Week 8 Waiver Wire: Why Fantasy Football Owners Must Add Michael Jenkins

Although he significantly overachieved on Sunday against Green Bay, Vikings' WR Michael Jenkins revealed his importance to the Minnesota offense.

With fellow veteran WR Bernard Berrian out, Jenkins stole the show and caught three passes for 111 yards and scored one TD.

Now yes, the majority of those yards came on that first play from scrimmage, but it also showed what little respect defenses have for Minnesota's passing offense. However, with rookie QB Christian Ponder now taking over, a new sense of value is underway.

That said, expect Michael Jenkins to become Ponder's favorite target, especially after the show the two put on against Green Bay.

Obviously Jenkins is only worthy of a start at the No. 3 WR/flex positions, and should only be used with caution, but, he will begin to put up better numbers as long as RB Adrian Peterson continues to roll.

And that reason right there is what's interesting about the Minnesota Vikings this season.

They have the No. 3 ranked rushing offense, however, the passing offense only ranks No. 29. Five of their six losses have been by one score or less, so had Minnesota started Ponder earlier they could have been around .500 at this time.

To that end, you have to expect the Vikings will pick things up as they are well aware of how difficult the NFC North is. And with Ponder now under center, hope has been somewhat restored because a fresh start when things are bad is a great change.

As for Jenkins, he's good for about four receptions and 50 yards per game. He's even more appealing if you're league not only starts two QBs (as maybe Ponder for the No. 2 QB when feasible), but also if you earn one point per reception.

The remaining schedule isn't insanely difficult either, so Jenkins should become a solid fantasy backup worst-case scenario. He'll provide depth and is a good start if a starting WR is on a bye week.

Because no one ever won a fantasy football championship without some solid depth and Jenkins is just that, to say that least.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.