Week 7 is officially in the books, and whether you came out on top or took a loss, as they say in showbiz: the show must go on. One of the most underrated advantages that you can possess in fantasy football is the ability to stay level-headed. When you are losing, it is easy to feel like the sky is falling and give up on your season. But persistence is key and you never know when your luck will turn. On the flip side, sitting atop the standings can lead to dangerous levels of complacency. Even if you feel championship-bound, it is essential to keep improving your roster. Injuries and unforeseen obstacles can derail any team, and the waiver wire is your best tool to stay ahead of the curve. It is where struggling teams go to find reinforcements and contenders go to strengthen their depth. With that in mind, here are the top pickups to help you dominate in Week 8.

Running Backs

Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers – While Najee Harris will grab the spotlight with a dominant game-sealing touchdown drive, the story for much of Sunday night’s game was quite different. Despite Harris starting and handling a significant workload, Jaylen Warren saw more field time than most expected. In Sunday night’s win over the Jets, Warren ran 12 times for 44 yards and caught two of three targets for 15 yards. After a slow start to the season, worsened by a knee injury that cost him two games, Warren looked far more explosive in this game. His 15 touches mark a season-high, even though he received fewer opportunities than Harris.

For now, Warren is more of a desperation flex option, but his workload could increase as he works back to full strength. Harris is playing some of the best football of his career, but Warren’s versatility adds a dynamic element to the offense that should not be ignored. He remains one of the most valuable insurance policies in fantasy football, with some standalone flex appeal heading into a Week 8 matchup against the Giants before Pittsburgh’s Week 9 bye.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Ray Davis, RB, Buffalo Bills – After headlining last week’s waiver wire article, Ray Davis continued his rookie breakout in Week 7, despite James Cook’s return from injury. In Cook’s absence in Week 6, Davis led the backfield, rushing 20 times for 97 yards and catching all three targets for 55 yards in a win over the Jets. With Cook back in Week 7, Davis saw his role reduced but still made an impact, rushing five times for 41 yards and a touchdown, while adding a six-yard reception on his lone target.

While more opportunities would have been ideal, Davis’ efficiency and physical running style make him a valuable asset moving forward. Davis brings a powerful element to the backfield that could carve out more touches in the future. He should be rostered in almost all leagues, particularly by Cook owners, but for now, he is more of a high-upside insurance policy than a starting-caliber fantasy asset. It will be worth watching if his strong play earns him additional opportunities in Week 8’s matchup with the Seahawks.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Tyler Goodson, RB, Indianapolis Colts – Despite initial reports suggesting it was a minor issue, Jonathan Taylor’s ankle injury is clearly more severe, as he has now missed three straight games. In his absence, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson have been left to handle the backfield duties, but Sermon has struggled to capitalize on the opportunity, showing significant inefficiency. This opened the door for the unheralded Tyler Goodson to step up, and he has made the most of it.

In Week 6, Goodson flashed his potential with eight carries for 51 yards and caught four of five targets for 14 yards. Building on that, he saw a career-high in touches the following week, rushing 14 times for 51 yards and scoring a touchdown. However, he did not receive any targets, likely due to Anthony Richardson’s return at quarterback, who tends to avoid checkdowns. Over the last three games, Goodson has averaged an impressive 5.07 yards per carry, compared to Sermon’s inefficient 3.30. After leading the backfield in Week 7, Goodson is the preferred option if Taylor remains sidelined. While Taylor’s return remains uncertain, if he is out again in Week 8, Goodson should be viewed as a volume-based flex option, despite a tough matchup against the Texans.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens – Justice Hill has had his moments this season but remains a bit too game script dependent, making him an inconsistent and unreliable fantasy option. With that said, the elusive running back was productive yet again in Monday night’s win over the Buccaneers, where he made an impact through the air, catching all three of his targets for 44 yards and a touchdown, though his ground production was minimal.

Despite the solid outing, Hill is still hard to trust in starting lineups. Derrick Henry continues to command the majority of touches, and Hill remains a low-floor, touchdown-dependent option. With bye weeks approaching, Hill could be a viable spot start in deeper leagues, but he is best left on the bench unless you are in a pinch for Week 8’s matchup with Cleveland.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Wide Receivers

Jauan Jennings & Ricky Pearsall, WRs, San Francisco 49ers – Despite missing Week 7’s loss to Kansas City due to a hip injury, Jauan Jennings emerges as a top waiver wire target this week. In a game where little went right for the 49ers, things got worse when Brandon Aiyuk went down with a knee injury, which was later ruled to be a torn ACL. With Aiyuk out for the season, San Francisco will likely lean on Jennings to fill the void alongside Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. Further complicating matters, it is currently uncertain if the 49ers will have Samuel or Kittle available for their upcoming matchup with Dallas. Samuel was sidelined due to an illness that has since been diagnosed as pneumonia, while Kittle is managing a foot injury. Jennings, an experienced wideout, has already thrived in an expanded role this season, racking up 263 yards and three touchdowns in Weeks 3 and 4.

Rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing are also poised for more opportunities down the stretch. Pearsall, a first-round talent, has a legitimate chance to break out with Aiyuk out of the picture, making him a priority add to see if he can seize the moment. Pearsall made his NFL debut in Week 7, catching three of five targets for 21 yards after recovering from a serious gunshot wound in the offseason while playing 76% of offensive snaps. Jennings remains the top priority, but Pearsall could emerge as a breakout as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Cowing caught two of three targets for 50 yards but saw limited snaps. Heading into a Week 8 matchup with the Cowboys, Jennings is the only player you can confidently start, while the others are worth monitoring for potential upside.

Recommended FAAB: 5-25%.

Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers – After being highlighted in last week’s article for his impressive Week 6 performance, Romeo Doubs followed up with another standout showing. In Week 7’s win over the Texans, Doubs hauled in eight of 10 targets for 94 yards. After making headlines for expressing dissatisfaction with his role, skipping practice, and serving a one-game suspension, the previously disgruntled receiver seems to have put his season back on track.

Though Doubs did not catch any of the three touchdowns thrown by Jordan Love on Sunday, he led the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. His chemistry with Love has been evident over the past two weeks, and there is little reason to believe that momentum will slow down. While Doubs will still compete for targets with Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, and Tucker Kraft, his big-play ability gives him the potential to produce even in weeks with a lower target share. Doubs is a priority pickup this week as he looks to continue his resurgence in a Week 8 matchup against Jacksonville.

Recommended FAAB: 5-15%.

Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens – Featured in last week’s article after quietly stringing together solid performances, Rashod Bateman delivered his best game of the season in Week 7. In Baltimore’s Monday night win over the Buccaneers, Bateman caught all four of his targets for 121 yards and a touchdown. This marks his third consecutive strong showing, with touchdowns in three of his last five games.

Zay Flowers was in and out of the lineup dealing with an ankle injury, and his status moving forward remains uncertain. If Flowers is sidelined or limited, Bateman could step into a greater role in Baltimore’s potent offense, creating even more opportunities despite the team’s run-heavy approach. Bateman has strong flex appeal heading into a Week 8 matchup against the Browns.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills – After a quiet start to his professional career, Keon Coleman finally broke out in Week 7’s win over the Titans. While the Bills made headlines with their acquisition of star wide receiver Amari Cooper last week, it was Coleman who stole the show, catching four of seven targets for 125 yards and leading the team in receiving. With questions surrounding who Josh Allen would rely on this season, Buffalo now boasts one of the league’s stronger receiving groups. In addition to Cooper and Coleman, they have talented slot receiver Khalil Shakir and tight end Dalton Kincaid.

However, under Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady, the Bills have shifted toward a more run-heavy approach, making it harder to predict how many opportunities Coleman and the other receivers will get on a weekly basis. This could make the athletic rookie more of a boom-or-bust option most weeks, despite his impressive breakout performance. Even with these uncertainties, Coleman’s talent and potential make him an intriguing pickup in most leagues to see if he can keep the ball rolling. His next test comes in a favorable Week 8 matchup against the Seahawks.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Cedric Tillman, WR, Cleveland Browns – The Cleveland Browns‘ offense is undergoing a major overhaul after trading away Amari Cooper, and they will also have a new quarterback for the rest of the season. Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles in Week 7’s loss to the Bengals, opening the door for Dorian Thompson-Robinson to take over. However, Thompson-Robinson left with a finger injury, leading to Jameis Winston stepping in at quarterback. Despite the chaos, Winston is considered the most fantasy-friendly option in Cleveland, and his presence could boost the potential of the Browns’ receiving assets if he secures the starting job. Regardless of who takes over, both options are likely an improvement over what the team has seen from Watson this season.

Another key development was the breakout performance of second-year wide receiver Cedric Tillman. After a quiet rookie campaign, Tillman took advantage of his opportunity with Cooper gone, catching eight of 12 targets for 81 yards. He led the team in yardage and was second in targets and receptions. While the new-look Browns will likely lean on the run game with Nick Chubb returning, there are still plenty of passing opportunities available. Tillman will try his best to step up as the team’s WR1, potentially surpassing Jerry Jeudy in the pecking order. Besides Jeudy, his primary competition comes from tight end David Njoku, who is now considered the top receiving asset in the offense. Tillman’s size and athleticism make him an appealing prospect for fantasy football, and he will look to build on this breakout performance in a Week 8 matchup against the Ravens.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Troy Franklin, WR, Denver Broncos – I chose to highlight Troy Franklin not only for his impressive Week 7 performance but also because I am pretty sure Jason would fire me if I didn’t. After scoring his first career touchdown in Week 6, the speedy rookie followed up by catching five of six targets for 50 yards, leading his team in both receptions and receiving yards. Initially playing a limited role in Denver, Franklin has now logged over 50% of the snaps in consecutive games and looked impressive while doing so. 

This standout performance came in a dominant win for Denver, where veteran receiver Courtland Sutton finished without a single catch. With Sutton’s name swirling in trade rumors, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Broncos moved him to focus on younger assets like Franklin. Regardless of how things unfold, Franklin’s expanding role is exciting, making him an intriguing speculative pickup in deeper leagues. Despite slipping in the draft, Franklin was highly productive at the University of Oregon, where he played alongside his current quarterback Bo Nix — a connection that shouldn’t be overlooked. His next chance to build on this breakout comes in a favorable Week 8 matchup against Carolina.

Recommended FAAB: 0-0%.

Tight Ends

Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images

Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots – Since joining New England in 2021, Hunter Henry has shown flashes of his ability to put together explosive performances but has struggled with consistency. In his days with the Chargers, he had the benefit of catching passes from Justin Herbert, a clear upgrade over the quarterbacks he has worked with in New England. However, early signs suggest that rookie Drake Maye might be the key to unlocking Henry’s fantasy potential and sustainability. In Maye’s debut in Week 6, Henry posted a top-10 finish at the tight end position, catching three of five passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. While this performance was a step up from the majority of his earlier showings, many questioned whether it was a one-off or something more sustainable.

Henry answered that in Week 7, hauling in eight of nine targets for 92 yards in a loss to Jacksonville in London. With his reliable hands and ability to find soft spots in coverage, Henry is emerging as the perfect safety valve for his rookie quarterback. If Maye can continue his solid play, Henry stands to be the primary beneficiary. If he is still available in your leagues, Henry projects as the top tight end pickup for Week 8, as he looks to carry this momentum into a matchup with the Jets.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Cade Otton, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – In what turned into a devastating night for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, tight end Cade Otton was one of the few bright spots. Mike Evans suffered a severe hamstring injury, likely sidelining him for some time, while Chris Godwin is feared to have suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Our thoughts go out to all the players affected by injuries this season, but as mentioned earlier: the show must go on.

In Week 7’s loss to the Ravens, Otton made several impressive catches, reeling in eight of 10 targets for 100 yards. Otton has appeared in our waiver wire articles before, and after posting the best game of his career, he will now be a focal point in Tampa’s offense. With Evans and Godwin sidelined, the team will need to lean on the running game and hope Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer, and Sterling Shepard can step up. None of these options offer much excitement right now, which should leave Otton primed for plenty of targets going forward. His next chance to build on this performance comes in Week 8 against the Falcons.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Zach Ertz, TE, Washington Commanders – Zach Ertz has been a regular feature in our waiver wire articles this season, yet he is still rostered in just over 40% of leagues. At this stage in his career, Ertz is predictable for a few key things: commanding a high volume of targets, lacking the speed to break long plays, and consistently outperforming younger tight ends on his roster who are poised to be stars. While his limitations are clear, his steady target share makes him highly relevant in fantasy. Ertz continues to play a significant role in Washington’s offense, often serving as the second option behind Terry McLaurin.

Last week, I pointed to his Week 7 matchup against Carolina as a strong opportunity for Ertz to find the end zone for the first time this season, and he delivered. The veteran tight end caught four of five targets for 40 yards, including a touchdown thrown by backup Marcus Mariota, who stepped in after Jayden Daniels left with an injury. If Daniels is sidelined in Week 8, Mariota could get the start. Regardless of who’s under center, Ertz is seeing enough volume to be a near-weekly starter. However, his upcoming matchup against Chicago’s formidable defense could be more challenging, especially if Daniels is not ready to return.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.

Quarterbacks

Team DEF/ST

Final Thoughts

We have now officially reached the halfway point of the regular season. Whether you are currently cruising with a winning record or struggling near the bottom of the standings, the good news is that you have just as much time left to turn things around as you did in the first half.

The waiver wire is your best chance to make that happen. Staying active, making the right pickups, and not being afraid to take calculated risks can completely reshape your team. As injuries pile up and roles change, those who adjust fastest will be best positioned for a playoff push. Do not let a slow start define your season. Stay focused, remain aggressive, and remember that fantasy football is won by those who adapt. The second half is your chance to rewrite the story of your season, and it begins today.