Week 8 Waiver Wire: Why Fantasy Football Owners Must Add Antonio Brown

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown had the first 100-yard receiving day of his young career in his team's 32-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

But this fact alone doesn't make him a fantasy must-add for Week 8, though it certainly is a compelling reason. The main factor that propels him into a recommended pickup this week is the ankle injury suffered by fellow Steelers receiver Hines Ward.

Ward sprained his ankle in the third quarter of Sunday's contest, leaving his Week 8 status in doubt. Though Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is confident in Ward's ability to heal quickly, however, ankle sprains can linger.

Further, Ward's playing time might soon be eaten into by Brown if he continues to perform at a high level. While Ward's usefulness to his team hasn't yet worn out, Brown's explosiveness and youth certainly trumps Ward's skills in certain situations.

Brown has 25 receptions for 364 yards on the season, with seven catches for 102 yards in Week 7. Should he replace Ward next week, he is likely going to come close to 100 receiving yards yet again.

Additionally, Brown has added value if your league counts return yardage. He has 353 kick return yards and 217 punt return yards, though if his role increases in the offense, he may not have such a major presence on the Steelers' return team.

A number of teams with solid fantasy wide receivers are on their bye in Week 8. That fact, coupled with Ward's injury and Brown's performance in Week 7, makes Brown a smart addition to your fantasy roster.