Week 8 Waiver Wire Targets
- Faraz Siddiqi
- Oct 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Top Priority Add: Oronde Gadsden (TE – Chargers)
There’s really only one priority pickup this week — and it’s Oronde Gadsden.
When you see a tight end who moves like a wide receiver, runs crisp routes, and puts up production like this, you’ve got to make room on your roster.
It’s a similar story to Harold Fannin’s breakout earlier this year, except Gadsden’s in a tougher situation. Fannin was competing with David Njoku for routes in Cleveland — Gadsden’s got to deal with Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, and Keenan Allen. Still, he’s showing he can coexist and earn targets the second he gets full-time work.
After making his debut in Week 3 (with a 40% target rate per route), he’s been near full-time the last two weeks — 77% and 79% route participation with 22% and 18% target shares. That’s elite usage on one of the most pass-happy offenses in football. He’s turned that into 7 catches for 68 yards in Week 6, and 7 for 164 and a TD this past Sunday.
To remember who he is: Gadsden broke out at age 19, posted 2.04 career yards per route run (3rd among college TEs behind only Fannin and Colston Loveland), a 25% career target share (best in the class), and 1.2 receiving yards per team pass attempt — better than Tyler Warren and tied with Loveland.
He’s legit. There’s real precedent for him becoming a top fantasy tight end, and I’m willing to spend FAAB like he’s a wide receiver — up to 25% if you’re desperate at TE.
Running Back Pickups
Kyle Monangai (Bears)
Monangai’s role expanded post-bye — up from 31% of snaps last week to 46% this week. He got going early, scored a goal-line TD before halftime, and totaled 15 touches. The Bears leaned heavily on the run all game, with D’Andre Swift also seeing 20 touches. The key here is game script: both benefited from a positive script, but in a tighter contest, Swift could lose touches while Monangai stays involved. He’s worth adding, especially as a Week 8 bye-week flex.
Brashard Smith (Chiefs)
The box score looks amazing — 14 carries and 5 targets on the Chiefs — but most of that came in garbage time. Only 3 of his 14 carries were before the fourth quarter. The good news: his receiving role is consistent (3+ catches, 20+ yards in four straight). Add him for the receiving usage and upside, but don’t chase last week’s box score. Low FAAB add.
Other RB Adds
Tyler Allgeier (Falcons)
Good matchup vs Miami. Falcons likely to keep Bijan fresh, so Allgeier should see double-digit carries and maybe a score.
Tyjae Spears (Colts)
Bye-week filler. Seeing 40%+ of rushing work and 3+ catches weekly.
Zonovan Knight (Cardinals)
On bye, but worth stashing ahead of a strong Week 9 matchup vs Dallas.
Isaiah Davis (Jets)
Deep stash. If Breece Hall gets moved, Davis becomes an instant RB1. Braelon Allen’s season-ending knee surgery opens the door for him.
Wide Receiver Pickups
Josh Downs (Colts)
Downs was a top pickup last week but entered concussion protocol after his TD in Week 6. If active this week, he’s a must-add. Before injury, he posted 25%+ target shares in consecutive games and led the team in targets over the last three weeks. Two straight top-36 WR finishes (including a WR15 week). He’s a steady WR3 with upside.
Tez Johnson (Buccaneers)
Tez Johnson is one of my favorite waiver wire stashes. With Mike Evans (collarbone) likely out for the season, Johnson’s role should grow. He’s already earned 9 targets in Week 7, turning them into 4 catches for 58 yards and a TD.
If you watched him at the Senior Bowl, you know the talent — elite separation skills, Tank Dell-level quickness, and a strong college résumé: 2nd in yards/route run and 1st in targets/route run among Power 5 WRs in his class. Add him for ~10% FAAB and see where it goes.
Other WR Adds:
Malik Washington (Dolphins)
Monitor Jaylen Waddle’s injury; he could step into targets immediately.
Darnell Mooney (Bears)
Flex-worthy vs the Dolphins in a high-total matchup.
Darius Slayton (Giants)
Stash with Jaxson Dart improving. Could be a rest-of-season riser.
Alec Pierce (Colts)
Solid flex if Downs misses time.
Jalen Coker & Xavier Legette (Panthers)
Legette flashed, but Coker’s the better long-term stash.
Kayshon Boutte (Patriots)
Deep TD-dependent option, best vs single-high coverages.
Josh Reynolds (Jets)
9 targets last week; viable only if Tyrod Taylor starts.
Tight End Pickups
Cade Otton (Buccaneers)
With Mike Evans out, Otton could be the No. 2 target behind Emeka Egbuka. He caught 7 of 9 targets for 65 yards Monday night and could settle in as a rest-of-season TE1.
Isaiah Likely (Ravens)
Stash from last week, who is now worth starting consideration. Before the bye, he ran routes on 85% of dropbacks — elite usage for a TE. If that continues with Lamar back, he could emerge as the No. 2 target behind Zay Flowers.
Theo Johnson (Giants)
Johnson turned a deflected pass into a touchdown, but the real takeaway was his 97% route participation — easily the highest of his season. With Jaxson Dart playing well, Johnson’s athleticism gives him serious breakout potential.
Other TE Adds:
Oronde Gadsden (Chargers)
Already covered above.
Dalton Schultz (Texans)
9/98 on 10 targets with Nico Collins sidelined.
Mason Taylor (Giants)
Potential top target if Tyrod Taylor starts.
Colston Loveland (Bears)
Deep stash with long-term upside; could fill in for Kmet.
Evan Engram (Jaguars)
Trending up with a season-high 66% routes; usable streamer.
Quarterback Pickups
Jaxson Dart (Giants)
If he’s still available, stop reading and go add him. Dart just carved up Denver and now ranks QB4 over the last four weeks. Dual-threat upside, consistency, and confidence — he’s a top-10 option this week against Philly.
Joe Flacco (Bengals)
Yes, that Joe Flacco. He’s looked rejuvenated with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at his disposal. With the Jets and Bears up next, he’s a legit streamer and could sneak into the top 10 this week.
Other QB Adds:
Michael Penix Jr. (Commanders)
Great matchup vs Miami.
Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Revenge game vs Green Bay.
Spencer Rattler (Panthers)
Good streamer vs Tampa Bay.
Sam Darnold (49ers)
On bye, but worth monitoring.
Marcus Mariota (Eagles)
Deep league stash vs KC.
