Waiver Wire Watch: Week 8

Oct 25, 2021

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Week 7 was a dark week in the fantasy world. Not only were six teams on bye, but numerous key players suffered injuries or were ruled out from past injuries. Nevertheless, we persisted. Week 8 brings a touch more relief with only two teams on bye and six teams returning, but the waiver wire is becoming perilously thin. Whether due to the rash of injuries, the lack of depth at key positions, or the level of fantasy play across most leagues, there are few answers to lineup questions on the wire this week. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t play the wire, but perhaps that we should play with an added level of caution.

Recommendations are based on a PPR-scoring, four-point passing touchdown, 12-team league, with roster percentages coming from Yahoo. Typically, we will not be writing up players who are rostered in over 50% of leagues. We may include them on the lists, though, as a friendly reminder to scan your waiver wire for those names. Free-agent budget recommendations are based on a standard $100 budget for the season. I try to mention when a player is a better streaming play (short-term/one-week starter) versus a long-term addition. Lastly, the great John Paulsen will edit this article every week and adjust rankings (and prices, starting next week), if necessary. Essentially, you’re getting two minds collaborating on this piece instead of one, so lucky you.

BYE WEEKS: Ravens, Raiders