It’s weird having an article with my name on it, but here we are! Here are some players that you can add to your fantasy team that can help these next few weeks. Some as weekly starters and some as streaming options. These players can fill in for bye weeks and the slew of injuries the NFL is seeing. So let’s get into it!
Whisnant’s Week 8 Fantasy Waiver Adds
Latavius Murray, RB, Vikings
The Vikings backfield was a disaster after the Dalvin Cook injury. Jerick McKinnon and Latavius Murray became a committee and it looked like a doomed fantasy season for Murray with McKinnon seeming to have more production. Well last week against the Ravens’ defense, Murray came alive to be one of the most productive running backs of the week. Moving into week 8, Murray looks to be in good position to keep his production high with a matchup against the Browns. Then the following matchups will be against the Redskins and the Rams. So Murray should be able to get you through a midseason fantasy hump. This backfield is still split but the Murray should build off last week’s explosive game.
Marlon Mack, RB, Colts
While he did not have a career game or a top fantasy performance, Mack did see a snap count of 33 snaps. If you have some injuries at running back or if you just need a change, Marlon Mack is starting to look like the primary Colts back. He had the most touches among the Indianapolis backfield and he showed some flashes. While Mack is a rookie and he will struggle, expect to see his workload become more consistent these next few weeks as the Colts would like to see him put a spark in the offense. Don’t expect RB1 numbers, but a solid flex play with an RB2 ceiling could happen for Mack.
Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals
The Steelers game reminded everyone a lot of the week one matchup against the Ravens. Andy Dalton has been a turnover machine in a few games this year. So why is he on the list of people to add off waivers this week? Well, if we look at games Dalton has played since the offensive coordinator change in Cincy, he has thrown 9 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and about 250 yards a game on average. Dalton can prove valuable against average or worse defenses and in week 8 he plays the Colts. The week following he’ll have to be on the bench because of a matchup against the Jaguars but then he’ll get to play the Tennessee Titans. So for 2 out of the next 3 weeks, Dalton will be a good QB2 in those matchups and can fill in on a bye week or for injuries.
Sterling Shepard, WR, Giants
If you dropped Shepard you need to get him back before someone else does. Shepard will be the number one target in the offense when he recovers from an ankle injury this week. It was a surprise that he was not on the field last Sunday against the Seahawks. When he returns this week, he has a favorable matchup against the Rams and then the following week gets to play against the 49ers, who appear almost as lost as the Browns do this year. So Shepard should be a good WR2 play the next two weeks as we should see him eat up most of the targets.
O.J. Howard, TE, Buccaneers
The rookie tight end had his breakout game in week seven with a stat line of 6-98-2. This waiver addition is a good long-term streaming option. His percentage of snaps increased dramatically last week and should see a steady continuation due to his performance. This week’s matchup against the Panthers is a tough one but Howard then has the Saints, the Jets, and then the Packers. This does not mean Cameron Brate is out of the picture, it just shows that Howard can be a viable option in favorable matchups. So make sure to pick up this good streaming option for help in the midseason.