The latest thing to sweat on fantasy football waivers besides byes and injuries: real-life NFL trades.
The deal that sent Cleveland running back Carlos Hyde to Jacksonville last week prompted immediate pickups and high free agency acquisition budget (FAAB) bids on Cleveland rookie Nick Chubb. Oakland trading Amari Cooper on Monday to Dallas has led to a new Oakland waiver target at wide receiver.
With the NFL trade deadline a week away, you are going to have to stay regularly updated on the maneuvering as much as possible. You may have to rush to make a big move at any time in some leagues. Those with open pickups after waivers are facing a race similar to what happened last week when Chubb suddenly became a prized asset.
RUNNING BACKS
MARLON MACK, Colts (54 percent owned): Many owners cut Mack when he was not healthy, a mistake too many fantasy players make. You should not cut a potentially valuable player when they are hurt if it’s not a season-ender. Mack has exceeded expectations since roaring back from a hamstring problem over the past two games. He totaled 159 yards and a TD from scrimmage last week. Trade for a top waiver pick or spend a sizable amount of your FAAB on Mack if you need RB help.
DOUG MARTIN, Raiders (18.2): Jalen Richard may turn out to be the more productive Oakland running back in point-per-reception leagues, especially as the Raiders play from behind often. But with Marshawn Lynch now on injured reserve, Martin should be the main ball carrier for Oakland. Martin has always been inconsistent but can rip off some big gains at any time.
CHRIS IVORY, Bills (9): Here we are again recommending him, and hopefully a few of you learned your lesson already and kept Ivory rostered, as it is apparent LeSean McCoy cannot stay healthy. Now McCoy is in the concussion protocol and Ivory has a good chance to start for the Bills in Week 8. He has played well when called on, with 126 scrimmage yards in Week 3 and 81 rushing yards in Week 7.
KAPRI BIBBS, Redskins (0.9): He caught four passes for 43 yards and a TD on Sunday with Chris Thompson out. Opportunities may continue to present themselves for Bibbs as Thompson seems to be a consistent injury risk and Adrian Peterson has been getting banged up. Bibbs could continue to get chances to fill in.
WIDE RECEIVERS
DANNY AMENDOLA, Dolphins (24.4): He has been revived over the past two games with Brock Osweiler taking over at QB for Miami. Amendola has caught 14 passes over the past two games and finished with 84 yards and a TD on Sunday. He is a nice add for bye week depth, but always keep in mind his long history of injury issues. He is already dealing with a seemingly minor shoulder problem this week.
TRE’QUAN SMITH, Saints (8.7): The rookie exploded onto the scene with 111 receiving yards and two TDs in Week 5, and while Smith caught only three balls for 44 yards in Week 7, his role may continue to expand going forward. He’s more than just a big-play type, but that dimension makes him an exciting upside addition.
KELVIN BENJAMIN, Bills (32.9): He has some past history with Derek Anderson, who will remain Buffalo’s starting QB for now. Anderson is a mess much like the other Bills QBs, but he can get the ball to Benjamin, who had four catches for 71 yards in Week 7. That makes him worth a flier for bye week usage.
MARTAVIS BRYANT (9.1): The troubled but very talented Bryant will get another chance to show off his abilities following the Cooper trade. The deal opens a potential starting slot for Bryant, who had six catches for 142 yards in Weeks 4 and 5 while operating in a secondary role in the Oakland passing game.
TIGHT ENDS
CHRIS HERNDON, Jets (0.6); He has scored in two consecutive games, building on some promise he showed in the preseason. The rookie has flashed recent signs of being a key target for his first-year QB, Sam Darnold. Herndon is also welcomed by the Jets to step forward more because of their injury issues at WR.
ED DICKSON, Seahawks (0.2); He is finally back at practices and could make his season debut this Sunday. After missing the first six games with a quadriceps injury, Dickson could emerge as a streamer or bye week play.
QUARTERBACK
Dak Prescott, Cowboys (30): He has re-emerged as a viable play over the past two games, as 115 rushing yards and two scores have boosted his outlook. Adding Cooper only creates more optimism that he now has the ability to eventually move back to at least high-end QB2 territory.
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For more Week 8 tips and advice, visit RotoExperts: https://rotoexperts.com
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