Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets: NFL Week 8

As Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy managers need to stay sharp and identify players who can provide immediate impact for both short-term gains and long-term production. Whether your league is shallow or deep, now is the time to scoop up breakout performers, sleepers, and under-the-radar options. Here’s a breakdown of the key players you should target, plus a few to avoid.

Quarterbacks

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
Rostered in 43.3% of ESPN leagues

Jaxson Dart has emerged as a legitimate fantasy option over the past four weeks, averaging 23.0 fantasy points per game. While his early success came in part from his rushing prowess—gaining at least 50 rushing yards in three of his first four starts—he has also shown significant growth in the passing game. In his most recent outing against the Denver Broncos, Dart completed 15 of 33 passes for 283 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while also contributing a rushing touchdown.

For fantasy managers in leagues where Dart is still available, he should be considered a priority pickup. The Giants face a rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles next week, and in their first meeting, Dart threw for 195 yards and a touchdown while rushing 13 times for 58 yards and another score. If he can replicate even a fraction of that performance, he’s a strong candidate for starting lineups in Week 8. Dart’s dual-threat ability adds a floor to his fantasy value that pure pocket passers can’t match.

Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals
Rostered in 4.9% of ESPN leagues

Joe Flacco’s recent performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football makes him an intriguing streaming option for Week 8 and beyond. Flacco completed 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns in a game where the Bengals dominated time of possession, running 72 plays. While he won’t maintain this level of volume indefinitely, the Bengals’ upcoming schedule is highly favorable for quarterback production.

Six of Cincinnati’s next nine opponents rank in the top 10 for fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. This includes the first three upcoming matchups, which provide Flacco with an opportunity to pile up points at a critical juncture for fantasy playoffs. Provided Joe Burrow remains sidelined, Flacco has the potential to be a top-10 fantasy quarterback over the next month and a half. Even in deeper leagues, he should be considered a high-upside add.

Running Backs

Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears

The Bears have leaned into a two-back rotation, splitting touches between Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift. While this type of committee can sometimes depress fantasy value, both backs have thrived due to efficient usage and complementary skill sets. Monangai’s role has grown over the past two weeks, and he has delivered efficient production that could make him a flex-worthy option in shallow leagues.

Monangai’s usage, particularly in passing downs, makes him a high-floor player. Swift’s talent ensures that defenses cannot stack the box entirely against one back, creating opportunities for explosive plays. For managers looking to bolster depth at running back, Monangai is a candidate worth adding before his usage potentially increases further.

Wide Receivers

Oronde Gadsden II, Los Angeles Chargers

Rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II has not only lived up to preseason sleeper hype but is also producing at a level that puts him among the top tight ends in fantasy this season. Gadsden’s ability to stretch the field and secure contested catches has made him a reliable target for quarterback Justin Herbert, especially in the red zone.

With defenses focused on limiting the Chargers’ wide receivers, Gadsden has been able to exploit mismatches consistently. Managers in need of tight end production would be wise to claim Gadsden off waivers immediately, as his production shows signs of sustainability over the long term.

Tight Ends

Gadsden II (continued)

While tight ends often take time to break out, Gadsden’s combination of athleticism, route-running, and quarterback rapport makes him a potential weekly starter rather than a matchup-dependent plug-in. His Week 7 performance, which led all tight ends in fantasy scoring, signals that he may remain a focal point of the Chargers’ offense for the foreseeable future.

Strategy Notes

With six teams on bye in Week 8, fantasy managers have an opportunity to capitalize on less-covered options. It’s critical to consider short-term production, injury replacement needs, and potential breakout candidates who may see increased volume in upcoming weeks. Jaxson Dart and Joe Flacco, for example, are ideal for managers needing immediate scoring, while Gadsden II provides both short-term and long-term value at a position that is typically volatile.

Managers should also be cautious of players in timeshare backfields or struggling offenses. Even talented running backs in committees may have inconsistent week-to-week production, and quarterbacks behind weak lines or facing elite pass rushes are often high-risk options.

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