As the NFL waiver wire runs ahead of Week 8 in the 2026 season, fantasy football managers are scouring available rosters following a slate capped by the Dallas Cowboys’ win over the Philadelphia Eagles. ESPN leagues feature 14 key unrostered players, three defenses, two kickers, and four teams heading into their bye weeks.
Cleveland Browns Additions Led by Rookie Receiver KC Concepcion
Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion emerges as the top waiver wire target for Week 8, rostered in 43 percent of ESPN leagues. Concepcion hauled in 8 of 10 targets for 129 yards and added 3 rushes for 23 yards—good for 23.2 PPR points—during a game in Tennessee, marking his fifth outing in the last six weeks with at least six targets. The Browns head to Pittsburgh next. Meanwhile, teammate and running back Dylan Sampson is back from the injured reserve list after recording 6 rushes for 45 yards and 3 catches for 32 yards in Tennessee, though Quinshon Judkins retains the bulk of the backfield workload.
Washington Commanders Shift Targets Following Terry McLaurin Injury
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that wide receiver Terry McLaurin suffered a torn patellar tendon, ending his season, according to official team communications. With McLaurin sidelined, targets in Washington are set to distribute among new options. Antonio Williams—rostered in 7 percent of ESPN leagues—steps into the second spot on the depth chart behind Stefon Diggs, coming off a 3-catch, 50-yard performance against the San Francisco 49ers after Washington’s Week 7 bye. Tight end Chig Okonkwo also steps up as a primary receiving option, securing 7 catches on 7 targets for 69 yards against San Francisco ahead of an upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Quarterback Streamers and Running Back Replacements on the Wire
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins enters Week 8 rostered in 57 percent of leagues after throwing for 295 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Cousins faces the New York Jets next. Alternative quarterback options include the Jets’ Geno Smith (13 percent rostered), who threw for 287 yards and three scores against the Miami Dolphins, and Jacoby Brissett of the Arizona Cardinals (20 percent rostered), who filled in for the back-injured Carson Beck by passing for 272 yards and a touchdown against the Denver Broncos. In the backfield, Denver’s Jonah Coleman (24 percent rostered) returned from injured reserve to command half the team’s snaps in Arizona, totaling 54 rushing yards and two receptions before a matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (57 percent rostered) caught all six targets for 45 yards and rushed for 41 yards in a win over the New Orleans Saints in Paris, with his value tied directly to the availability of Jaylen Warren.
Bye Weeks and Defensive Streaming Options for Week 8
Four teams are on a bye in Week 8: the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers, leaving fantasy managers searching for lineup replacements. For defensive streaming, the Cincinnati Bengals (16 percent rostered) stand out after recording four sacks, an interception, and allowing just 13 points against the Baltimore Ravens, setting up a clash with the 1-6 Tennessee Titans. The Jacksonville Jaguars (28 percent rostered) return fresh from their bye to face the Indianapolis Colts, an offense averaging 1.7 turnovers per game. Kickers Wil Lutz of the Broncos and Cairo Santos of the Chicago Bears—who converted a 58-yard field goal against the New England Patriots—round out available special teams streams ahead of Sunday kickoffs.
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