Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 8.
Gardner Minshew, QB, Indianapolis Colts: Minshew has thrown for more than 300 yards in his two starts since taking over for Anthony Richardson and has done so against two pretty good defenses in the Jaguars and Browns. The turnovers are a concern — eight in two games — but there is also reason to be pleased with his willingness to make plays on the ground as well. The Saints are up next, another solid defensive unit, but if you’re in a two-QB league, Minshew is a solid option if the Colts continue to air it out.
Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals: Josh Dobbs has played admirably in his time as the starter, but it’s only a matter of time before Murray reclaims the role. There is still incentive for both Murray and the Cardinals to get the former No. 1 pick back on the field if they have hope to trade him this offseason. It’s hard to imagine Murray contributing with his legs as much as we’ve seen in his career, but the Cardinals’ skill players all get an upgrade with Murray at the helm. You can stash Murray on your IR until he’s healthy, if your league allows it and you’re streaming QBs each week.
Darrell Henderson, RB, Los Angeles Rams: A free agent just a week ago, Henderson returned to LA and instantly took over as the lead back with Kyren Williams going on injured reserve and Ronnie Rivers also out due to injury. Henderson had 19 touches, compared to 12 for Royce Freeman, including a 1-yard touchdown run, and looks to be the back to own for the Rams. Williams is out for at least three more games, so if you have a need at running back, make Henderson a priority add.
D’Onta Foreman, RB, Chicago Bears: Getting another start with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson both out, Foreman took full advantage of the opportunity by scoring three times in the Bears’ win against the Raiders. Johnson could return for Week 8, but Foreman has earned the right to lead the rushing attack for the time being. Foreman has shown us the last two seasons that he can be relied on as a fantasy option when given touches. He is a RB2/FLEX play until Herbert comes back from injury.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Cleveland Browns: Hunt was a game-time decision leading up to Week 7 with a thigh injury, but was able to suit up against the Colts and found the end zone twice. Jerome Ford left the game early with an ankle injury and could miss time, thrusting Hunt into the starting role. Pierre Strong also saw an uptick in touches with Ford going down, but assuming Hunt escaped the game without aggravating his injury, he becomes a must-start running back.
Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts: Downs has been the biggest beneficiary of Minshew taking over at quarterback with touchdowns in back-to-back games and a career-high 125 receiving yards against the Browns. He also led the team in targets (6) and receptions (5), and has six or more catches in three straight games. Downs is a home-run threat who is going to continue to be a focal point of the Colts’ passing game.
Kendrick Bourne, WR, New England Patriots: It’s hard to trust anyone on the Patriots’ offense, but Bourne has caught 16 of 18 targets for 152 yards and a score the last two weeks. He is averaging more than seven targets per game, including two games with 11 targets. He did record four straight duds from Weeks 2-5, but so did the entire Patriots offense. The Dolphins are up next, but the schedule gets better for New England after that.
Taysom Hill, QB/TE, New Orleans Saints: Check your league rules to see if Hill is eligible as a tight end, but if so, there are few players at the position who offer his upside. He has seen his playing time increase each week, recording 52 snaps this week after 49 a week ago, and has caught 11 of 13 targets in those two games, in addition to a rushing score against the Jaguars on Thursday. He’s also a threat to throw passes at any time, which makes him a weapon for not only the Saints but fantasy managers as well. With that said, he failed to score more than three points in four of the five games prior to this two-game stretch, showcasing his boom-or-bust potential. That makes him a risky play on a week-to-week basis but let’s face it, that’s most of the tight end position.
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