NFL Waiver Wire: Week 8 Pickups

This column is geared toward "standard" 12-team leagues and based upon a $100 free-agent budget. Please, please adjust for your league based on both the number of teams (I'm in a 24-team league, for example) and budget. This column will run every Tuesday to, hopefully, accommodate the various waiver schedules. I'll update it in the comments section during the week; please keep in mind a lot can change from Tuesday to Sunday.

QUARTERBACK

Secondary Targets

Jay Cutler, CHI - Cutler appears to be fully recovered from his hand injury and should be back under center for the Bears this week. The Bears have struggled on defense this season, which should force Cutler to air it out a lot. His return boosts the value of Alshon Jeffery who has struggled this season after previous fantasy success with Cutler. A starting quarterback almost always has value and relevance in most leagues; just don't use him quite yet as the Bears play host to the Vikings Monday night this week. FAAB: $4-$8

RUNNING BACK

Primary Targets

Chris Thompson, WAS - It appears the Redskins have had enough of Matt Jones and his fumbling issues after he coughed the ball up at the goal line Sunday and then botched a handoff with Kirk Cousins later in the game. Thereafter, the Redskins went to Thompson, who finished with 19 touches (seven catches) for 113 yards. The game before Thompson had 12 touches for 66 yards, so with Jones' fumbling problem it's safe to expect Thompson to continue to get double-digit touches. He'll continue to see solid targets in the passing game, too, bumping up his value in PPR formats. FAAB: $5-$10

Secondary Targets

Ka'Deem Carey, CHI - In something of a surprise move, John Fox rode the hot hand against the Packers, giving Carey more carries than talented rookie Jordan Howard. It appears this may turn into an ugly committee situation despite Howard looking like a legit, three-down running back since Jeremy Langford went down. Langford will further cloud the picture as he should return the next few weeks. Like Cutler, it's tough to use Carey this week against Minnesota, but it looks like he's carved out a role in the Chicago backfield. FAAB: $3-$6

Peyton Barber, Antone Smith, TB - Tampa has been vague with the Doug Martin injury, only indicating he aggravated it at some point last week. Without a specific timetable for his return it looks as if Jacquizz Rodgers will have the starting role the next few weeks, possibly longer. That put both Barber and Smith into play to spell Rodgers and get some third-down work in. Barber received more carries than Smith Sunday, scoring on a 44-yard touchdown run en route to a 12-84-1 game. Smith finished with only three touches but was able to grind out 47 yards. Of course, it should be noted that both players had the advantage of carving up the worst run defense in football. Barber appears to be the clear backup and therefore is the more attractive option, though Smith continues to put up ridiculous yards per touch. FAAB: Barber $3-$6; Smith $1-$2

Alfred Blue, HOU - Lamar Miller left Sunday's game after sustaining a shoulder injury Monday night and Blue received 11 carries, which he turned into 63 yards (5.7 YPC). Unfortunately, with the win still within reach Blue put the ball on the ground on a jarring hit by the Broncos' defense. After the fumble it was mainly Lamar Miller in the game, suggesting his shoulder injury is minor. There is a chance the Texans find out Miller's injury is worse than originally thought, and, as a result, Blue would take over and get the bulk of the workload. FAAB: $3-$6

WIDE RECEIVER

Secondary Targets

Davante Adams, GB - Adams looked fantastic Thursday night, finishing one reception short of the single-game record for the Packers. He looked nothing like last season when he struggled to run tight routes and dealt with a ton of dropped passes. There seems to be some chemistry between Aaron Rodgers and Adams, especially with both Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb falling short of expectations. Jordy will still draw the top opposing corner, leaving softer coverage on Adams on the opposite side of the field. He's usable as at least a flex spot immediately, especially with six teams on the bye this week. FAAB: $4-$8

Marqise Lee, JAC - Lee is finally putting together some noteworthy stats now that he's completely healthy. The Jaguars will continue to air it out with a suspect running game and a defense not making many stops. Lee's best game of the season came Sunday when he finished with seven catches for 107 yards. Most of his production came in the second half with Jacksonville playing catch-up, though it's worth noting that he has at least six targets in each of his last five games. It's easy to forget that Lee was a second-round pick that the Jaguars drafted in hopes he would emerge as a No. 1 receiver. FAAB: $3-$6

Russell Shepard, TB - With the loss of Vincent Jackson the No. 2 wide receiver spot was open for the taking, and Shepard impressed in his opportunity. He had the second-most targets (six) on the team and finished with five catches for 77 yards and a score. Shepard is a UFA out of LSU who until now has spent the last couple seasons as a dynamo on special teams for the Buccaneers. Cecil Shorts could take over as the No. 2 guy (he started Sunday), but it looks as if Shepard has at least earned more time with the offense. This week they have a great matchup against an Oakland defense giving up 8.4 yards per pass attempt. FAAB: $2-$4

TIGHT END

Primary Targets

Vernon Davis, WAS - Jordan Reed's concussion has kept him sidelined the last two weeks with Davis filling in nicely as a backup. In standard scoring, Davis finished fifth and sixth among the position those two weeks and there's no timetable for Reed to return. It should be obvious this week as to whether Reed plays, as he likely won't get on a plane to London if he's still experiencing symptoms. Reed's history suggests this could be an extended absence, putting Davis in play every week. FAAB: $5-$10