Week 8 Pickups: Highlighting Top Fantasy Waiver-Wire and Free-Agent Adds

Fantasy football gurus maintain their status by wisely playing the waiver wire on a weekly basis.

By adding talent that could potentially contribute this week and beyond, these owners are in position to win games, get a better seeding in the postseason and win their league’s championship.

If you want to join the ranks and become a guru yourself, keep reading to discover a handful of must-add players in Week 8.

 

Mike James, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Doug Martin told WDAE 620 AM (h/t The Tampa Tribune) that he isn't out for the year like initially thought, but he’s going to take some time to recover from a devastating shoulder injury suffered in Week 7.

James is going to be the main option out of the backfield for the Bucs in the meantime and will get his first start on short rest during a Thursday Night Football contest against the Carolina Panthers.

Unfortunately, the Panthers boast one of the top rushing defenses in the league—conceding a mere 84.5 yards per game on the ground—and it will be a bit of a trial by fire for this rookie back with 17 career carries.

While Martin wasn’t having the greatest season before going down, Tampa is going to have to pound the rock in order to keep defenses honest while starting a rookie quarterback in Mike Glennon.

Even if he takes a week to get up to speed, James is going to be a viable fantasy option due to the sheer volume of touches he will get. Stash him on your bench this Thursday and monitor the situation closely.

 

Jarett Boykin, WR, Green Bay Packers

The Packers have been doing just fine with James Jones and Randall Cobb sidelined due to injury.

Boykin became the top target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, garnering 10 targets and turning them into eight receptions for 103 yards and a score against the Cleveland Browns last week.

While Jones will likely return in the near future, Cobb is out of the picture until the end of the season and Boykin is going to remain a weekly fantasy starter in his stead.

Don’t forget Jermichael Finley’s scary injury, as Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the tight end may have bruised his spine last week and is out indefinitely. His targets are going to have to go somewhere and—again—Boykin seems to be the likeliest candidate to receive them.

Plug and play this burgeoning star in a solid matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8.

Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins

This rookie sensation had his coming-out party this past Sunday and is going to be a fantasy superstar for the remainder of the season.

Reed has clearly won the tight end role in this ‘Skins offense and rendered Fred Davis expendable. He caught nine passes for 134 yards and a score in Week 7 and is clearly one of quarterback Robert Griffin III’s favorite targets.

The 6’2”, 243-pound stud has extreme athleticism and breakaway speed to complement his immense frame. He is a great target for RGIII to look for all over the field, especially down in the red zone.

Expect him to see plenty of looks in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos, as opposing signal-caller Peyton Manning will obliterate the Washington secondary.

If the ‘Skins are playing from behind, they will be throwing a ton and Reed—as well as many of his new fantasy owners—will be the beneficiary.