Week 8 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet for Deep Sleepers to Grab on Waiver Wire

We're rapidly approaching the midway point of the 2026 NFL season, which means that fantasy football playoffs are right around the corner. To this point, managers have been forced to navigate a cascade of injuries, along with the usual bye-week blues. The trend will continue in Week 8.

The Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers will be on bye this week.

The good news is that a few viable sleepers should still be available on the waiver wire entering Thursday's matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers.

Here, you'll find updated rankings for Week 8, a cheat sheet for value plays, and a look at some top sleeper options who may still be available to pick up.

All rankings and picks are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Chigoziem Okonkwo, Washington Commanders

Wire Target: Geno Smith, QB, New York Jets

Managers looking for a spot starter at quarterback should consider Geno Smith in Week 8. While the New York Jets' starter hasn't been a top performer every week, he's started to develop a strong bond with rookie Omar Cooper Jr. and should have a solid floor moving forward.

In last week's loss to the Miami Dolphins, Smith threw three touchdown passes and delivered 24.5 fantasy points. He could replicate that success this week against a fading Las Vegas Raiders defense.

The Raiders have surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, and they could be even more sluggish than usual this week. Cross-country trips and early afternoon games rarely benefit West Coast teams.

Smith is still only rostered in 21 percent of fantasy leagues.

Wire Target: Antonio Williams, WR, Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders have lost Terry McLaurin to a season-ending knee injury. This will likely move Stefon Diggs into the No. 1 receiver role and rookie wideout Antonio Williams into the No. 2 spot.

There's a very real chance that Williams is the biggest beneficiary when it comes to fantasy football.

Yet, Williams is still only rostered in 12 percent of leagues. That's likely to change after Week 8, though.

The rookie had a solid eight-point outing in his last game and could easily reach double digits this week against the rival Philadelphia Eagles. Philly has surrendered the second-most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season.

*Fantasy scoring and roster information from FantasyPros .