Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 8: Which Players Need to Be Cut or Picked Up

A weekend that saw a relative-unknown break a franchise rushing record reminds us how quickly things can change in the world of football. Fantasy football owners don't want to be left behind.

Some unknown players have begun to emerge, and some stars simply aren't performing. So let's take a look at whom fantasy football owners should cut and pick up this week.

Cut Brandon Jacobs

In a couple of years, Jacobs has gone from the feature back in New York to a clear backup.

It’s not even fair to say he splits time with Ahmad Bradshaw at this point.

Jacobs has carried the ball just 38 times for 116 yards on the season.

If you’ve held on to him this long for name value, it’s time to cut him loose and seek out better options. 

Pick Up Ryan Torain

Ryan Torain was a pleasant surprise for both the Redskins and fantasy owners last season.

The Washington running back hasn’t been as successful this season, but with the injury to Tim Hightower, Torain should now get the bulk of the carries.

If he’s still available, Torain is a solid option off the bench. 

Cut Joseph Addai

If you guessed that Joseph Addai led the Colts in rushing, you would be wrong.

Actually, Delone Carter leads Indianapolis in both rushing attempts and yards.

Joseph Addai has been a big-time point producer in the past, but right now he’s the second option on a bad running team.

Addai is certainly no longer a starting option, and there are free agents with more upside available. 

Pick Up DeMarco Murray

Murray may be new to the scene, but anytime you set a franchise record you’re bound to get some attention. 

Murray entered Sunday’s game against the Rams with 61 yards in his career. He left with 324 after a franchise-record 253 rushing yards.

You’ll have to fight everyone in your league to get him after Sunday, but if you can, pick up DeMarco Murray. 

Cut Reggie Bush

Just as we’ve all had to admit that he’s not a great NFL running back, it’s probably time to admit he’s not a great option for your fantasy team, either.

Bush has just 232 rushing yards and under 100 receiving this season. The most alarming stat, though—he has just one touchdown.

His name is typically synonymous with explosiveness, but he’s been anything but explosive this year. 

Pick Up Jackie Battle

Since Jamaal Charles was lost for the season, you might be wondering who is getting the bulk of the carries in Kansas City.

The answer is not Thomas Jones—it's Jackie Battle.

The Chiefs love to run the ball, and Battle has benefited most from this recently.

He has just shy of 200 yards the past two weeks and is a solid flex or backup running back option.

Cut Percy Harvin

Similar to Bush, Harvin is being overvalued for his explosiveness and reputation as a playmaker dating back to college.

He, too, is just not getting it done.

Harvin has just 276 receiving yards on the season with no receiving touchdowns. At this point, Harvin isn’t producing enough to stay on a good roster, let alone start (as he is in many leagues). 

Pick Up Jabar Gaffney

Gaffney has quietly put up solid numbers this season for the Redskins.

With news that Santana Moss will miss a significant amount of time, the opportunities for Gaffney will increase.

You certainly don’t want to have to count on Gaffney as a regular stater, but with over 350 yards this season, he is an excellent backup receiver for any fantasy team. 

Cut Sidney Rice

Like Harvin, Sidney Rice is struggling to adjust to life without Brett Favre throwing him the ball.

Rice has just 264 yards and one touchdown on the season.

A terrible quarterback situation and Rice fighting injuries as usual means things aren’t likely to improve.

Like so many on this list, Rice is overvalued by his name. There are lesser-known but more productive options at the receiver position to be had. 

Pick Up David Nelson

Most people know about Stevie Johnson in Buffalo, but David Nelson has put up some nice numbers as well.

The second-year wide receiver is just 63 yards and two touchdowns behind his teammate.

Playing in a pass-heavy offense, Nelson could provide quality depth for many fantasy teams.