by In a week full of ups and downs, Breece Hall’s knee injury rocked many a fantasy team. It was devastating news for the rookie running back and the New York Jets, who have won four straight but will now have to do without him for the rest of the season.
Hall was the No. 16 running back overall (according to ADP) and quickly rose to RB1 status. Hall averaged 18.7 touches and 19.7 fantasy points per game from Weeks 3-6. If Michael Carter (included in 68.7% of ESPN’s leagues) is still available in his league, he should have priority. If not, here are some other RB options to consider:
D’Onta Foreman (35.3%) and Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers (25.8%): After the Panthers traded RB Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers last week, concerns arose about his running game. Steve Wilks, interim head coach, did not share these concerns.
Both Hubbard and Foreman handsomely rewarded his confidence over the weekend. As a starter, Hubbard gained 73 total yards on 11 touches against the Buccaneers before leaving the game due to an ankle injury. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that he “could have come back if needed.” Meanwhile, Foreman was given a chance to play a bigger role as a result of Hubbard’s injury and had 145 total yards on 17 touches. His 60-yard run was the longest against the Buccaneers in the past two seasons.
With Hubbard and Foreman actively involved in the Panthers’ backfield, each of them can be seen as flexible options. If Hubbard missed the Week 8 game against the Falcons, Foreman could be seen as an RB2.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons (30.3%): As the Falcons trailed the Bengals throughout Sunday’s game, Allgeier rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown. He led the Falcons’ backfield in snaps (29), route runs (7) and rush attempts (16). Currently, as a team, the Falcons rank third in rushing attempts (33) and fourth in rushing yards (156.9) per game. Allgeier is on the flex radar against the Panthers in Week 8.
Latavius Murray, Denver Broncos (23.7%): Melvin Gordon III started Sunday’s game against the Jets and played first down during the first two drives. Throughout the rest of the game, Murray and Gordon shared the starting job almost evenly. Murray finished with 24 rushing yards and a touchdown on eight rushing attempts. Mike Boone, on the other hand, was injured in the game and was seen wearing a walking boot. As a result, the Broncos signed Marlon Mack from the 49ers’ practice squad, meaning Boone could miss some time. My favorite Denver backfield waiver addition is Murray, but he beware.
Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens (16.1%): It took a while for Edwards to get back into the lineup after recovering from an ACL injury, but the wait was worth it. Edwards was activated from the PUP list before Sunday’s game and started with JK Dobbins out of action following his knee surgery. Edwards had 16 rushing attempts for 66 yards against the Browns. He also rushed for two touchdowns for the first time since Week 14 of the 2020 season, also against the Browns. Edwards is on the RB2 radar against the Buccaneers in Week 8.
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (14.0%): Pacheco received first-team reps before Sunday’s game against the 49ers and was named the starter. However, that only resulted in him playing two more snaps than Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Pacheco finished with eight rushing attempts for 43 yards, while Edwards-Helaire had six rushing attempts for 32 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs have a bye in Week 8 and Pacheco is indeed worth hiding, but I wouldn’t rush him into fantasy lineups anytime soon.
Quick hit: Kyren Williams (8.4%) should be hidden. He should return from IR in the near future. Since Cam Akers will most likely be traded before the trade deadline, Williams and Darrell Henderson Jr. could form a committee.
Let’s take a look at our recommended Week 8 ESPN Fantasy waiver wire aggregates at the other skill positions.
quarterbacks
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (28.9%): Jones had a season-high 28.7 fantasy points Sunday against the Jaguars. He also rushed for 107 yards, also a season high. Due to Jones’ dual threat ability, he is firmly on the broadcast radar in Week 8 against the Seahawks. This season he has averaged 17 fantasy points per game and has exceeded expectations, especially given the dearth of attacking midfielders at his disposal. The Giants have favorable matchups against the Texans and Lions after their Week 9 bye.
Quick hit: Desmond Ridder (0.5%) should be proactively hidden in deeper formats, especially superflex leagues. Considering how the Falcons looked offensively on Sunday against the Bengals, it would be wise to give the rookie a chance. He could potentially provide a spark for the team.
wide receivers
George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers (55.0%): Pickens caught all six of his targets for 61 yards and a touchdown on Sunday night against the Dolphins. He leads the Steelers’ wide receivers in receiving yards and has excellent chemistry with rookie QB Kenny Pickett. Pickens can be seen as a flexible option against the Eagles in Week 8.
Elijah Moore, New York Jets (51.8%): Corey Davis (knee) was hurt against the Broncos on Sunday and will undergo tests earlier this week to assess the extent of the damage. As a result, Moore has the opportunity to rebuild bridges with the organization. Moore had expressed dissatisfaction with his role in the Jets’ offense and demanded a trade, prompting New York to inactive him this week. Moore has just 16 receptions for 203 yards on 29 targets through six games. The Jets may have to rely more on his passing game with Hall out. Whether Moore actually gets traded, or if he now gets more involved with the Jets’ offense, it’s worth hiding.
Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs (21.1%): Hardman caught all four of his targets against the 49ers on Sunday for 34 yards. He became the first wide receiver in the Super Bowl era to score two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown in the same game. It’s a good idea to prioritize Hardman in deeper formats, despite his lack of targets in the last three games (13). After the bye week, the Chiefs will have a very favorable schedule.
Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants (13.8%): Robinson led the Giants in both goals (8) and receptions (6) against the Jaguars. He has now scored double-digit fantasy points in consecutive games. He saw a significant increase in plays and targets in his second week back, virtually replacing Richie James in the team’s WR pecking order. The Seahawks, Texans and Lions are Robinson’s next three opponents. All three are favorable matchups for the rookie catcher. Fantasy managers should consider Robinson a flex option for the rest of the season.
Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts (2.8%): The Colts’ offense couldn’t find a rhythm Sunday. Campbell was one of the few bright spots offensively, catching 10 of 12 targets for 70 yards and a touchdown. Campbell has now scored a fantasy 18 points with double-digit goals in consecutive games. It’s been tough for the Colts’ offensive line to provide consistent pass protection to quarterback Matt Ryan, but Campbell has benefited from his quick passing. He can be seen as a flexible option to move forward.
Quick hits: The talk about possible landing spots for Odell Beckham Jr. (19.3%) is increasing. Now is the perfect time to hide it. … Brandin Cooks has reportedly been the target of multiple trade calls from teams. Nico Collins (10.6%) would be the Texans’ No. 1 receiver if he traded to Cooks. … On Sunday against the Buccaneers, Terrace Marshall Jr. (0.4%) started in place of Robbie Anderson, who was traded to the Cardinals. Marshall played in 43 snaps and ran 23 routes. The only Panthers player with more was DJ Moore. … Marquise Goodwin (0.1%) stepped up in DK Metcalf’s absence, catching four of five targets for 67 receiving yards and two touchdowns. This was Goodwin’s second career multi-scoring game. The first came in 2018 with the 49ers. Goodwin would benefit immediately if Metcalf loses more time.
tight ends
Greg Dulcich, Denver Broncos (7.8%): Dulcich caught 6 of 9 targets for 51 yards against the Jets on Sunday. He remained the Broncos’ starting tight end for the second straight game, leading the position in snaps (47) and route runs (34). Dulcich is firmly on the broadcast radar with upcoming games against the Jaguars, Titans, Raiders and Panthers.
Cade Otton (7.8%), Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Otton caught 4 of 5 targets for 64 yards on Sunday against the Panthers. When Otton has had five-plus goals this season, he has scored double-digit fantasy points in all of those games. With the Buccaneers having a quick turnaround for their Week 8 matchup (Thursday night, against the Ravens), Otton may be in line for another start, regardless of the status of Cameron Brate. If he’s running a TE committee, that’s a great addition.
