Many a fantasy football championship has been won with the waiver wire. Following Week 8 action, these are the names that should be on owners' radars going forward. And fear not if your waiver priority is low-we have some sneaky pickups for you as well.
Quarterbacks
Michael Vick, New York Jets
Geno Smith threw interceptions on three straight drives on Sunday and found himself benched in favor of Vick. This benching could be permanent too-Smith's thrown 10 interceptions and fumbled six times this year and hasn't shown any improvement.
Vick wasn't much better through the air. He completed 18 of 36 passes and failed to throw a touchdown while tossing an interception on a late bomb. He did rush eight times for 69 yards though, and that kind of running ability makes him fantasy relevant. If he is given the reins, feel free to add Vick-but use him in good matchups only. Also, make plans for his inevitable injury.
Running Backs
Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Our old friend. Some may think Rainey has me on his payroll, but this talented rusher was able to snag six receptions on as many targets for 41 yards. He is much more dynamic than Doug Martin, who left the game with an injury, and Martin's name is coming up often in trade talks. The Bucs are a mess, but Rainey is the better option in their backfield. Grab Rainey this week before he's on everyone's radar as the starter.
DEEP OPTION: Charles Sims, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As mentioned above, Doug Martin hasn't been very good. Rainey's been solid in his stead, but Sims entered the season as the buzzed-about backup behind "Muscle Hamster." The rookie out of West Virginia is a sturdy back who rushed for 11 touchdowns in college while showing some ability as a receiver out of the backfield.
Wide Receivers
Brandon LaFell, New England Patriots
LaFell appears to be cementing himself as Tom Brady's No. 1 wide receiver, as evidenced by his 11 targets in Sunday's blowout win over the Bears. LaFell caught all 11 balls thrown his way, amassing 124 yards and finding the end zone. Brady is notorious for spreading the wealth, but this performance means LaFell can expect a good amount of targets each week. The way Brady's playing, that's not half bad.
Jarius Wright, Minnesota Vikings
Cordarrelle Patterson left Sunday's game in a walking boot, and while he said it's not serious, he hasn't been a model of consistency anyway. Wright's been stealing targets from him, and has similar speed and elusiveness to Patterson. Wright just lacks for Patterson's size, but without the former at full strength Wright will be leaned on.
DEEP OPTION: Stedman Bailey, St. Louis Rams
Brian Quick has emerged as the Rams No. 1 wide receiver, but he left Sunday's game in a sling. Tavon Austin has been little more than a gadget player since being taken No. 9 overall last season, and Kenny Britt hasn't stepped up as a weekly factor. Bailey has a chance to succeed with increased targets in Quick's absence, and he's owned in virtually no leagues. Take a flier.
Tight Ends
Jace Amaro, New York Jets
Lost Jordan Cameron to yet another injury? Hop on the Amaro train-you'll be the only person on it. His targets haven't been wonderful, but his 12-target game two weeks ago that included a touchdown provide a glimpse at what could be a diamond in the rough. At 6'5, 265 pound, Amaro is a massive target whose shown the ability to reel in tough catches. He's also had mind-blowing drops but hey, he's a rookie. He'll cost you nothing in the FAAB sense, and you can get him with your lowest waiver priority. Call it a hunch.
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