Deshaun Watson Injury: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Replacement Pickups (Week 8)

With the injury to Deshaun Watson, fantasy football managers are left with a potential void on their roster. Let’s check out the extent of the injury and players you can target on your waiver wire this week. And here’s all of our fantasy football waiver wire advice for Week 8.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Injury Replacement Pickups

Injury Outlook

Deshaun Watson completes one pass, does not return after concussion scare

Deshaun Watson completed one of his five passes for five yards and an interception in a 39-38 win over the Colts in Week 7.

Fantasy Impact

Watson took a big hit during the first quarter, had his right shoulder checked, and then returned to the blue medical tent to be checked for a concussion shortly thereafter. He cleared the league’s concussion protocol and was never officially ruled out of the game by the Browns but never returned to action despite remaining dressed on the sidelines. Backup P.J. Walker entered the game and wound up leading the Browns to a road win against the Colts. It remains to be seen whether Watson will be able to play in Cleveland’s next game, which will be against the Seahawks on the road.

Matthew Terelle

Waiver Wire Replacements to Target

Kyler Murray (ARI): 42% rostered

• Next Opponents: BAL, @CLE, ATL
• True value: $15
• Desperate need: $24
• Budget-minded: $8

Analysis: The practice window for Kyler Murray is open to return from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. It couldn’t have come at a better time for the putrid Cardinals, who have seen gritty Joshua Dobbs turn back into a pumpkin. Yes, you should pick up Murray off waivers. He is a matchup-proof fantasy superstar. I am also excited to see him work in an actual NFL offensive scheme, instead of a gimmicky high school joke as with former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury. The next three games for Arizona are against very tough defenses, but I’m not worried.

Derek Carr  (NO): 35% rostered

• Next Opponents: @IND, CHI, @MIN
• True value: $6
• Desperate need: $12
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: While it’s always an outlier for Derek Carr to produce elite fantasy numbers, he is a wonderful streaming option for the next three games. Pinch your nose at the horrendous efficiency in the red zone and accept his 18 to 19 fantasy points as a lock. Everything has been there for the Saints except for Carr’s best, so we might see it click very soon.

Desmond Ridder (ATL): 14% rostered

• Next Opponents: @TEN, MIN, @ARI
• True value: $3
• Desperate need: $8
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Ridder lost three fumbles in Atlanta’s improbable Week 7 victory over Tampa Bay. It wasn’t all bad. Despite top weapon Bijan Robinson‘s inexplicable absence, Ridder passed for 250 yards and rushed for a touchdown to salvage a decent outing. A date with the pass-funnel Titans is an appetizer for two juicy games with the Vikings and Cardinals. Ridder is a cheap streamer with rushing upside. Let’s just hope Arthur Smith doesn’t betray us again by backing away from his bullheaded support for his young QB.

Bryce Young (CAR): 10% rostered

• Next Opponents: HOU, IND, @CHI
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $5
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Bryce Young is on the precipice of a gigantic back half of his rookie season. His next three games are up against bottom-10 defenses. Young has shown growth in every game this season despite his naysayers overemphasizing his shortcomings. I doubt many managers will bid on the top pick as part of Week 8 waivers, so you might get a real steal of a deal.

Mac Jones (NE): 8% rostered

• Next Opponents: @MIA, WAS, IND
• True value: $1
• Desperate need: $4
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: I haven’t the foggiest idea where Mac Jones‘ Week 7 performance came from. Not only did Jones nearly crack 20 fantasy points against a very tough defense, but he looked razor sharp in doing so. Mac drove his otherwise paltry offensive attack down the field for a game-winning touchdown to Mike Gesicki with only 12 seconds on the clock. Better yet, the Patriots face a trio of shaky pass defenses over their next three games, making Jones an intriguing streamer who’s flying under the radar.