**Fantasy Football Week 8: Top Waiver Wire Picks and Rising Stars**

In the NFL, adaptability is crucial, and this also applies to your fantasy football league. Regardless of initial draft success, it's the strategic moves made during the season that often determine playoff fate. This week brought several injuries, with Brandon Aiyuk of the 49ers potentially suffering the most significant one by tearing his ACL. For fantasy managers, this means new opportunities to bolster their rosters.

Aiyuk, who was fantasy's WR14 last season, has struggled with just 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns this year. If sidelined, Jauan Jennings (rostered in 45.6% of ESPN leagues) is expected to fill this gap. Jennings showcased his potential in Week 3 with a standout performance against the Rams. Ricky Pearsall (rostered in 5.5% of leagues) could also play a more prominent role.

Let's delve into this week's key adds, starting with wide receivers. Keon Coleman of the Buffalo Bills (44.4% rostered) stands out. Following the acquisition of Amari Cooper, Coleman is likely to face more favorable matchups. He recorded 125 receiving yards against the Titans, the highest by a Bills rookie since Sammy Watkins in 2014. Coleman is a recommended flex option against the Seahawks.

Romeo Doubs of the Green Bay Packers (37.0%) led his team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards against the Texans, making him a valuable pick with upcoming games against the Jaguars and Lions, both ranking high in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. Jalen Tolbert of the Dallas Cowboys (26.8%) is another player to watch, especially with Brandin Cooks on IR. Tolbert has seen increased targets and benefits from one of the easiest WR schedules for the remainder of the season.

The Kansas City Chiefs' JuJu Smith-Schuster (46.6%) is a stash play. Expected to miss the Raiders game due to hamstring issues, his value will rise once he returns. In Denver, Troy Franklin (0.7%) is gaining momentum with increased targets and rapport with his quarterback, making him a solid add for deeper leagues.

For managers in need of a quarterback, options include Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings (45.3%), who has favorable matchups upcoming, and Drake Maye of the New England Patriots (13.3%), a promising rookie facing a Jets team that struggled against Russell Wilson. For deeper leagues, Russell Wilson of the Pittsburgh Steelers (5.2%) could be a valuable addition after a strong performance against the Giants.

Running backs to consider include Tyrone Tracy Jr. of the New York Giants (47.5%), Jaylen Warren of the Pittsburgh Steelers (45.1%), Alexander Mattison of the Las Vegas Raiders (42.5%), and Ray Davis of the Buffalo Bills (14.7%). Tracy, despite a quieter game recently, remains a primary backfield presence, while Warren and Mattison offer significant touches and potential upside.

In tight ends, Hunter Henry of the New England Patriots (27.3%), Noah Fant of the Seattle Seahawks (7.7%), and Jonnu Smith of the Miami Dolphins (1.7%) are worth noting. Henry has found consistency with the improved Patriots offense, Fant remains a key part of the Seahawks rotation, and Smith has been productive in the Dolphins' offense even under challenging circumstances.

Staying proactive on the waiver wire is essential for success in fantasy football. These highlighted players offer potential value and could make the difference in reaching the playoffs or planning for next season.