Who to Drop & Who to Pick Up For Week 8 Bye Replacements

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During week 8 there are only 2 teams going on bye, the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. Thankfully it is limited to only 2 teams this week, but this still eliminates players like Amari Cooper, Marquise Brown, Lamar Jackson, Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliot, Mark Ingram, and Mark Andrews from your lineup. A blow to nearly every position in fantasy football. If you are an owner of one of these players and are looking for someone to pick-up for the week and fill any holes your roster might have going into week 8 in this article, I have listed the most valuable waiver wire pick-ups for week 8. I have also listed players that are safe to drop to the waiver wire in exchange. This is written for a 12-person 0.5 PPR league format. All statistics used in this article can be found at our website https://www.lineups.com/nfl.

Who to Drop:

RB Adrian Peterson (WAS) vs. MIN – 56.7% Rostered

Peterson rushed 20 times for 81 yards averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He has averaged 3.7 yards per carry on the season so far. In the next four weeks the Redskins will face 3 top-10 run defenses in the league and have a bye week. After those rough 3 games, Peterson won’t see another favorable matchup until week 16 against the Giants. Peterson is better to be dropped to the waiver wire in exchange for one of the players listed below.

RB Kenyan Drake (MIA) vs. PIT – 77% Rostered

Drake saw just 41% of offensive snaps during week 7, rushing 6 times for 21 yards averaging 3.5 yards per carry. He has averaged 3.7 yards per carry so far on the season. Losing a majority of the offensive snaps to Mark Walton in week 7. Miami’s upcoming schedule sees 6 above average run defenses. With the lack of productivity in Miami’s run game so far this season, Kenyan Drake is a safe drop to the waiver wire.

TE O.J. Howard (TB) vs. TEN – 57.5% Rostered

It has been a disappointing season overall for O.J. Howard after coming in projected to be a top 6 tight-end this season. Averaging just under 30 yards per game, receiving 3 targets per game. Howard has also failed to reach the end-zone so far this season but, considering his lack of involvement in that offense if you are an O.J. Howard owner you are best to drop him to the waiver wire.

WR Dede Westbrook (JAX) vs. NYJ – 71.2% Rostered

Westbrook just had his best game of the season, netting 14.7 fantasy points in 0.5 PPR formats. His performance is somewhat disappointing considering the Bengals’ poor performance on defense. Westbrook saw 9 targets, catching 6 of them for 103 yards and 0 touchdowns. The lack of stand-out production against one of the worst defenses in the NFL gives me little hope for Westbrooks future production against more formidable defenses.

Who to Pick Up:

WR Corey Davis (TEN) vs. TB – 44% Rostered

The substitution of Ryan Tannehill for Marcus Mariota seemed to have sparked something in the Tennessee’s offense. Davis saw 7 targets, catching 6 of them for 80 yards and a touchdown during Sunday’s matchup against the Chargers. He was on the field for 75% of the Titans offensive snaps, leading all Titans receivers. Going up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers whose defense is ranked 31st against opposing fantasy receivers. Davis should be your priority pick up at the receiver position.

RB Chase Edmonds (ARI) vs. NO – 31.7% Rostered

After David Johnson sat out most of the game this past Sunday, Edmonds led the backfield in touches receiving 27 carries for 126 yards and 3 touchdowns. Edmonds also received 2 catches for 24 yards. Edmonds averaged 4.7 yards per carry on Sunday, and 5.6 yards per carry on the season so far. The Cardinals just signed RB Alfred Morris on Tuesday to the active roster, things do not look promising for Johnson’s return to action this week. If David Johnson is out against the Saints, Edmonds would be a solid flex option to start against the New Orleans Saints.

QB Matthew Stafford (DET) vs. NYG – 48.9% Rostered

Coming off a great game against Minnesota’s stout defense, throwing for 364 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a completion percentage of 66.7%. Stafford will face the New York Giants’ defense next who rank 22nd against opposing fantasy quarterbacks and have allowed the 7th most passing yards, 13th most touchdowns, and rank 23rd in total turnovers. With the injury to Kerryon Johnson, expect to see more of the offensive weight be carried by Matthew Stafford and his receiving core.

TE Chris Herndon (NYJ) vs. JAX – 19.9% Rostered

Head Coach Adam Gase said Tuesday that Herndon is making good progress and is hopeful for his return this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Herndon has missed this season so far due to a suspension, which kept him out through week 4. A hamstring injury that occurred during his first practice back has kept him out since. Having Herndon back in this offense will add a mismatch receiving option for Sam Darnold to lean on. If you’re in need of a tight-end for this week’s bye, Herndon looks to be your best option.