The fantasy football lineup challenges keep coming, as injuries remain a major factor, and four more teams are on byes this week. Fantasy managers will have to replace key starters from the 49ers, Giants, Saints and Texans in Week 8.
As always, we help you make tough lineup decisions by featuring our players to consider when faced with close calls. We also rank the best waiver wire pickups at all of the important positions.
While we were beginning to prepare for the upcoming fantasy football week, though, the Seahawks made their latest bold in-season trade move, acquiring All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts for a pair of draft picks, pending a physical.
Offensive linemen do not register fantasy football points, but they do impact the skill position players around them and affect their fantasy production. While Nelson is a superb pass protector, his run blocking skills improve the fantasy outlooks of the Seahawks' running backs.
Nelson's 82.3 run blocking grade on Pro Football Focus ranks seventh in the NFL, and his presence only boosts the fantasy appeal of the Seahawks' RBs. Emanuel Wilson, who rushed for 100 yards for the first time as a Seahawk in Week 7, will remain worthy of fantasy starting consideration when he is asked to carry the ball often.
Zach Charbonnet rushed for 12 TDs last season, and when he returns to action, he will continue to carry significant TD promise every week. Jadarian Price's outlook also improves with the Nelson acquisition.
When he is back in action, Price can demonstrate his good vision, cutback moves and elusiveness with Nelson as another prime blocker. It may be a good time to trade for Price, who can at least contribute as a fantasy RB3/flex option when he is carrying the ball again.
NFL Week 8: Running Backs To Start
START Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins: The Miami RB has emerged as a must-start fantasy RB2 and should get the nod in most tight lineup decisions involving him. Gordon can run effectively inside, convert TD opportunities near the goal line, and bust loose for big gainers. He is a complete runner who has rushed for TDs in four consecutive games and 85-plus yards in three of his last four outings.
New England's run defense ranks eighth in the NFL, but don't be scared off by the matchup.
START Jordan Mason, Vikings: Minnesota faces the lowest-ranked defense in the NFL as it takes on the rival Lions. In his second game back from a thumb injury, Mason can get some opportunities to cash in with scoring runs near the goal line. The Vikings should be able to move the ball well this week, putting Mason in positions to finish off scoring drives with short TD runs.
START Blake Corum, Rams: He carried the ball a career-high 17 times last week, and Corum has delivered three TDs from scrimmage in his past three games. Corum should be a good flex option in Week 8 in the "Fight for LA" matchup vs. the Chargers. The 'Bolts rank 21st in rushing defense and they have allowed nine rushing TDs in six games.
START Tony Pollard, Titans: Pollard usually provides only adequate fantasy numbers at best, but last week he tied for a career-high with three rushing TDs and 129 rushing yards. Cincinnati's rushing defense ranks 18th in the NFL, and the Titans will need Pollard to control the clock as much as possible and ease pressure on Cam Ward. Pollard can provide at least respectable fantasy totals this week.
Week 8 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings – Running Backs
- Jonah Coleman, Broncos: The rookie appears to be set to carry the ball frequently for the Broncos, who could use a spark in the running game.
- Rachaad White, Commanders: Logged a dozen touches in his last start and might continue to be the busiest Washington RB for now. White may be available in some leagues, so check your free agent list.
- Seth McGowan, Colts: This rookie could see a path to more playing time if the Colts make an RB move soon.
- Kaelon Black, 49ers: He remains an essential fantasy insurance RB for those who roster Christian McCaffrey, and Black is worth stashing even if you don't have McCaffrey on your team. Consistent injury concerns on the San Francisco offense can seemingly force the "next man up" to take on a larger role at any time
- Zonovan Knight, Cardinals: "Bam" Knight might be available in some leagues, such as 10-teamers. He will continue to be in the RB mix when Arizona deals with injury issues.
- Samaje Perine, Bengals
- Devin Singletary, Giants
- Elijah Mitchell, Eagles
NFL Week 8: Wide Receivers To Start
START Michael Wilson, Cardinals: Drawing the Dallas Cowboys as a matchup can always be a positive for opposing WRs. Dallas' defense ranks 27th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to WRs. Wilson is eighth in the NFL in receiving targets (66) and he is a volume-driven must-start fantasy football WR3 for this week.
START Stefon Diggs, Commanders: Now in his 12th NFL season, Diggs is still capable of posting quality fantasy totals. He was targeted seven-plus times in each of the past three games, and Diggs has caught four TD passes in five games played this season. The Eagles allow the second-most Fantasy Points Per Game to WRs, and Diggs becomes more of a trusted target for Jayden Daniels with Terry McLaurin out for the season.
START Tre Tucker, Raiders: Kirk Cousins has pumped more life into the Las Vegas offense, and Tucker is his favorite WR to target. The Raiders' speedster was targeted 19 times in the past two games and caught three TD passes in those outings. The Jets are a middling team against opposing WRs fantasy-wise (15th-best in FFPG allowed). Tucker doesn't have a tough matchup this week and he should continue to be a busy pass-catcher.
START Keenan Allen, Colts: The former Chargers star is a viable fantasy WR3/flex option this week for decent fantasy totals. Allen was targeted nine-plus times in three of his last four games. Jacksonville ranks 28th in FFPG allowed to WRs and Indianapolis may play from behind for a while this week, providing Allen with some opportunities to pad his fantasy totals.
Week 8 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings – Wide Receivers
- KC Concepcion, Browns: The first-year Cleveland WR came through with a breakout performance in Week 7, catching eight passes for 129 yards. He also added 23 rushing yards.
- Omar Cooper Jr., Jets: Another rookie, Cooper started to flourish in the last two games, with a pair of 100-yard outings and a TD catch in each outing.
- Makai Lemon, Eagles: Injuries are pressing Lemon into a larger offensive role, and he posted his best numbers of the season in Week 7. Philadelphia's 2026 first-round pick registered seven receptions for 67 yards and a TD.
- Jordyn Tyson, Saints: The Saints' newest WR might be able to make his pro debut in Week 9 after sitting out the first seven weeks with a hamstring problem.
- Keon Coleman, Bills: He has caught TD passes in three consecutive games. Coleman is starting to emerge as a more frequent playmaker for the Bills.
- Caleb Douglas, Dolphins
- Antonio Williams, Commanders
- Ja'Kobi Lane, Ravens
- Malachi Fields, Giants
- Ryan Flournoy, Cowboys
NFL Week 8: Tight Ends To Start
START Dallas Goedert, Eagles: He will continue to be a frequent target as the Eagles compensate for multiple offensive injuries. Goedert was targeted seven-plus times in his last three games, and Washington allows the second-most FFPG to TEs.
START Hunter Henry, Patriots: Miami is a regularly good fantasy matchup for opposing TEs, as the Dolphins allow the third-most FFPG to TEs. Mason Taylor of the Jets caught two TD passes against the Dolphins last week.
Week 8 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings – Tight Ends
- Brenton Strange, Jaguars
- Chigoziem Okonkwo, Commanders
- Terrance Ferguson, Rams
- AJ Barner, Seahawks
- Mason Taylor, Jets
- Greg Dulcich, Dolphins
Strange has caught 19 of 23 targets in his last three games, and Okonkwo is taking on a larger role in the Washington offense. The Rams' TEs are unpredictable, but Ferguson has the most fantasy promise. He may return from an ankle injury soon. Barner was a key performer in the win over Kansas City, so be sure to at least monitor his statistical production.
NFL Week 8: Quarterbacks To Start
START Kyler Murray, Vikings: This is the week to start the new Minnesota QB, against the worst passing defense in the NFL. Murray always has rushing potential, and the Lions' defense could pave the way for his best fantasy performance as a Viking so far.
START Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals: Fantasy players roster the Arizona QB because he is one of the busiest passers in the NFL, and as indicated below in the QB waivers section, he might be a free agent in some leagues. Dallas has allowed 12 TD passes in seven games. Brissett is a viable streaming option for this week.
Week 8 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings – Quarterbacks
- Malik Willis, Dolphins
- Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals
- Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
- J.J. McCarthy, Giants
- Michael Penix Jr., Falcons
- Geno Smith, Jets
Willis showed off his fantasy potential in Week 7, passing for two TDs and rushing for another score. Brissett leads the NFL in passing attempts and is second in completions, so quality fantasy outings are often possible.
Week 8 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire – Kickers
- Chase McLaughlin, Buccaneers
- Chad Ryland, Cardinals
- Matt Gay, Raiders
- Tyler Bass, Bills
- Andre Szmyt, Browns
- Nick Folk, Falcons
Week 8 Fantasy Football Defenses To Stream: Cincinnati (vs. Tennessee), New England (vs. Miami), Jacksonville (vs. Indianapolis), Washington (vs. Philadelphia).
Scott Engel's *full weekly Fantasy Football rankings are available at RotoBaller.com.* Scott is a member of the inaugural class of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's (FSWA) Hall of Fame. He has been the official Fantasy Football writer for *Seahawks.com* since 2012 and has contributed to game coverages and special projects such as the *Top 50 Seahawks of All Time*.
Scott is a Senior Writer at *RotoBaller.com* and a host on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio. His work has regularly appeared on *CBSSports.com*, *ESPN.com* and The Athletic.
The Seahawks acquired eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts. Check out the best photos of Nelson throughout the years.
Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson is seen during warmups of an NCAA football game against Southern California, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
FILE - In this Oct. 21, 2017, file photo, Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson defends the line during the first half of an NCAA football game against Southern California,in South Bend, Ind. Neldson is expected to be a first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson goes up against Southern California defensive tackle Brandon Pili (91) during the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson, right, stands on the field with offensive guard Jeremy Vujnovich, left, before an NFL football preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
FILE - In this Sept. 23, 2018, file photo, Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson blocks during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. On Friday, Darius Leonard and Quenton Nelson were rewarded for their remarkable debut seasons by becoming the second set of rookie teammates to be named first-team All-Pro. Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus were the other players to achieve the feat in 1965 and both went on to have Hall of Fame careers with the Bears. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File)
Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks bagainst the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (56), center, and offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo (74), right, set up to block during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (56) plays against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (56) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) sets up to block during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
AFC guard Quenton Nelson (56), of the Indianapolis Colts, sets up to block at the line of scrimmage during the first half of the NFL Pro Bowl football game against the NFC Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020 in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) drops back into pass protection during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie (69) during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (56) takes the field before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (56) plays against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (56) plays during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) runs out to block Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Joe Schobert (47) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) drops back into pass protection during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) drops into pass protection during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches (56) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) during an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) drops into pass protection during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Ryan Kelly (78) Quenton Nelson (56) Matt Pryor (69) line up for the snap during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) sets to block during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) warms up before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) is seen during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 54-19. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) drops back into pass protection during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks during the first half on an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Tyler Lacy (93) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) is congratulated by fans after an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) walks to the huddle during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Indianapolis. The Lions defeated the Colts 24-6. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) moves out to block during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Titans 38-30. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) drops into pass protection during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 26-23. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) lines up during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) runs out of the tunnel before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 9, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. The Colts defeated the Falcons in overtime, 31-25. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) drops into pass protection during an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions in Indianapolis, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks Detroit Lions defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard (50) during an NFL preseason football game in Indianapolis, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) plays against Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles (52) during the second half of an NFL football game in London on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Bettcher)
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks during an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
