Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups: Available Sleepers in Most Yahoo Leagues

While no NFL teams will be on bye in Week 8, fantasy managers should still be working the wavier wire.

Byes will resume in Week 9—the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers will be off that week—and injuries continue to impact the fantasy landscape. Managers who lost Chris Godwin or Brandon Aiyuk this past week, for example, may be in the market for immediate replacements.

While many of the top waiver targets have already been claimed, a few intriguing options remain available heading into the weekend. Here, you'll find a look at the best players who remain available in the majority of leagues.

All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

QB Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns

Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 13: Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) looks on during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns on October 13, 2024 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Most managers won't have to rely on a sleeper quarterback in Week 8, though the status of Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels remains up in the air. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Commanders will "attempt to try to practice" Daniels on Friday.

If needed, Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston could serve as a sleeper option this week. He's taking over for Deshaun Watson (Achilles), and he might be operating a rejuvenated passing attack on Sunday.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefnaski will hand the play-calling duties over to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey this week.

While Cleveland traded away Amari Cooper last week, it still has capable pass-catchers in David Njoku, Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore. The Browns will also likely be playing catch-up with the Baltimore Ravens, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.

The Ravens may also be without star cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who suffered a knee injury in Week 7.

Winston, who threw his first 2024 touchdown pass last Sunday, is very much a boom-or-bust option this week, but he should be available. He's rostered in only five percent of Yahoo leagues.

RB Braelon Allen, New York Jets

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 19: Running Back Braelon Allen #0 of the New York Jets has a long gain in the game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)

New York Jets running back Breece Hall remains a top-tier fantasy performer due to his PPR floor. However, rookie Braelon Allen has some upside in a Week 8 matchup with the New England Patriots.

The Patriots have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. The last time these two AFC East rivals faced off, Allen grabbed three receptions and tallied 68 scrimmage yards.

While the Jets will probably look to establish their passing attack—and reestablish the connection between Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams early—they should look to close out the game on the ground.

This should lead to more opportunities for Allen, who hasn't recorded double-digit touches since the last time the Jets faced the Patriots. Most importantly, though, Allen is a top-tier handcuff behind Hall, who has already logged 127 touches on the season.

Allen is still available in more than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues.

WR Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 14: Keon Coleman #0 of the Buffalo Bills in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Cooper is now with the Buffalo Bills and serving as Josh Allen's new No. 1 target. While the new pairing is great for Cooper's fantasy stock, it will also open things up for other Bills pass-catchers.

Rookie Keon Coleman was a big beneficiary of Cooper's presence in Week 7. With the new addition commanding plenty of attention, the rookie was able to snag four of seven targets for 125 yards.

Coleman should have more opportunities in Week 8, especially if Curtis Samuel (pectoral) isn't able to go. While the Seattle Seahawks don't have a bad secondary, they haven't exactly shut down opposing receivers either.

Seattle has allowed the 12th-fewest fantasy points (tied) to the position in 2024.

Coleman should be considered a low-tier flex play for Week 8, and he's worth grabbing and stashing on the bench. Another solid week will make the rookie a popular target, but he's currently available in more than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues.

TE Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Jonnu Smith #9 of the Miami Dolphins lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is expected to return to the field this week to face the Arizona Cardinals. Obviously, that's great for the fantasy stock of wideouts Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill.

"We're back, baby. Start me this week. Let's go," Hill said, per NFL.com's Nick Shook.

While Hill and Waddle should return to prominent roles this week, the Dolphins shouldn't forget about tight end Jonnu Smith. He's become an integral part of the passing attack over Miami's last two games—albeit with Tyler Huntley behind center. He caught five passes for 62 yards in Week 6 and seven passes for 96 yards and a touchdown last week.

Assuming Tagovailoa doesn't forget that he's allowed to throw to his tight end, Smith could be a valuable sleeper play in Week 8.

The Cardinals have allowed the 12-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends and surrendered eight catches and 81 yards to Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly on Monday night.

Smith is available in over 90 percent of Yahoo leagues.

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*Fantasy roster and scoring information from FantasyPros.