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Field YatesESPN Insider
It is often said that running back is the most difficult situation to find in a fantasy football. Tested this year, as the two top-drafted backs (Christian McFarry and Svcan Barclay) have been involved in a total of four games this season, and this week has put the test even further. A few back injuries running over the top in the last seven days that have put their fill-ins on the imaginary radar.
And that will be our focus today: the most important set of previous replacements we’ve seen in any week so far this season. Week 8 ESPN Fantasy Waiver-Wire Note is added here.
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Note: All players on this column are available in at least 50% of the league on ESPN.com
Week 8 by: Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Washington Football Team
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Carlos Hyde, RB, Seattle Seahawks (5.0%): Chris Carson is now working with a midfoot sprain that caused him to be removed from action early in Week 7 and brought Hyde into a more important role. He gave up 68 yards and 15 carry plus three total catches for the score. When the explosive player is not level, Hyde is used to tote large workloads; He’s been coming off the 1,000-yard season in Houston and should be equipped to handle 20 runs in any game that pays Carson. Hyde is an essential addition.
Giovanna Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengal (48.5%): With Mix Mix out due to injury, Bernard performed 20.6-points, handling 13 carry and adding five catches and a score. Mix did not practice this last week, and it will be if for this reason that it is suitable for the 8th week. There is a top-20 option until Bernard Mixon returns and it is a must.
Jamal Williams, RB, Green Bay Packers (45.4%): Aaron Ron Jones is expected to return in Week Week, if Williams Jones (calf) is unable to walk he will present a fantastic option in the event. As he reminded us in Week in, Williams is one of the non-best. NFL In 1 back, carrying 19 and four catches to go with the score. With the opportunity to be an invaluable part of your two benchstrokes, add a quality at least as an important hide on your bench.
Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants (36.2%): Shepard was a popular drop after spending four weeks on the injured reserve, but returning to action in Week 7, he reminded us of how capable he is. He has played in two full games this season, six catches in each of those two games and has scored at least six goals in every game he has played since November 19, 2018 (except for the second week of the season, when he left early due to injury). It is one of the best in the league.
J Bur Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengal (49.5%): In a year when we’ve taught the importance of rostering a second quarterback due to the weekly possibility of a transfer or change of game, the Bourne needs to roster more than 0% in the league. He has three attempts with at least 20 points this season and is coming out of the best game of his young NFL career. He leads the NFL in effort and fulfillment and ranks third in the passing yard, as the Bengals are forced to throw the ball consistently. It is very good and fun to watch.
Cole Beasley, WR, Buffalo Bill (39.3%): If I told you that a player is in motion for a 90-catch, 1,075-yard season, you would tell me that is the type of player you want on your roster, right? The good news: Beasley is now on track to get nearly 90 catches and 1,075 yards this season after his sixth straight game with at least 10 fantasy points. While he may not be a massive touchdown maker, Beasley catches the lie, and quarterback Josh Allen is a much-improved player this season.
La’Micel Perrin, RB, New York Jets (11.1%): Despite the constant role of Frank Gore, who will never take over, the Jets are starting to send Perrin as their lead role. But as the season wears on, the Jets will continue to develop their rookie fourth-rounder. Perry showed 11 carry (same number as Gore) in Week 7 with 39 yards and a touchdown, while also adding a pair of catches on three targets. It is a potential flex option if its workload increases.
Wayne Galman, RB, New York Giants (0.7%): Leaving Devonta Freeman (ankle) early in the week’s game, Galman was brought into the broader range for the G-Man. There are no concrete indications as to whether Freeman will be available in 8 weeks, but if it does come out, Galeman looks like the next man in the Giants backfield. He’s an explosive enough runner to make the right pass and the right consideration.
Brandon Ayuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers (20.7%): Ayuk’s talent is already evident – he can scoot! The couple that way coach Kyle Shanahan creatively incorporates his aggressive skilled players, and the future is bright. Unfortunately for San Francisco, Debo Samuel is now back with a hamstring injury. While his absence at the start of the season did not predict a huge volume for the commissioner, he should be more involved if Samuel misses games this time around, as the rookie becomes more comfortable and familiar with the offense.
Rashard Higgins, WR, Cleveland Browns (0.2%): With Dale Beckham Jr. (ACL) missing out on the rest of the season, Higgins will move into an expanded role. He improved his chances in the week and caught all six of his goals for 110 yards, and he is believed to be a busy man going forward. Cleveland has long favored Higgins’ raw talent, which has a chance to take over in Beckham’s absence. It’s an add-on and hide-and-seek for those looking for comprehensive help.
Harrison Bryant, TE, Cleveland Browns (0.7%): It’s not clear how much time will be missed after Stin Hopper underwent appendicitis surgery late last week, and he ended up with three straight double-digit games. His absence meant Bryant, winner of the 2019 Mac Key Award as the top tight end in MacLage football, and even more so, and he responded with a pair of touchdown catches on five goals. He’s a good athlete and a guy who, if both Hopper and Beckham are out again in a week, may need to put a lot of emphasis on him.
Richard Rogers, TE, Philadelphia Eagles (4.0%): The Eagles are unfortunately in a familiar spot, looking to replace their stars, including Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert at the tight end, each with an injured reserve. Rogers played plenty in Week 7 and delivered a total of 85 receiving yards on six catches, as it was the only Eagles tight end to see the goal in a win over the Giants. The Eagles may need Rogers again this Sunday, and the season’s best getaway is on the horizon: the Cowboys.
Marquis Callaway, WR, New Orleans Saints (0.1%): The Saints were ruled out in the wide receiver of the week as Emanuel Sanders landed on the reserve / Covid-19 list, while Michael Thomas is unclear for the 8th week due to a hamstring injury. Freelancer out of Tennessee – Callaway led the way with eight catches for 75 yards. Neither Thomas nor Sander’s figures will last very long, but if you’re looking for a last-minute step-up replacement in a deeper league, monitor Callaway.
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