Fantasy: Waiver Wire - Week 8
Each week, theScore's fantasy editors will run down the top waiver wire pickups with a focus on the coming week and the rest of the season.
Quarterback
Robert Griffin III, Redskins
at Cowboys, Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET
There's no guarantee that Griffin will be back on the field this week or next, but the latest reports regarding his recovery from a major ankle injury are very encouraging. What's certain is that Griffin will return to the field soon and his starting job will be waiting for him. A pre-emptive stash is in order in all leagues where he was dropped. Even if you're set at quarterback, keeping a potential season-changing player like Griffin away from your opponents is a good idea.
Running Back
Denard Robinson, Jaguars
vs. Dolphins, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
Note: Robinson is listed as a wide receiver in Yahoo! Fantasy Football.
It took Robinson only a quarter in his first game as the Jaguars' starting tailback to amass more rushing yards than any previous Jaguars starter had in a game this season. The converted college quarterback finished the afternoon with 22 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown, numbers that nearly match what he had produced in his previous six games combined. Robinson's performance sparked the Jaguars to victory, ensuring he'll remain the starter for the foreseeable future. Whether Robinson's small frame can hold up to the pounding an NFL tailback takes remains to be seen, but the same can be said about many of his peers. Hop on this bandwagon while you still can.
Tre Mason, Rams
at Chiefs, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
It took the Rams six weeks to realize they should use the most naturally talented running back on their roster in a featured role. They finally saw the light Sunday, installing Tre Mason as their early-down runner and using Benny Cunningham only as a change-of-pace and receiving option. That was bad news for Zac Stacy, who played just one snap and didn't register a touch. Expect a more equitable split of carries moving forward, but Mason should remain the back to own; Stacy's obliterated value is unlikely to recover. Mason offered essentially nothing in the passing game, so he may not play when the Rams are trailing, but his upside is enough to make him an essential add.
Bryce Brown, Bills
at Jets, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller were both lost to injuries early in the Bills' game Sunday. The former is expected to miss about a month, while the latter is out for the season. It's terrible news for Bills fans, but it creates a significant opportunity for Brown, a player the Bills traded a fourth-round pick for this offseason because they see him as a future star. Brown was inactive Sunday because he doesn't play special teams, but he will play this week and should be the featured component in the Bills' new rushing attack. Brown is a shifty, explosive player who is still learning how to maximize his yardage on every run. He'll be thrown to the fire against a stout Jets defensive front before a bye in Week 9. If a breakout is coming, it could be in Week 10.
Anthony Dixon, Bills
at Jets, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
The other half of the Bills' new timeshare, Dixon isn't nearly as explosive or dynamic in the open field as Brown, but he's a prototypical power back whom the coaches may trust in key situations. Dixon took over for Jackson and Spiller on Sunday and produced 51 yards on 13 carries. Don't expect any big games from Dixon moving forward, but he could vulture some touchdowns from Brown.
Jonas Gray, RB, Patriots
vs. Bears, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
Gray played ahead of Brandon Bolden as the Patriots' power back behind starter Shane Vereen in Week 7. He was largely a non-factor in the game, rushing only three times for 12 yards, but that may have been due to the game plan - the Patriots rarely challenged the Jets' rush defense. Bill Belichick is famously fickle in his treatment of running backs, so Gray may see 15 carries this week or he may see zero. He's nothing more than a deep-league stash at this time.
Wide Receiver
Doug Baldwin, Seahawks
at Panthers, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
Baldwin appears to be the primary beneficiary of the Percy Harvin trade. In his first game as the Seahawks' clear No. 1 receiver, Baldwin caught seven passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. Don't expect that kind of production on a weekly basis - Russell Wilson won't make a habit of throwing for over 300 yards in comeback mode - but do expect low-end WR2 numbers as Baldwin's floor moving forward.
Allen Robinson, Jaguars
vs. Dolphins, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
Robinson has looked like the Jaguars' best receiver for several weeks running and his stat line Sunday finally lined up with his performance. Robinson reeled in four passes for 60 yards and his first career touchdown against the Browns. Expect similar numbers moving forward, though the Jaguars' weak offense should continue to limit Robinson's touchdown potential.
Stevie Johnson, 49ers
vs. Rams, Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET
Johnson, a trade acquisition, is finally developing some chemistry with Colin Kaepernick and it's paying off on the score sheet. Johnson has five catches for at least 50 yards in each of his past two games and a touchdown in three of his last four. He's still behind Michael Crabtree and Frank Gore in the 49ers' offensive pecking order, but he may have surpassed the slumping Vernon Davis. He's worth an add in deeper leagues.
Tight End
Charles Clay, Dolphins
at Jaguars, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
Finally appearing close to 100 percent health, Clay posted his best game of the season Sunday, finishing with four catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. With Ryan Tannehill playing the best football of his career, and the Dolphins rolling, Clay will be a low-end TE1 in the coming weeks.