Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 8.
Joe Flacco, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: The ageless wonder showed he still has some magic left in the tank. Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns against the Steelers on Thursday night. He heavily targeted Ja’Marr Chase an absurd 23 times and has given the Bengals’ offense life since being traded to Cincy. Six teams are on a bye this week and Flacco has a juicy matchup against a vulnerable Jets defense up next. He is a streaming option for anyone who is without Matthew Stafford or Jared Goff this week.
Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears: The rookie saw his most extensive playing time of the season and finished as RB10 in Week 7. Monangai rushed 13 times for 81 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 13 yards. D’Andre Swift was terrific as well, finishing as RB4 on the week, Monangai showed a glimpse of what he can provide if he ever needs to be the lead back. He is a handcuff running back who needs to be rostered.
Brashard Smith, RB, Kansas City Chiefs: I think it’s only a matter of time before Smith becomes the top back for the Chiefs. He led the team with 19 touches and has repeatedly shown he is the most explosive back on the roster. Kansas City did have a sizable lead and Kareem Hunt left with an injury, but Smith was already getting more opportunities each week. If Hunt is out of action this week, Smith is a FLEX option for fantasy owners.
Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Los Angeles Chargers: Gadsden is another rookie taking advantage of getting more playing time. He caught seven passes for 164 yards and a score, making it back-to-back weeks with seven receptions. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman likes to get tight ends involved on offense and Gadsden has all the physical skills to be an impact player. If you are missing Trey McBride or Sam LaPorta this week, Gadsden is someone to target. If the production continues, he becomes a must-start the rest of the season.
Top Handcuffs (Rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues)
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins
DJ Giddens, Indianapolis Colts
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills
Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers