Week 8 Exemption Wire Watch
The NFL weekend games are nearly complete, and we’re approaching the midpoint of the 2025 regular season. While there are still two games left on Monday night, now’s a good time to think about bolstering your roster for the upcoming week.
Here’s a look at some players from Week 7 who might be worth picking up on the waiver wire before Week 8 begins. Just a reminder: we’ll categorize exempt additions as those players who are rostered in up to 60% of leagues. Also, keep in mind that six teams are on bye this week, which could affect your lineup.
Week 8 Bye Teams: Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks.
Joe Flacco, QB, Cincinnati Bengals (10.1%)
Surprisingly enough, it seems there’s still some fuel left in Flacco’s tank.
He made his second start for the Bengals last Thursday and, frankly, might have saved their season by throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns in a nail-biting 33-31 victory over the Steelers. The strategy of targeting Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins paid off, with Flacco connecting repeatedly with Cincinnati’s standout wide receiver.
No matter his past with the Browns or Colts, the 40-year-old has shown he can breathe life into a struggling offense, giving the Bengals a shot at the AFC playoff picture. He could also help the beleaguered Jets next week, making him a solid choice for those in need of a backup quarterback.
Week 8 Matchup: vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET.
Jackson Dart, QB, New York Giants (45.9%)
The Giants took a tough loss to the Broncos on Sunday, but Dart is still showing promise as a starter. The rookie quarterback out of Ole Miss had an off day accuracy-wise, but he still managed to throw for 283 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in a 33-32 defeat. His mobility was evident too, highlighted by a late touchdown run.
Dart seems to be gaining confidence with every week that passes. He’s potentially becoming a must-add on the waiver wire, and this week might be your last chance to snag him.
Week 8 Matchup: @ Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m. ET.
Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears (7.1%)
The Bears had an impressive ground game against New Orleans, winning 26-12, with contributions from D’Andre Swift and Monangai. For a rookie, Monangai had a breakout performance, racking up 81 yards on 13 attempts and scoring a touchdown while catching a few passes as well.
This was the first time Monangai saw significant action, and given his performance, he may be poised for a larger role in the Bears’ offense if Caleb Williams doesn’t improve. If his stock is on the rise, it could be worth keeping an eye on.
Week 8 Matchup: @ Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET.
Bam Knight, RB, Arizona Cardinals (21.8%)
The Cardinals recorded another loss, this time 27-23 to the Packers, marking their fifth in a row. However, Knight’s robust effort provided some stability in the backfield. The former fourth-string back achieved double-digit carries for the second consecutive week and made three receptions, totaling 57 yards on the ground.
We’ll need to wait and see how Arizona’s running back situation shakes out after their bye, but Knight remains a player to consider for depth.
Xavier Leggett, WR, Carolina Panthers (14.5%)
So, did the Panthers really win three games in a row now? And are they actually over .500 in late October? After beating the Jets this week, Leggett shined as the key player on offense. He finished with his best performance to date, catching 9 of 11 targets for 92 yards and a touchdown, which helped secure a win for his team.
Given that he had only five total targets in the prior two games, it raises the question: was this a fluke, or is he becoming integral to the offense? That remains to be seen, but if someone’s eyeing a potential addition, he could be available.
Week 8 Matchup: vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET.
Kimea Dike, WR, Tennessee Titans (1.4%)
The Titans faced a 31-13 loss to the Patriots, but the first half showed signs of life in the offense, thanks in part to Dike. The fourth-round rookie snagged a 38-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter and finished with four receptions for a total of 70 yards.
Interim head coach Mike McCoy mentioned a desire to ease things for the quarterback, which could mean looking to a rookie receiver like Dike more often. If he’s available, it might be worth grabbing him given your league’s dynamics.
Week 8 Matchup: vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET.
Orondo Gadsden II, TE, Los Angeles Chargers (4.4%)
This week saw several rookies stepping up, but Gadsden truly stole the show in the Chargers’ 38-24 loss to the Colts. He impressed with 164 yards on seven receptions and scored his first career touchdown, making him the top fantasy tight end for the week.
After a slow start to the season, Gadsden has now garnered 17 targets over the past two games, joining the ranks of established players in Justin Herbert’s arsenal. With his rising stock, it’s a good time to consider placing a waiver claim for him.
Week 8 Matchup: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 8:15 p.m. ET (Thursday night).
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers (7.0%)
Some of you might be wondering where Pat Freiermuth has been this season. Well, he made quite the statement last Thursday. In the Steelers’ closely contested loss to the Bengals, he had a big impact with five receptions for 111 yards, including a long touchdown that momentarily put his team in the lead.
Up until recently, he had been splitting time with Jonnu Smith, and it seemed like both had lost some fantasy value. However, if he continues to build chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, he could be a valuable asset if you need some depth at tight end.
Week 8 Matchup: vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:20 p.m. ET.
