Week 8 Deep Waiver Adds and Desperation Plays

We're at the half-way point in the fantasy year. Injury and the unpredictable NFL might have left your roster a little light on talent. I'll go over a few guys I like that are likely out there on your waiver wire, and could help you right the ship. All ownership percentages courtesy of Yahoo Fantasy.

Quarterback

Brian Hoyer is, understandably, owned in only 15% of Yahoo leagues. Hoyer and the Texans have continued to throw the ball relentlessly due to the flow of the game and lack of a ground attack. With Foster out, the Texans will likely struggle again on the ground. That could turn in to a big day for Hoyer and the Houston receivers. Hoyer is my number 1 plug and play QB of the week.

Jameis Winston is owned in 18% of leagues, and his play is improving as he marches through his rookie campaign. Winston has put together a couple of good real football performances, last week's translating in to a nice fantasy day. The Bucs are facing division rival Atlanta this week, and I expect there will be plenty of scoring. If you need a plug and play QB this week, Winston is a nice option.

Running Back

Orleans Darkwa (21% owned) introduced himself to the public last week against Dallas. He had limited touches, and didn't put up huge yardage (8 carries for 48 yards), but he did find the endzone. More importantly, he looked like a good running back against a surprisingly serviceable Cowboys defense. This week, he'll face the not at all formidable New Orleans Saints D. While the Giants backfield is mess, the back that has flashed the brightest (and most recently), is Orleans Darkwa. You could end up seeing a 4 carry 25 yard effort, or you could end up getting to the coming out party for Darkwa a week earlier than your league mates.

David Cobb is owned in just 22% of leagues, and he's set to return in week 9. The Titans coaching staff has established that they don't really like any of their other backs as a go-to guy, and Cobb could end up starting and carrying the load his first week back. The Titans offense isn't a world-beating unit, but getting a starting running back for the back half of the season push is always a plus.

Wide Receiver

Nate Washington is a must add wide receiver this week. I wouldn't expect 100+ yards and two TDs every week, but Washington is a reliable, talented receiver on a team that throws the ball constantly. DeAndre Hopkins should continue to draw the most attention in the Houston receiving corps, and that opens things up for the other pass catchers. Washington showed us all his ceiling last week, but he has a nice, safe floor, and he is only owned in 21% of leagues. Pick him up.

Tight End

Heath Miller has dropped to 27% owned, and Ben Roethlisberger is expected to return this week. Miller is a safe, boring play with unspectacular ceiling, but with Ben, a nice floor. If you're in a bind, Miller is a nice start this week against Cincinnati.

Crokett Gillmore is 11% owned, and facing a San Diego squad heading in the wrong direction. He hasn't done much since his big week 2, but Gillmore is a good tight end on an offense looking for someone not named Steve Smith to step up as a pass catcher. I like Gilmore this week if you're desperate.

Kicker

Robbie Gould is the plug and play kicker this week. Chicago is bad, and the Vikings are  better, but the Bears should stay in this one. Gould has been solid this year so far, so feel good plugging him in to cover for a bye, or just as a streamer this week.

Defense

The Detroit Lions will face the Chiefs in London this week. KC's offense has been consistent, but also consistently low scoring. Heading across the Atlantic, coming off some coaching changes, and facing a KC team missing it's best offensive weapon in Jamaal Charles, I look to the Lions defense to step up and score some points this weekend.

Slim pickins on the wire this week, but good luck out there!