Week 8 Waiver Wire: Why Fantasy Owners Must Add Blaine Gabbert

If we saw anything last night from Jacksonville rookie QB Blaine Gabbert, it's that the Jaguars are being very careful when to give him the green light.

On Monday he was only 9 of 20 for 93 yards and didn't throw a TD or a pick, but you can't ask for much more against the Ravens defense for one, and two, the Jags won the game so he has that under his belt.

That being said, the week prior Gabbert was 12 of 26 for 109 yards and one TD at Pittsburgh. So, Blaine just went up against arguably the NFL's two best defenses, didn't throw one interception, had a TD, and had a record of 1-1.

Maybe if he was a veteran you'd have to expect more, but that's pretty impressive, especially since the Jags really don't have any premium-established receiving targets for him.

And the fact that he's a rookie only shows us that his potential is unlimited.

Now in terms of fantasy, no, those two games were not indicative of a starter or backup that you want. However, if he can continue to manage games like that against weaker defenses, like practically every opponent remaining on this year's schedule, then his per game averages will increase.

Obviously, unless your league runs really deep and starts two QBs, Blaine isn't going to be your first option under center in fantasy football, but he's proven to be a worthy backup when appropriate.

Also, you can expect more production from him solely based on RB Maurice Jones-Drew being in the backfield. He's averaging almost 100 rushing yards per game, and although his receiving yards aren't there this year, the threat of Gabbert slowly emerging will pull defenses back just a little.

And that "just a little" will be enough for Jones-Drew to get set up on some screen passes, thus taking pressure off the other receiving targets to get open. Right there is where Gabbert can really do some good fantasy damage as the season progresses.

Dump off a little screen to MJD, and let your team's best player do the rest. This season don't expect Gabbert to ever top 250 yards in a single game, unless MJD compiles 150 in receiving yards, however, even though he's only thrown four TDs, he also has only thrown two picks.

So, it is not a foregone conclusion that he's going to rack up big numbers, but he will be effective enough to provide a needed start if your team has some injuries or whenever your QB hits the bye-week.

It's always nice having depth, because you never know when you're going to need it. In addition, Gabbert is a reliable pickup as the Jacksonville rushing attack takes pressure of Gabbert in the passing game.

As long as he continues to manage games in real life, that will turn out to be very beneficial in fake football also. Just be sure to start him cautiously because the Jaguars are doing the same, being that he is a rookie.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.