Week 8 Upgrades, Downgrades, and Waiver Wire Wonders

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The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.

Quarterback Upgrade

1. QB Kyler Murray, ARI (waiver wire: 20-40%)
2. QB Lamar Jackson, BAL
3. QB Gardner Minshew, IND (waiver wire: 5-10%)
4. QB Kirk Cousins, MIN
5. QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX
6. QB Mac Jones, NE (waiver wire: 1%)
7. QB Kenny Pickett, PIT (waiver wire: 1%)
8. QB Tyson Bagent, CHI (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
9. QB Tyson Bagent, CHI (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
10. QB Will Levis, TEN (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
11. QB Tyrod Taylor, NYG (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
12. QB P.J. Walker, CLE (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
13. QB Malik Willis, TEN (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)

Quarterback Downgrade

1. QB Sam Howell, WAS (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER)
2. QB Deshaun Watson, CLE (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER)
3. QB Jared Goff, DET
4. QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA
5. QB Jalen Hurts, PHI

Running Back Upgrade

1. RB Kareem Hunt, CLE (waiver wire: 20-40%)
2. RB Tyjae Spears, TEN (waiver wire: 20-40%)
3. RB Devin Singletary, HOU (waiver wire: 15-30%)
4. RB Cam Akers, MIN (waiver wire: 12-25%)
5. RB Darrell Henderson Jr., LAR (waiver wire: 10-20%)
6. RB Emari Demercado, ARI (waiver wire: 7-15%)
7. RB D'Onta Foreman, CHI
8. RB Jahmyr Gibbs, DET
9. RB Roschon Johnson, CHI (waiver wire: 7-15%)
10. RB Jonathan Taylor, IND
11. RB James Cook, BUF
12. RB Gus Edwards, BAL
13. RB Joshua Kelley, LAC (waiver wire: 5-10%)
14. RB Javonte Williams, DEN
15. RB AJ Dillon, GB
16. RB Chase Edmonds, TB (waiver wire: 3-5%)
17. RB Royce Freeman, LAR (waiver wire: 3-5%)
18. RB Najee Harris, PIT
19. RB Alvin Kamara, NO
20. RB Darrynton Evans, CHI (waiver wire: 1%)
21. RB Pierre Strong Jr., CLE (waiver wire: 1%)
22. RB Rachaad White, TB

Running Back Downgrade

1. RB Keaontay Ingram, ARI (waiver wire: DROP)
2. RB Zach Evans, LAR (waiver wire: DROP)
3. RB Alexander Mattison, MIN
4. RB Jerome Ford, CLE (waiver wire: HOLD)
5. RB Aaron Jones, GB
6. RB Jeff Wilson Jr., MIA (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER)
7. RB Austin Ekeler, LAC
8. RB Brian Robinson Jr., WAS
9. RB Raheem Mostert, MIA
10. RB Latavius Murray, BUF (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
11. RB Bijan Robinson, ATL

Wide Receiver Upgrade

1. WR Josh Downs, IND (waiver wire: 20-40%)
2. WR Joshua Palmer, LAC (waiver wire: 20-40%)
3. WR Rashee Rice, KC (waiver wire: 20-40%)
4. WR Kendrick Bourne, NE (waiver wire: 15-30%)
5. WR Romeo Doubs, GB (waiver wire: 15-30%)
6. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA (waiver wire: 12-25%)
7. WR Courtland Sutton, DEN (waiver wire: 12-25%)
8. WR Demario Douglas, NE (waiver wire: 10-20%)
9. WR Jerry Jeudy, DEN (waiver wire: 10-20%)
10. WR Puka Nacua, LAR
11. WR Jauan Jennings, SF (waiver wire: 3-5%)
12. WR Diontae Johnson, PIT
13. WR Jayden Reed, GB (waiver wire: 3-5%)
14. WR Jake Bobo, SEA (waiver wire: 1%)
15. WR Brandon Powell, MIN (waiver wire: 1%)
16. WR Dontayvion Wicks, GB (waiver wire: 1%)

Wide Receiver Downgrade

1. WR Wan'Dale Robinson, NYG (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER)
2. WR Darius Slayton, NYG (waiver wire: DROP)
3. WR Amari Cooper, CLE
4. WR Cooper Kupp, LAR
5. WR Calvin Ridley, JAX
6. WR Christian Watson, GB

Tight End Upgrade

1. TE Dalton Kincaid, BUF (waiver wire: 20-40%)
2. TE Taysom Hill, NO (waiver wire: 10-20%)
3. TE Dalton Schultz, HOU (waiver wire: 10-20%)
4. TE Travis Kelce, KC
5. TE Darren Waller, NYG
6. TE Tyler Conklin, NYJ (waiver wire: 1%)

Tight End Downgrade

1. TE Luke Musgrave, GB (waiver wire: DROP)
2. TE Gerald Everett, LAC (waiver wire: DROP)

Quarterback Upgrade

QB Tyson Bagent, CHI - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Bagent was steady and played like a seasoned game manager despite coming from Division II football last year. He doesn't have a high ceiling, but should start again this week against a suspect Chargers defense. He's worth considering as a QB2/Superflex.

QB Tyson Bagent, CHI - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Bagent should get another start in Week 8 with Justin Fields' thumb not healed enough yet to trust him as the starter. The UDFA rookie should be carried as Week 8 depth in Superflex/2QB leagues.

QB Kirk Cousins, MIN - Maybe it was just the game script that limited Cousins (again) vs. the Bears last week. He lit up a 49ers defense that we thought was good entering Week 7, and without Justin Jefferson. Cousins is back in QB1 consideration against the Packers in Week 8.

QB Lamar Jackson, BAL - Everything came together for the Ravens pass offense in Week 7 against a Lions defense that was on the rise until they traveled to Baltimore. If he stays healthy, Jackson has a good chance to be the most valuable fantasy quarterback from here on out.

QB Mac Jones, NE - (waiver wire: 1%) - Jones had his best game of the season since Week 1 vs. Philadelphia in the upset win over Buffalo. He's back on the matchup bye/injury quarterback list, but probably not needed this week vs. Miami with no teams on bye.

QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX - Lawrence's knee injury was no big deal in Week 7; he even ran for a season-high 59 yards. Travis Etienne has six rushing scores in the last three weeks. As long as the Jaguars offense is playing well, the touchdowns will come, and it's unlikely that two will go to Etienne every week - some will end up Lawrence's box score soon enough.

QB Will Levis, TEN - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - It's not clear whether Will Levis or Malik Willis will start, but it appears Ryan Tannehill won't be ready to play in Week 8. The team is reportedly preparing both to start, and we might not know until game time who is starting, but whoever is deserves a roster spot in 2QB/Superflex.

QB Gardner Minshew, IND - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Minshew turned the ball over four times, again, and he also was responsible for four touchdowns against the same defense that frustrated the 49ers well-oiled machine in Week 6. He has a high enough ceiling to merit matchup QB1 plays in 1QB leagues, but this week's matchup against the Saints isn't that juicy. Of course, neither was the Browns matchup this week.

QB Kyler Murray, ARI - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Murray should be on the field by Week 9 or Week 10. We probably won't want to start him in his first week back, but once the rust is knocked off, he has top five upside every week, and he could be fresher than quarterbacks who have already been taking a beating for two months. He shouldn't be on any waiver wires.

QB Kenny Pickett, PIT - (waiver wire: 1%) - The Steelers got Diontae Johnson back and came out of the bye with a functional offense. Pickett still wasn't impressive in fantasy terms, but the offense scored three times, two to running backs, so there's room for Pickett's value to grow. He's at least worth QB2/Superflex consideration against the Jaguars.

QB Tyrod Taylor, NYG - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - It's hard to deny that the Giants offense is running better with Taylor taking snaps under center. Daniel Jones wasn't cleared for contact this week and neck injuries are tricky, so Taylor may start against the Jets - which would make him a QB2/Superflex candidate - and even if Jones starts, we could see Taylor again this year, so don't drop him in 2QB/Superflex.

QB P.J. Walker, CLE - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Walker's games are adventures, to say the least, and he hasn't been that productive for fantasy, but Deshaun Watson's inability to stay on the field makes Walker a quarterback of interest in 2QB/Superflex leagues. Watson is projected to play in Week 8 after leaving early in Week 7, but that is subject to change.

QB Malik Willis, TEN - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - It's not clear whether Will Levis or Malik Willis will start, but it appears Ryan Tannehill won't be ready to play in Week 8. The team is reportedly preparing both to start, and we might not know until game time who is starting, but whoever is deserves a roster spot in 2QB/Superflex.

Quarterback Downgrade

QB Jared Goff, DET - Goff had his first disaster of the season, but this week, he gets to return home on Monday night against the Raiders defense. He'll be okay and is still worth a QB1 start this week if you don't have a clear QB1, but we should consider avoiding the Ravens defense if they stay this hot.

QB Sam Howell, WAS - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER) - Howell had his second dud in seven weeks, this time against an improving Giants defense. The Eagles defense was strong against Tua Tagovailoa, so you probably won't want to play Howell in 1QB leagues, and we might lose trust in him if the offensive line doesn't improve soon.

QB Jalen Hurts, PHI - Hurts posted a strong Week 7 for fantasy, but he was playing in a brace and appears to be in pain at times after suffering a knee injury. It's fair to wonder if he'll be up to his usual level of play in Week 8 against Washington, but he should still be in lineups. We'll be watching the practice reports.

QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA - Tagovailoa's feast or famine fantasy season hit a new low in Week 7 against an Eagles defense that was supposed to be vulnerable against the pass. He'll face a New England defense that contain his offense earlier this year, but that was with Matt Judon and Christian Gonzalez. If Tagovailoa struggles in Week 8, we might have to reconsider his status as an every-week starter.

QB Deshaun Watson, CLE - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER) - It's hard to know what is happening with Watson. He left to be checked for a concussion, cleared the check, but didn't return to the game. His shoulder reportedly is okay, but he didn't throw the ball well before leaving the game. He's projected to be ready for Week 8, but you can't trust him until we see one good game, or maybe two in a row.

Running Back Upgrade

RB Cam Akers, MIN - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - The Vikings backfield remains a moving target, as Akers got more work than expected and had more to offer than Alexander Mattison on Monday night. It's possible that this turns into a messy committee that gives us no reliable weekly play, but right now, the momentum is on Akers' side. He should be picked up across formats.

RB James Cook, BUF - Cook was most of the offense in the first quarter for the Bills, and his production in the passing game should have the team asking themselves why they haven't used him more as a receiver. He should be back in lineups as an RB2/Flex against the Bucs on Thursday.

RB Emari Demercado, ARI - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - The Cardinals turned to Demercado as their starter, and only one other touch went to another running back. He's still just bench depth, at least until Kyler Murray is back to revitalize the offense, but he is worth carrying with James Conner's return date still unknown. The Cardinals coaches could still throw us another changeup, so don't overcommit here.

RB AJ Dillon, GB - Dillon remains a hold as Aaron Jones still isn't 100%. He actually looked better again in this game and has put up two good performances in back-to-back games. Dillon is just bench depth for now, but Jones can't get over this hamstring issue, so a bigger workload could be in Dillon's future.

RB Chase Edmonds, TB - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Edmonds' 21-day practice window has been opened to return from injured reserve. He might not be back this Thursday vs. Buffalo, but the Bucs seem open to change in their backfield if they could just find someone better than Rachaad White. Edmonds could be that guy, so he's worth a preemptive pickup in deeper leagues.

RB Gus Edwards, BAL - Edwards busted free for two big gains on Sunday, one as a receiver, and posted his first strong fantasy game of the season. The Ravens offense is showing signs of taking off, and Edwards could ride its coattails to RB2/Flex value. Keep him in lineups against the Cardinals.

RB Darrynton Evans, CHI - (waiver wire: 1%) - Keep tabs on the Bears backfield injuries. If D'Onta Foreman and Roschon Johnson aren't ready for Week 8, Evans could start and be worth at least a what-the-heck flex play.

RB D'Onta Foreman, CHI - Foreman won a lot of people their week with a hat trick of touchdowns, although he also left the game with an unspecified injury. He's still worth a hold with Khalil Herbert at least two weeks away from a return unless we hear his injury is serious (he walked to the locker room). The Bears didn't think Foreman was even worth a gameday active spot earlier this year, but that should change going forward, even when everyone is healthy in the backfield.

RB Royce Freeman, LAR - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Freeman in close to an even split with Darrell Henderson and was more efficient, but it appears Henderson is the more valuable pickup. Freeman could still gain value in the next few weeks if Henderson gets hurt and is worth carrying in deep leagues as at least a desperation play.

RB Jahmyr Gibbs, DET - Gibbs posted his first big game of the year. It mostly came in garbage time, but Gibbs was impressive nonetheless and showed that he deserves more work as a receiver, in addition to being the clear lead back when David Montgomery sits. Gibbs could be in line for a huge Week 8 against the Raiders on Monday night if Montgomery is still out.

RB Najee Harris, PIT - Harris scored his first touchdowns and caught three balls (his high for the year) in the win over the Rams. The team did not change the backfield split to favor Jaylen Warren in the bye, and the offense was improved overall. It's reasonable to plug Harris back in as your RB2/Flex this week against the Jaguars.

RB Darrell Henderson Jr., LAR - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - It's Sean McVay calling the shots and Henderson was just on the practice squad going into Week 7, so we can't be sure he'll remain the most valuable Rams running back until Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers return from injured reserve. Still, it's worth putting at least a few units out there on him on the chance that he continues to start. He's a what-the-heck flex against the Cowboys this week.

RB Kareem Hunt, CLE - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Hunt scored twice in the win over the Colts, including his second straight week with a touchdown on a trick play. We're waiting to hear Jerome Ford's status after he left the game with an ankle injury, and Hunt wasn't 100% coming into the game, but it's reasonable to expect Hunt to start against the Seahawks and be worth an RB2/Flex spot in your lineup.

RB Roschon Johnson, CHI - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Johnson is still in concussion protocol, but the uncertainty around D'Onta Foreman's injury and Khalil Herbert's return from injured reserve, along with the Bears showing the ability to create three running back scores in a game started by an undrafted rookie who last started for Division II Shepherd, makes him an intriguing hold considering that the Bears had him active over Foreman earlier this season.

RB Alvin Kamara, NO - Kamara racked up catches yet again as his prowess as a short-range route runner meshes perfectly with Derek Carr's unwillingness to throw downfield. Jamaal Williams could get a little more work as a runner going forward, but Kamara is a strong RB2 in PPR at worst heading into a matchup against the Colts.

RB Joshua Kelley, LAC - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Kelley busted a long touchdown run to show signs of fantasy life in Week 7. Austin Ekeler doesn't appear to be 100% yet, and ankle injuries have a way of recurring. So Kelley remains an injury upside hold now that he has actually shown some upside.

RB Devin Singletary, HOU - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Check if Singletary is available because he was dropped during his bye. The Texans had him on the field more than Dameon Pierce in Week 6, and he outplayed Pierce. This offense is on the rise, and Singletary's value could be on the rise with it.

RB Tyjae Spears, TEN - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Spears shouldn't have been dropped during his bye, but he might have been anyway. He is moving into the flex value neighborhood, and there's at least some smoke that Derrick Henry could be available in a trade, which would skyrocket his value.

RB Pierre Strong Jr., CLE - (waiver wire: 1%) - Strong should be the backup to Kareem Hunt in Week 8, assuming Jerome Ford won't be ready after leaving Week 7 with an ankle injury. Hunt was a game-time decision heading into Week 7, so it's not a stretch to say that Strong is the healthiest back in the backfield. His value could grow if Hunt's condition gets worse with more work.

RB Jonathan Taylor, IND - Taylor had his first big game of the season and was still splitting work almost equally with Zack Moss against what was considered a good defense. This should make us confident enough to keep him in our lineup going forward, even against a tough Saints run defense this week.

RB Rachaad White, TB - White still isn't getting it done as a runner, but no one on the roster has shown signs that they can either. He did put up good enough numbers as a receiver in Week 7 to justify a start in PPR leagues, so he might be a flex play for Week 8 on Thursday at Buffalo.

RB Javonte Williams, DEN - Williams had his highest snap share and biggest workload of the year in the win over the Packers. He is still just a flex play and probably not worthy of a lineup spot against the Chiefs, but the promise of better value in the second half is there now.

Running Back Downgrade

RB Austin Ekeler, LAC - Ekeler might have tweaked his ankle in Week 7 and still didn't look like he was 100% in the loss to the Chiefs. The matchup against the Bears is good on paper, but Ekeler's team has already had their bye, so this could be an ongoing issue going forward.

RB Zach Evans, LAR - (waiver wire: DROP) - So much for Evans as the starter with the two running backs ahead of him injured in Week 6. Instead, the Rams promoted two veteran backs over him. He can be dropped in redraft leagues.

RB Jerome Ford, CLE - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Ford had a 69-yard scoring run but also left the game with an ankle injury. We're awaiting more information, but he has played well enough to be worth a hold as long as he doesn't land on injured reserve.

RB Keaontay Ingram, ARI - (waiver wire: DROP) - Ingram has gone from first on the depth chart following James Conner's trip to injured reserve to not even getting a touch behind Damien Williams, who is backing up UDFA Emari Demercado.

RB Aaron Jones, GB - Jones' limited practices weren't just overly cautious injury management coming out of a bye. He still doesn't look like himself even after the bye, so you have to wonder if Jones will be the clear lead back for the Packers any time soon. The lack of growth in the offense is also troubling, although that could be related to Jones not being 100%. He's just a flex play against the Vikings with some hopes that he can get in a full practice this week.

RB Alexander Mattison, MIN - Mattison at least got goal-line work over Cam Akers. Otherwise, Monday night had the look of a game that leaves us questioning whether Mattison is the lead back for the Vikings and whether the team will even have a true lead back going forward. He's not an essential hold in short bench leagues, but don't drop Mattison unless it is for a compelling pickup.

RB Raheem Mostert, MIA - Mostert still dominated backfield touches and wasn't the reason the offense struggled, but it's still tough to see his floor this low after he was arguably the most valuable running back in fantasy heading into Week 8. He's still an every-week start, but if he comes up small against the Patriots, we'll have to adjust expectations for him and this whole offense accordingly.

RB Latavius Murray, BUF - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Murray is the clear backup to James Cook at this point, but not in a committee with Cook, as it appeared in Week 6. He still has what-the-heck flex value with the chance to score in any given week, but Cook was more central in the game plan and could be marginalizing Murray's role.

RB Bijan Robinson, ATL - Hopefully, Week 7 was a blip, as Robinson reportedly was barely used because of a headache. We'll be watching the Week 8 practice reports, just in case.

RB Brian Robinson Jr., WAS - A couple of developments from Week 8 are troubling if you have Robinson. Rookie Chris Rodriguez started getting more work in the loss to the Giants, and the Washington offense stalled out repeatedly for the first time in a month. Robinson is a good matchup play, but it's possible that Washington won't see many more good matchups with their offense fading.

RB Jeff Wilson Jr., MIA - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER) - The Dolphins are bringing Wilson along slower than we expected. He was only in on two-minute drill drives and didn't appear close to his fantasy-relevant role from last season. Don't drop him for just anyone, but don't wait around with him clogging a roster spot if a priority pickup is out there.

Wide Receiver Upgrade

WR Jake Bobo, SEA - (waiver wire: 1%) - Bobo posted a highlight reel touchdown and was basically a starter with DK Metcalf out, which is an incredible ascent for a UDFA. He is worth carrying as deep league depth while we wait to see if Metcalf will return for Week 8. If not, Bobo has what-the-heck flex value.

WR Kendrick Bourne, NE - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Bourne actually posted his second good week in a row, which is the beginning of a trend. He did very little against the Dolphins in the first meeting - which followed a two-touchdown outing in the opener - so don't go overboard for Bourne, but consider plugging him in as a flex if you land him on the waiver wire.

WR Romeo Doubs, GB - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Doubs caught a touchdown on a true 50-50 ball with Patrick Surtain, and he should be the #1 target while Christian Watson and Luke Musgrave nurse injuries. Consider him a WR3/Flex play against the Vikings and for as long as Watson sits with his knee injury.

WR Demario Douglas, NE - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Douglas moved into a larger role in Week 7 and made the Patriots look smart for expanding his footprint. He appears to be the best receiver on the team at getting open against man coverage and should at least retain bench depth value in PPR leagues, with room for his value to grow if the Patriots offense can build some momentum.

WR Josh Downs, IND - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Downs repeatedly got free against a Browns defense that shut down the 49ers in Week 6. Even better, his best game as a pro came with Gardner Minshew only throwing the ball 23 times. Downs has the look of an upside WR3/Flex going forward.

WR Jauan Jennings, SF - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Jennings led the 49ers in targets and should be viable bench depth while Deebo Samuel is out. That might only be one more week, but if Samuel's hairline fracture doesn't heal quickly, Jennings' window of value could be longer.

WR Jerry Jeudy, DEN - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - We're still waiting for a breakout game from Jeudy, but it could come on a new team after the trade deadline - or not at all. He's still a speculative pickup as a former first-round pick who could land on a team that thinks they can still unlock that potential.

WR Diontae Johnson, PIT - Johnson was back from injured reserve, and in no small coincidence, the Steelers pass offense was a lot more functional. Johnson is back to being a WR3/Flex play with the Jaguars up next.

WR Puka Nacua, LAR - You can stop wondering if Nacua will still have ceiling games with Cooper Kupp back on the field. Nacua was a yards-after-catch monster with an unbelievable sideline catch that made Mike Tomlin waste a challenge. There's no doubt that he needs to be lineups against Dallas this week and going forward.

WR Joshua Palmer, LAC - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Palmer has graduated as a downfield threat, which is great news because defenses may mimic the Chiefs strategy of taking away Keenan Allen and making Justin Herbert hang behind a porous line and try to find Palmer for big plays - which he did a few times in the loss. This week against the Bears is a good spot to plug Palmer in as a WR3/Flex.

WR Brandon Powell, MIN - (waiver wire: 1%) - Powell serves as the #3 while Justin Jefferson is sidelined. As we saw Monday night, when the Vikings go pass-happy, he has some end-of-the-bench/depth value in deep leagues.

WR Jayden Reed, GB - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Reed caught a score on a tip drill and already has shown red-zone chemistry with Jordan Love. He's worth carrying in deeper leagues as bye/injury/emergency depth for as long as Christian Watson sits with a knee injury.

WR Rashee Rice, KC - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - We continue to recommend Rice as a pickup, but the window should close this week if he's even still out there. Rice scored and saw his participation pick up. He's worth a WR3/Flex spot against the Broncos this week.

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - Smith-Njigba actually had a fewer snaps than fellow rookie Jake Bobo, but he was slightly more productive and will have a bigger role when DK Metcalf is back. It looks like Smith-Njigba could have an impactful second half of the season.

WR Courtland Sutton, DEN - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - While we wait to see if Sutton and/or Jerry Jeudy will get dealt before the deadline, Sutton added another score and continues to have the best red zone chemistry with Russell Wilson. He's only a desperation play against the Chiefs defense that shut down the Broncos in Week 6, but the possibility of a bigger role on a new team or Jeudy being dealt makes Sutton a speculative pickup anyway.

WR Dontayvion Wicks, GB - (waiver wire: 1%) - Wicks should slide into Christian Watson's role as a downfield outside receiver while Watson mends from a knee injury. He had a few good moments while Watson sat earlier, so the rookie fifth-round pick is worth consideration as a pickup in deep leagues heading into a matchup against the Vikings.

Wide Receiver Downgrade

WR Amari Cooper, CLE - Cooper couldn't reproduce his solid Week 6 outing with PJ Walker after Deshaun Watson left in Week 7. It's unclear when Watson will be healthy enough to restore Cooper's value. He's only a boom/bust WR3/Flex play in Week 8, even if Watson is back.

WR Cooper Kupp, LAR - Kupp had his first down game since returning to the field in Week 5. He's still a must-play every week, but now we know that rookie Puka Nacua can indeed overshadow Kupp and be a much better fantasy play in any given week.

WR Calvin Ridley, JAX - The rollercoaster ride with Ridley as a WR3/Flex is worth taking if there are peaks, but they seem too few and far between to justify playing him right now. The Steelers can be vulnerable to big plays, but with no teams on bye, you might be tempted to bench Ridley for a player with more momentum.

WR Wan'Dale Robinson, NYG - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER) - Robinson was trending up to become the most targeted Giants receiver heading into Week 7. But Darren Waller had his breakout game as a Giant, and the pass offense target tree is getting wider with rookie Jalin Hyatt coming on. Robinson isn't an essential hold.

WR Darius Slayton, NYG - (waiver wire: DROP) - Slayton only caught one ball in Week 7, and with rookie Jalin Hyatt emerging into a larger role, he is probably not getting enough targets going forward to justify carrying into a typical league.

WR Christian Watson, GB - Watson left Week 7 with a knee injury. He might not miss any time after tests showed no structural damage. His fantasy value hasn't exactly spiked once he was healthy, and it appears that he might deserve the dreaded "injury-prone" label. He's not an essential hold if a priority pickup is available.

Tight End Upgrade

TE Tyler Conklin, NYJ - (waiver wire: 1%) - If you're hard up for a tight end this week, consider Conklin, who had two solid weeks in a row going into his bye. The Giants defense isn't an easy matchup if they play the way they did the last two weeks, so he's not a preferred option.

TE Taysom Hill, NO - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Hill was involved a lot as a receiver in Week 7, and he ran in a score to post a strong fantasy line for anyone who counted on him in a pinch. Juwan Johnson should be back soon, but Hill is still a compelling streamer this week against a Colts team that is 30th in scoring defense.

TE Travis Kelce, KC - Kelce dominated in Week 7 and appears to be in prime form in the month he turned 34. He looks to be worth every bit of the lofty draft capital he cost this summer.

TE Dalton Kincaid, BUF - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Kincaid posted career highs in targets, catches, and yards in Week 7. It appears the first-round pick is getting more integrated into the pass offense, and with Dawson Knox sidelined indefinitely after wrist surgery, Kincaid's time could be here. He should be a priority add if you need a tight end, assuming he was dropped after a concussion and cold stretch heading into Week 7.

TE Dalton Schultz, HOU - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - If Schultz was dropped going into his bye, rectify that. The entire Texans offense is on the rise, so even a smaller target share with Tank Dell's return could keep Schultz above the very low bar for fantasy relevance at tight end.

TE Darren Waller, NYG - Waller had his biggest game as a Giant in Week 7. His arrow is pointing up, although Tyrod Taylor might not be the quarterback for much longer. Waller has still earned a lot of trust when it comes time to set lineups. His Week 7 outburst actually moved him up into the top 5 tight ends year to date in PPR leagues.

Tight End Downgrade

TE Gerald Everett, LAC - (waiver wire: DROP) - Everett left the Week 7 game with a quadriceps injury. Even though he scored in back-to-back weeks, his weekly ceiling is too low to justify holding him through an injury.

TE Luke Musgrave, GB - (waiver wire: DROP) - Musgrave went down with an ankle injury in Week 7. It's unclear how much time he will miss, but the Packers offense is not proving to be a rich environment for fantasy development.