Fantasy football waiver wire pickups: NFL Week 8

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Another week of the 2025 NFL season is just about in the books. Here are the players you should be targeting in your fantasy football leagues, including options for smaller leagues and deeper leagues, as well as players to avoid.

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QUARTERBACK

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants (Rostered in 43.3% of leagues on ESPN)

League Size: 10

Time Frame: Week 8, Short Term, Long Term

Dart has started the past four games for the Giants, averaging 23.0 fantasy points per game during that stretch (fourth best among quarterbacks). He was aided by his rushing ability in his first three starts, gaining at least 50 rushing yards in each. This past week, he faced a Denver Broncos defense that has usually been great at slowing quarterbacks. However, Dart completed 15 of 33 passes for 283 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. While he didn’t have much success on the ground, he notched a rushing touchdown, giving him four scores on the day.

Six teams are on byes next week, but none have the 13 quarterbacks taken in at least 80% of ESPN leagues. However, Dart needs to be a top priority in leagues where he is still available, because he’s been a fantasy starter — and should continue to be one.

The Giants face the Philadelphia Eagles next week, a divisional rematch after Dart threw for 195 yards and a touchdown and ran 13 times for 58 yards and another score in their first meeting. If Dart can repeat that performance, he can easily be placed in fantasy starting lineups.

Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals (4.9%)

League Size: 10, 12, 14

Time Frame: Week 8, Short Term, Long Term

Flacco put together an excellent statistical performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. He completed 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns. The Bengals led in time of possession, allowing them to run 72 plays. While Flacco won’t see as much volume in future games, he will continue to face vulnerable opponents.

The Bengals have the best schedule for quarterbacks over the rest of the season. Six of their next nine opponents are in the top 10 at allowing fantasy points to quarterbacks, including each of the next three. If Flacco is still starting for Cincinnati during the fantasy playoffs, he would be facing two of the top three teams at allowing fantasy points to the position in the first two rounds.

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