Another week of fantasy football action is in the books, as owners everywhere scour the waiver wire to find the best available wide receiver pickups. Looking around the league shows that players like Brandon Aiyuk and Rashard Higgins offer the best chance of positive performance in the coming weeks.
Note that, in order to be eligible for this list, the player needed to be available in at least 50% of fantasy leagues. Obviously, there is some variation from league to league, so make sure to peruse all available players before making your claims. There could be a better option available in your specific league.
Week 8 Waiver Wire Claims: Running Back – Wide Receiver – Quarterback – Defense
Brandon Aiyuk, Rashard Higgins Highlight Fantasy Football Week 8 Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups
Brandon Aiyuk
The San Francisco 49ers just cannot stay healthy. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel suffered a hamstring injury late in Week 7’s matchup against the New England Patriots and did not return. As of this posting, we do not know the severity of the injury. However, considering Samuel’s previous injury history and the fickle nature of hamstrings, there is a very real chance he misses some time. If that happens, Brandon Aiyuk becomes a great play in fantasy.
Facing off against the New England Patriots, Aiyuk finished the night with six receptions for 115 yards on seven targets. Nobody is better at scheming guys into space than Kyle Shanahan, and Aiyuk is an absolute monster in the open field. Aiyuk can still be a solid flex play with Samuel, but he has WR2 upside if Samuel has to miss time.
Rashard Higgins
The Cleveland Browns lost superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham early in Week 7’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. As of this posting, the Browns do not know how long Beckham will be sidelined. However, once again, you need to prepare like he won’t be there. With Beckham sidelined, Rashard Higgins became the top option in a surprisingly-effective passing attack.
Higgins finished the night with six receptions for 110 yards on six targets. Baker Mayfield caught fire after a slow start and, considering how well he played in 2018, it’s not unreasonable to suggest that he’s better without Beckham in the lineup. While Higgins probably won’t hit the 100-yard mark for the second-straight week, he should see a good percentage of the targets if Beckham doesn’t play.
Marquez Callaway
Early reports indicate that Michael Thomas could miss Week 8. 2020’s biggest fantasy draft bust continues to disappoint, and his absence has opened the door for Marquez Callaway. Callaway stepped up as the top receiver on the depth chart and, with Emmanuel Sanders on the COVID-19 list, has a decent chance to repeat that performance in Week 8. Callaway led New Orleans with eight receptions for 75 yards and 10 targets with the top two options sidelined. He’ll have a harder time doing it against a strong Chicago Bears defense, but the volume should be there if you need a desperation play.
Corey Davis
I know, I know. Nobody wants to go anywhere near Corey Davis, but the volume is there. Making his return to the field, the former first-round pick recorded six receptions for 35 yard and one touchdown on 10 targets. This production obviously isn’t much on its own, but the 10 targets is too much to be ignored.
Davis had big weeks earlier in the season, so this probably wasn’t just a fluke performance. The fourth-year pro recorded seven receptions for 101 yards in Week 1 and has seen at least five targets in every game he’s played. While it’s not particularly likely, it is possible that he becomes this years’ DeVante Parker. If you’re in a deep league, take a shot on Davis.
Honorable Mentions: Cole Beasley, Denzel Mims, Randall Cobb
Week 8 Waiver Wire Claims: Running Back – Wide Receiver – Quarterback – Defense
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