguars’ receiving corps. (Not to mention Gabe Davis also missing time with a shoulder injury.) Washington showed flashes last season as a rookie and is coming off his best game of the season (3-46). He could see his role increase significantly. FAAB bid: $7
Trautman joined in the fun on National Tight Ends Day, catching four passes for 85 yards and a one-handed touchdown. He seems to have supplanted Greg Dulcich as the main tight end in what’s become a pretty potent passing game under rookie QB Bo Nix. If you’re looking for a fishing-in-the-dark pickup this week against the NFL’s worst pass defense, see if you can land Trautman. FAAB bid: $2.
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