Fantasy Football: 8 players to target on the waiver wire in Week 8

Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season is officially in the books, and it's time for fantasy football managers to turn their attention to the waiver wire.

We're just about halfway through the fantasy football season, and the bye weeks are in full swing.

With the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers all on bye in Week 8, fantasy managers will need to navigate some difficult lineup decisions. Injuries are also beginning to pile up, creating opportunities for several under-rostered players to step into larger roles.

Here are eight fantasy football waiver wire targets to consider adding ahead of Week 8. All recommendations are intended for players rostered in fewer than 50% of Yahoo leagues.

1. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, New York Jets

Rostered: 48%

Omar Cooper Jr. is the top waiver wire priority this week after delivering another outstanding performance. The rookie hauled in five of five targets for 115 yards and a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins, following a 6-103-1 receiving line the previous week. Cooper has now produced 218 receiving yards and two touchdowns across his last two games. Even with Adonai Mitchell returning, Cooper continued to deliver. He should be a priority add in all formats, with immediate flex appeal and the potential to become a weekly WR3.

2. Jonah Coleman, RB, Denver Broncos

Rostered: 35%

Jonah Coleman is an appealing running back stash after earning meaningful work in his return from injured reserve. Coleman carried nine times for 54 yards and caught two passes for 15 yards against Arizona, finishing with 69 scrimmage yards on 11 touches. He also delivered an efficient performance on the ground, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. However, Denver continues to operate a committee with R.J. Harvey and J.K. Dobbins. Coleman isn't an automatic starting option yet, but his usage makes him a worthwhile addition with the potential for a larger role.

3. Caleb Douglas, WR, Miami Dolphins

Rostered: 10%

Caleb Douglas is a speculative receiver worth adding in deeper leagues after producing a strong fantasy performance against the Jets. Douglas caught two of three targets for 70 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with 70 receiving yards on limited opportunities. The rookie returned after missing time with an ankle injury and has demonstrated the ability to make explosive plays. However, his limited target volume is a concern, and two touchdowns on three targets aren't something managers should expect to repeat. Douglas is worth a bench spot, but his current usage makes him a risky immediate starting option.

4. Antonio Williams, WR, Washington Commanders

Rostered: 8%

Antonio Williams is an intriguing addition for managers looking to strengthen their receiver depth. The rookie has caught 18 of 26 targets for 205 yards and one touchdown through his first six NFL games. Williams caught three passes for 50 yards against San Francisco in Week 6, and his opportunity could grow considerably with Terry McLaurin expected to miss the remainder of the season. Washington is coming off its bye, making Williams a player fantasy managers can stash now before his potential role increase translates into more consistent production.

5. Bam Knight, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Rostered: 17%

Bam Knight is worth a look after leading Arizona's backfield in rushing against Denver. Knight carried seven times for 48 yards and added three receptions for 15 yards on five targets, finishing with 63 scrimmage yards on 10 touches. His 29-yard rush highlighted his ability to create explosive plays, while his involvement in the passing game adds some PPR appeal. Arizona's backfield remains a committee, so Knight isn't a guaranteed weekly starter. Still, his recent involvement makes him a worthwhile depth addition, particularly for managers searching for running back help.

6. J.J. McCarthy, QB, New York Giants

Rostered: 11%

J.J. McCarthy is a worthwhile stash for fantasy managers who can afford to plan ahead at quarterback. The Giants signal-caller has rushing ability and downfield potential, giving him an appealing fantasy ceiling if New York's offense continues to develop. However, McCarthy and the Giants are on bye in Week 8, meaning he won't provide immediate lineup help. Managers in deeper leagues or superflex formats should consider adding him if available, particularly if they need quarterback depth for the second half of the season. He's a stash rather than a must-start option.

7. Malachi Fields, WR, New York Giants

Rostered: 4%

Malachi Fields is a deeper-league target worth monitoring following an encouraging performance against Houston. Fields caught four of five targets for 83 yards, averaging 20.8 yards per reception. The rookie's increased involvement makes him an intriguing developmental stash, especially for managers in dynasty or deeper redraft leagues. New York's Week 8 bye limits his immediate usefulness, and Malik Nabers remains the focal point of the passing game. Still, Fields is worth considering for managers with bench space who want to invest in a potential second-half breakout.

8. Darius Cooper, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Rostered: 14%

Darius Cooper is another receiver worth considering for managers looking beyond the most obvious waiver wire names. The Eagles wideout is rostered in just 14.5% of tracked public leagues, leaving him widely available. Cooper's recent roster growth suggests fantasy managers are beginning to take notice, although his weekly target volume and offensive role still need to become more dependable before he's considered a reliable starter. He's best viewed as a speculative bench addition for deeper leagues, particularly for managers who can afford to prioritize upside over immediate production.