Introduction
I want to apologize for the whiff on Zach Evans. At the time I wrote this, we did not have much information on the Rams backfield. As the week progressed, the online chatter heavily dissected Sean McVay's interviews. He's a pretty reliable "coach speak" source and made it clear that Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman were going to be plenty involved, if not ahead of Evans. I don't think I would have projected him for 0 snaps, but now we know. I also failed to mention D'onta Foreman, but again, we got rather late news that Roschon Johnson was going to be out. If there's a lesson here, it's that we need to update the values of these players as we get more information throughout the week. OR ... and hear me out... maybe it's kind of weird everyone does waiver adds on Wednesday morning? Let's move on to Week 8.
Waiver Wire Targets
| Player | Team | Opponent | Position | Rostered % | Adds | Suggested FAAB | Expected Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kareem Hunt | CLE | @SEA | RB | 40.1 | 56,553 | 25-35% | 3.7 |
| Dalton Kincaid | BUF | TB | TE | 39.8 | 53,250 | 10-20% | 4.2 |
| Josh Downs | IND | NO | WR | 23.4 | 51,608 | 25-35% | 10 |
| Darrell Henderson | LA | @DAL | RB | 8.0 | 41,673 | 15-25% | |
| Emari Demercado | ARI | BAL | RB | 6.9 | 37,758 | 10-20% | |
| Gus Edwards | BAL | @ARI | RB | 31.7 | 33,713 | 15-25% | 9.9 |
| Tank Dell | HOU | @CAR | WR | 29.6 | 28,877 | 15-25% | 12.0 |
| C.J. Stroud | HOU | @CAR | QB | 65.7 | 18,968 | 5-15% | 16.4 |
| Kendrick Bourne | NE | @MIA | WR | 19.4 | 18,627 | 15-25% | 11.4 |
| Rashee Rice | KC | @DEN | WR | 34.2 | 15,544 | 15-25% | 8.2 |
Note: Adjust the suggested FAAB up or down in the range based on your need. For all the players mentioned in the insights, you should send 90% of what you have left if you are in need of a starter due to injury or poor draft at the position. Otherwise, follow the chart.
Player Insights
Kareem Hunt
We told you to pick him up last week, but since then things have even gotten better for him. Ford is looking at a 1-2 week absence with a low-grade ankle sprain so Hunt will be a great addition to your roster. His expected points are low because his snap prediction is likely low due to his lack of opportunity in his last 3 games. That changes for now.
Dalton Kincaid
Another scenario where the starter is hurt, but this time, the starter is out indefinitely. No timeline for return on Knox makes Kincaid a must-add for any team in need of a tight end. Kincaid should demand the third most opportunities in the high-powered Bills offense moving forward.
Josh Downs
Josh Downs has been a favorite target of Gardner Minshew to this point, and our projection on him is high because so far in his career we have no reason to believe Downs can't continue earning volume. Must add if you are thin at WR this week.
Rashee Rice
Rice is another very exciting option as he seems to be gaining more and more usage and volume in the Chief's offense. He could emerge as the clear one and be a smash during the fantasy playoffs as we have seen before from rookies. I likely want Rice over Downs, and he is probably cheaper if he is available in your league.
Tank Dell & C.J. Stroud
The Texans are coming off a bye, and there is typically a bump in production and efficiency for rookies coming off a bye. I am incredibly high on the Texan's offense moving forward with their line getting healthier, and I am even more optimistic seeing the expected points from our model. If these players were dropped in your league, don't let someone else get them for cheap!
Darrell Henderson
Henderson and Royce Freeman had basically a 60-40 split in usage last week. They don't trust Evans at all. I think we have reason to believe Henderson is the 1A to Freeman's 1B. In deep leagues, Freeman should also be rostered. Additionally, I saw a tweet where Henderson absolutely destroyed a D-lineman in pass protection. Coaches love that and he should be a staple on passing downs until Williams returns in a few weeks.
Emari Demercado
Personally, I have been back and forth on Demercado vs. Keontay Ingram. Last week we saw Demercado be the clear guy to add in this backfield until Conner comes back.
Gus Edwards
A solid add for really RB needy teams. He's getting solid volume on a good offense. Our model seems to really like him as well which is good!
Kendrick Bourne
Pats offense seems to be getting better, and Bourne tends to pop up for big games now and then. He seems to be the number 1 there, and a number 1 WR on any offense should probably be rostered. Our model absolutely loves Bourne this week too.
Conclusion
That wraps up our Week 8 waiver wire targets. Remember, the FAAB suggestions are just that—suggestions. Adjust according to your team's needs and the competitive landscape of your league. Good luck in Week 8!