Welcome to the Week 8 Exemption Wire Watch!
The NFL weekend games are shaping up, and we’re nearing the midway point of the 2025 regular season. Last weekend showcased a bunch of impressive quarterback performances, with over ten players scoring at least 20 fantasy points. It’s interesting to see some lesser-known names stepping up, some of whom could be great additions to your team.
Here’s a look at some standout players from Week 7 that you might want to consider grabbing off the waiver wire before Week 8. Just a heads up: we define exempt additions as players available in up to 60% of leagues. Also, keep in mind that six teams are on bye this week, so you’ll want to examine your roster closely.
Week 8 bye teams: Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks
Joe Flacco, QB, Cincinnati Bengals (10.2%)
Surprise! There’s still a spark left in Flacco.
In his second start for the Bengals on Thursday, he threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns in a nail-biting 33-31 victory over the Steelers. The “pass it to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins” plan seemed to pay off, as he connected with Chase frequently throughout the night.
Whether he was with the Browns or the Colts, Flacco has shown he can breathe new life into a struggling offense. He might be just what the Bengals need to make a playoff push in the AFC. Plus, he could offer some help to a struggling Jets team next week if they’re in need of a QB streamer.
Week 8 matchups: vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET
Jackson Dart, QB, New York Giants (46.6%)
The Giants suffered a tough loss to the Broncos on Sunday, but Dart’s performance as a starter has been promising. The rookie out of Ole Miss didn’t have the best completion percentage but threw for 283 yards, three touchdowns, and had an interception in a narrow 33-32 defeat. He also showcased his running ability with a notable touchdown run in the closing moments.
Dart’s gaining confidence each week since taking over as starter, making him a hot commodity on the waiver wire. This could be your last chance to snag him before he’s gone.
Week 8 matchups: @ Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m. ET.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (31.9%)
Rodgers faced off against Flacco in last Thursday’s Ankh Bowl, and while he ended up on the losing side, he still had a solid outing. He passed for 249 yards, tossed four touchdowns, and had two interceptions. At 41, he’s managing to stay effective by focusing on shorter, easier throws, which explains why his passing stats aren’t outstanding, despite a decent completion rate.
Averaging 17.6 fantasy points per game, he’s a reliable option for any strong roster.
Week 8 matchups: vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:20 p.m. ET
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars (41.4%)
The Jaguars have been on a bit of a rollercoaster, starting strong with a victory over the Chiefs, but then facing a tough 35-7 loss to the Rams in London. Lawrence’s accuracy was off in that game, but he still managed to score 17.6 fantasy points, ending with 296 yards and one touchdown.
Interestingly, despite the ups and downs, he finished Week 7 with the 11th-most fantasy points among QBs. The Jags are on bye this week, but if you’re looking to keep a backup quarterback in hiding, he may be just waiting on the waiver wire.
