Week 8 Waiver Wire Fantasy Projections for Top Pickups and Sleeper Targets

The Dallas Cowboys capped Week 7 with a decisive win over a Philadelphia Eagles team that is ravaged by injuries. At this point in the 2026 season, many fantasy managers can probably relate to Philadelphia.

Just as the Eagles had to rely on backups like Tanner McKee, Dameon Pierce, and Marquise Brown, many managers will rely on deep sleepers and late waiver-wire additions in Week 8.

Here, you'll find a look at some of the top sleeper options who may still be available on the wire, their individual matchups, and some projections based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Geno Smith, QB, New York Jets

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Managers looking for a fill-in at quarterback should consider New York Jets signal-caller Geno Smith. While the Jets lost to the previously winless Miami Dolphins, Smith put up some respectable numbers.

Smith tossed a trio of touchdown passes and yielded 24.5 fantasy points, his second-highest total of the season. He'll have a chance to approach 20 points again in Week 8 when the Jets host the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Raiders' defense has been worse against the run than against the pass. However, it hasn't been particularly good in any aspect and ranks 29th in both yards and points allowed. Through Week 7, it has surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Smith is rostered in 19 percent of fantasy leagues.

Week 8 Projection: 282 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 12 rushing yards

Jonah Coleman, RB, Denver Broncos

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Though he's going to remain part of a backfield rotation that also includes J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos rookie Jonah Coleman is a veritable must-add this week. The Washington product logged 11 touches for 69 yards in Week 7 and helped spark Denver's sluggish running attack.

Head coach Sean Payton insinuated after the game that Coleman's role is likely to grow from here.

"He looked really good. Got to get him more touches," Payton said, per Susanna Weir of the team's official website.

Denver will face the Kansas City Chiefs, who have surrendered the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. However, Kansas City also allowed Emanuel Wilson to hit 100 yards on Sunday, which should give Denver the confidence needed to attack the Chiefs on the ground.

Coleman is rostered in just 35 percent of fantasy leagues.

Week 8 Projection: 51 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 29 receiving yards.

Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Baltimore Ravens rookie receiver Ja'Kobi Lane recorded just 25 yards on three catches during Sunday's blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. However, it's worth noting that nothing really went right for Tyler Huntley and Baltimore's passing attack.

There's a very real chance that the Ravens will have Lamar Jackson back to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 8.

"I think he'll be in a decent spot, but we'll know a lot more on Wednesday," coach Jesse Minter said, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley.

Jackson's return should boost Lane's stock, as should a favorable matchup with Buffalo. The Bills have surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season.

Lane is rostered in 26 percent of fantasy leagues.

Week 8 Projection: 5 receptions, 67 yards

T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson was a popular add last week, ahead of a favorable matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. He delivered 13.5 fantasy points and could reward managers with a similar outing in Week 8.

Despite Hockenson's popularity last week, he's still rostered in just 54 percent of leagues.

Hockenson is a strong start this week against a Detroit Lions defense that has been terrible against opposing tight ends. No team has surrendered more fantasy points to the position this season, and the margin is wide.

The Lions have surrendered an average of 24.7 fantasy points to tight ends, while the Washington Commanders are the next closest team, allowing 18.8.

Week 8 Projection: 6 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD

*Fantasy roster and scoring information from FantasyPros.