Welcome to Week 8 of the Release Wire. We had two players turn the wire last week on good games. I’m looking at you Omar Cooper Jr., Geno Smith and TJ Hockenson. We’ve got some rookies worth adding to your fantasy teams again this week, but there are a few sneaky picks to fill your time.
The Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers will all take a break for some R&R next week.
Jaylen Waddle, Broncos, WR
Waddle suffered a chest injury in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ win over the Cardinals. We’re still waiting for news, but the Broncos’ passing game is a big hit. Courtland Sutton will be the No. 1 receiver if Waddle misses time.
Jones is dealing with a knee injury that forced the Colts out in the fourth quarter. If Jones misses time, it will be a big boost for Jordan Mason, who just returned from IR.
Jalen Wright, Dolphins, RB
Wright suffered a quad injury in the third quarter and did not return against the Jets. He is dealing with a leg injury and is now in the quad on Sunday. This should undoubtedly lead Ollie Gordon to the back as he takes it very well. This can increase the price even more.
Noel suffered a toe injury in Week 7 against the Giants. Although we don’t know the severity, we do know that a bunion is not an easy injury. And with Marvin Harrison and Tank Dell now in the receiving rotation, I don’t see Noel being a valuable fantasy option in the near future.
Skatebo picked up a bit of a limp on a long 40+ yard run to set up Devin Singletary’s game-winning touchdown in their win over the Texans. They don’t seem too worried about him at this point, but Skatebo is worth keeping an eye on as he puts up good numbers this week, reclaiming his leadership role from the committee. The good news is welcome next week.
Tracy was ruled out of Sunday’s game with an injury, but he didn’t look strong. Tracy scored a goal in this game, but so did Devin Singletary and Skatebo. At this point, Skatebo has the best shot at any consistency as long as there is a lead back. But, with one week on the horizon, there’s a good chance all Giants RBs will be ready for Week 9.
The third-down Saints left the game early with a shoulder injury, which helped Alvin Kamara take the lead. Welcome to Week 8 and you can bring back Travis Etienne Jr. from IR. Etienne is still listed in over 80% of Yahoo’s leagues, but he wasn’t doing much before the injury.
Michael Pennix Jr., Falcons (18%)
Penix Jr. now has three back-to-back touchdown games and seems to have found his groove, at least a little bit. With some good talent around him in Drake London and BJean Robinson, he has a chance to be a consistent starter if he can continue his good play.
Malik Willis, Dolphins (18%)
Willis had his best game of the season in the Dolphins’ first win of the season. He completed 14 of 21 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns and rushed six times for 39 yards and another touchdown against the Jets. Willis was a seasonal sleeper coming into the season, but the Dolphins weren’t quite ready for prime time. They seem to be touching that path now. Ollie Gordon is playing very well, and both Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell are healthy and Darren Waller can’t help but score a touch. But, ultimately, we want Willis to keep running so he can have a good fantasy floor. And in the last two games, he has rushed 16 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Jonas Coleman, Broncos (34%)
The Broncos currently have a three-man running back committee, but Coleman is off IR, and it’s likely too late in the game. He led all backs with nine carries for 54 yards and caught two passes for 15 more yards. JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey both scored touchdowns, Coleman didn’t, but I think that helps you take him without a big FAAB bid.
Bam Knight, Cardinals (0%)
Knight continued to show the “juice” between himself and Tyler Alger in this week’s loss to Denver. It’s tough to keep Jeremiah Love out next week against Dallas. That’s a great matchup, so even if Alger and Knight continue to split jobs, Knight will be a great starter.
McGowan rushed 11 times for 46 yards against the Vikings and added one reception for two yards. Coinciding with trade rumors surrounding Jonathon Taylor, he saw 20 leaks, a season high. McGowan won’t be a league winner if Taylor is sent off, but he can start without too much trouble.
Trey Tucker, Raiders (58%)
Especially after catching 10-of-19 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns in the past two games, Tucker still hasn’t caught enough of a roster spot. He gets a good matchup against the Jets next week.
Omar Cooper Jr., Jets (47%)
Cooper picked up where he left off last week, catching all five targets for 115 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins. In his two full games in the NFL, he has now caught 11-of-12 targets for 218 yards and two touchdowns. That’s not something you see very often, and if it’s still on your disposal wire, don’t miss it this time.
KC Concepcion, Browns (60%)
The rookie receiver produced a game that made a big difference against the Titans and has been playing for most of the season. He’s listed in 60% of Yahoo leagues, but there’s a chance he’ll be in shallower leagues. He caught eight of a team-high 129 yards this week and added 23 yards on three carries.
Jordin Tyson, Saints (49%)
Tyson is eligible to come off IR after Week 8. If you have room and he’s available, he should be signed up, because he has the ability to go toe-to-toe when all these rookie wide receivers start putting up fantasy numbers.
Caleb Douglas, Dolphins (9%)
Douglas didn’t hit many targets, but he sure made the ones he did count count. In his first game back since Week 2, he completed two of three passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns. He has the ability to get more targets than that, but consistency in the Dolphins offense will be difficult.
Courtland Sutton, Broncos (58%)
We’re still waiting on news if Jalen Waddle’s shoulder injury keeps him out of any games, but Sutton should see more solid targets if he misses any time. Marvin Mims might also get a boost, but I don’t know if we can count on him just yet.
Taylor has seen the big tight ends over the last three weeks and was Geno Smith’s security blanket in the end zone this week when he caught two short touchdown passes. Of course, we can’t rely on touchdowns, but they should be a distinct possibility when choosing who starts at tight end.
Davis Allen, Colby Parkinson, Rams (0%, 0%)
Without Davante Adams, Matthew Stafford went to Davis Allen in the end zone for two touchdowns. However, Colby Parkinson was also a key target, while Tyler Higbe was third on the list of tight receivers. I expect Stafford to continue targeting tight ends in the end zone. It is difficult to choose one of this group, but if you damage the position, this situation should continue to produce touches.
Chig Okonkwo, Commanders (16%)
With Terry McClarin out, there are a few pass rushers worth watching from the Chiefs. Antonio Williams and Trelon Burks could both have some value, but if available, I’d pick Okonkwo. Although he hasn’t done much this season, he has been plagued by injuries. Okonkwo became the leading receiver against the 49ers when McClarin went down with an injury early in Week 6. He finished with seven catches for 69 yards, leading the team in yards and receptions.
