Welcome to my fantasy waiver wire breakdown ahead of Week 8.
This breakdown is not a “one size fits all” kind of thing. Every league is different, and I don’t know the situation you’re in. I can’t tell you how much you should bid on any given player.
If you’re in first place and stacked at running back, you don’t need to spend big on a player who might only be relevant for a few games. If you're toward the bottom of the standings and fighting for your life, go get him!
The point of this breakdown and my analysis is to give you the tools to make the best decision possible. I’ll provide as much detail as I can and encourage everyone to subscribe to my weekly rankings and check those on Wednesday night.
Here's a link to my fantasy rankings. If you have a question for Week 9, that's the best place to go.
QB Will Levis
Levis had a solid debut with four touchdown passes in a win over the Falcons. I'd say you could add him as a potential option in 2QB leagues, but I'm not in a rush to pick him up if you only start one.
There's a chance the Titans let him start the remainder of the season, even when Ryan Tannehill is healthy, but I wouldn't bank on that. His big stat line was a bit flukey and I expect him to be on the QB2/3 line most weeks.
This was most encouraging for DeAndre Hopkins, although I'd be trying to sell high after this game. He may still only be a WR3/flex option once Levis comes back down to earth.
RB Leonard Fournette
Fournette being added to the practice squad was likely triggered by Damien Harris' injury. He'll mix in with James Cook and Latavius Murray once he gets up to speed.
This could end up being a blow to Cook's value, but I see it affecting Murray more. I at least can't imagine it helps either RB.
Fournette remains a mystery and isn't a lock to turn into the Bills' lead back. He'd likely need Cook or Murray to miss time to carve out a role that has any fantasy value. He's worth a stash where it makes sense to roll the dice
Alternative: Zach Charbonnet
If Charbonnet is somehow available (trust me, there are a ton of leagues where he is), I'd add him over Fournette.
Kenneth Walker III is dealing with an injury and isn't expected to miss any time, but Charbonnet would become a borderline RB1 if he did. Whoever has the biggest FAAB budget would likely have to bid most, if not all, of their budget to get him. That's the kind of RB I'd rather stash instead of Fournette.
TE Trey McBride
I mentioned that McBride was a good medium-term option in my streamers last week. He proceeded to erupt for a 10/95/1 game as the Cardinals' clear lead tight end.
McBride should be a TE1 option the rest of the season, but there are a few factors that could complicate that.
For Week 9, it sounds like Clayton Tune is going to get the start at QB for Arizona. There's a chance that hurts McBride for Week 9 since I can't say that Tune is an upgrade over Joshua Dobbs or that he'll target McBride as much. It may help McBride, but we don't have enough information, making it tougher to project him this week.
However, it could also be Kyler Murray, who's practicing and nearing his return. No doubt that would give McBride a boost.
Zach Ertz will potentially return in the next few weeks, and that's a major concern for McBride's long-term value. There's a chance Arizona lets the younger McBride play the rest of the season as the starting TE, but Ertz will likely eat into his usage somewhat and lower his week-to-week value.
Breaking Down the Tight End Market
Last week, I talked in my streamers post about how the depth of available tight ends was historic. Here's an update on that market and where you could potentially look for Week 9.
TE Dalton Kincaid
Kincaid had a great game last Thursday night with his first career touchdown. Also, Dawson Knox was put on the injured reserve before the game.
Kincaid jumps up to my TE8 to open Week 9 and will likely be a top-10 option as long as Knox is out. If he thrives while Knox is out, that could increase his role when the veteran returns.
Kincaid is a rookie TE on the rise and now is the time to get him if you can.
TE Jake Ferguson
Ferguson has seen an increase in playing time with Peyton Hendershot on the injured reserve. In Week 6, he ran a season-high 84% routes run rate but only turned that into one catch. In Week 8, the results were there and the performance was capped off by a touchdown.
If he can see his typical target share, combined with that kind of playing time, he has top-10 for upside the rest of the season.
TE Taysom Hill
Hill keeps producing and even got to show off his arm in Week 8. If you're a big underdog and need a high upside for your matchup, Hill is perfect because of his unique skill set.
