Fantasy Football: Josh Freeman and Waiver Wire Gems You Must Pick Up Now

Fantasy football seasons are won and lost on the waiver wire (Jamaal Charles and Jerome Harrison last year) and 2010 is no exception.

It's already Week 8 and if your team isn't performing, it's time to shake things up.

If you have any dead weight on your team, now is the time to cut it off and pick up some waiver wire gems.

Mike Hart, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Mike Hart #32 of Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball while tackled by Zac Diles #54 of the Houston Texans during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Ima

Hart proved he was up to the challenge of starting last week with 12 carries for 84 yards and 3 receptions for 19 yards.

He suffered an ankle injury during the game and could miss a game, but this won't be the last time we hear from the former Wolverine.

Joseph Addai and Donald Brown are injury-prone and haven't been all that effective, and it wouldn't be a shock to see Hart ease his way into the rotation with more performances like this.

It might take a while for this one to pay dividends, but Hart is worth a flier now, before it's too late.

Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Bucs

Harry How/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers breaks the tackle of Michael Adams #27 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Here's a fun fact: Freeman is the seventh best quarterback in fantasy this year.

Yet he owned is only in 36.2% of leagues.

Freeman has scored double digits in every game except for one, and if he's available in your league, you need to scoop him up.

Charlie Whitehurst, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - AUGUST 21: Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst #6 of the Seattle Seahawks passes during the preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Qwest Field on August 21, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

With Matt Hasselbeck out this week with a concussion, Whitehurst will get the start.

He didn't have a great preseason, but there's a reason that Pete Carroll shelled out a draft pick to get him.

Whitehurst isn't a sure thing, but you don't want to miss out if he goes off this week.

Take a shot on him.

Mohammad Massaquoi, WR, Cleveland Browns

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 29: Mohamed Massaquoi #11 of the Cleveland Browns runs during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 29, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Massaquoi was on most people's watch list before the season, but he has disappointed due to injury.

With the Brown's passing offense showing signs of life under Colt McCoy, someone has to catch passes for Cleveland.

Massaquoi is ready to play after a concussion, and he was just starting to heat up (five rec, 55 yds) before the injury.

Give him a shot.

Brandon Tate, WR, New England

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Brandon Tate #19 of the New England Patriots runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rog

Tate isn't going to win you any leagues, but he's a great person to have on your bench for a spot start.

He won't get consistent points in the Pats' balanced offense, but he showed he's explosive last week with three rec, 101 yds and a TD.

Tate also should be good for another special teams touchdown this year.

You can get him in almost any league and he has more big-point potential than almost anyone on the waiver wire.

Matt Rudnitsky is a student at the University of Michigan and a writing intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Mattrud