FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: Jake Ciely’s Top 5 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets For Week 8 (Ep. 1784)
Date: October 20, 2025
Hosts: Joey P. Zeppia (Joey P.), Jake Ciely (The Athletic)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Joey P. and Jake Ciely break down the top fantasy football waiver wire targets for Week 8 amid an especially challenging “bipocalypse” with six teams on bye. The duo analyzes trending pickups across running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends, offering candid evaluations and future outlooks. Expect actionable insights on emerging opportunities, injury fallout, and how to navigate this crucial point in the fantasy season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Arizona Cardinals Backfield: Bam Knight or Bust?

[00:32 - 03:23]

• Discussion kicks off with the confusing committee in Arizona:
  • Bam Knight saw increased touches with the Cardinals leading, out-touching Michael Carter 7 to 2 with the lead and 9 to 6 in neutral game script.
  • The return of Trey Benson (projected around Week 11) looms over the backfield, making it unpredictable.
  • Michael Carter is likely the preferred option in passing downs/two-minute drills, especially when the Cardinals are behind.

Joey P.:

“This isn’t Chuba Hubbard and Rico Daddle...get the heck away while you can.” (02:55)

• Advice: Pick up Bam Knight now if desperate, but consider flipping him in a trade as the backfield will get murkier.

Jake Ciely:

“If you have [Bam Knight] and someone wants him in a trade who already has parts of the Cardinals backfield, I would willingly move on.” (03:09)

2. Rashard Smith’s Rise in Kansas City’s Backfield

[03:23 - 05:57]

• After a "slow burn," Rashard Smith finally pops:
  • Kareem Hunt’s injury opens possibilities for more Smith opportunities.
  • Smith comps to Jerick McKinnon for his pass-catching potential, but concerns remain as he doesn’t trust him in pass-pro.
  • Don’t expect Smith as a primary option or a top-20 RB; rather, he’s best seen as an RB3/flex, especially in PPR leagues.

Joey P.:

“Remember, Jerick McKinnon...he was an RB3 with weekly RB2, even weeks where he was an RB1. So, if Kareem Hunt is out, yes, Rashard Smith as an RB3 in half and full point PPR. But that's where you should temper your expectations.” (04:46)

• Commanders matchup in Week 8 not as tough as earlier in the season.

3. WR Depth in Miami: The Malik Washington Opportunity

[05:57 - 07:38]

• With Jalen Waddle and Darren Waller nursing injuries, opportunity knocks for Malik Washington.
  • Not automatically a strong play (Falcons are a tough matchup).
  • Washington is the speculative pickup if Waddle misses time, but expectations must be managed.

Joey P.:

“Malik Washington has the upside again because if Jalen Waddle misses time...they're going to need somebody to throw to besides Achan and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.” (06:55)

• Both hosts vent frustration at the six-team “bipocalypse” and the NFL’s bye-week logic:

  “What's 32 divided by four? Like, why can't we just do eight weeks of four?” – Joey P. (07:47)

4. Emerging Tight End: Ronde Gadsden (Chargers)

[07:55 - 10:41]

• Gadsden’s breakout continues:
  • Last two games: 7 rec/8 targets/68 yards (WK6); 7/9/164/TD (WK7).
  • He’s widely unowned and represents a rare tight end waiver bonanza this year.
  • But, context matters: Chargers were down big, threw 55 times—something that's unlikely to repeat weekly.
  • Gadsden’s continued production may come at the expense of Quentin Johnston, with Keenan Allen likely to remain featured.

Joey P.:

“If Gadsden’s a true thing and Gadsden from this point forward is a tight end one, that means Johnston's probably taking the back seat, especially for the touchdown upside. But somebody of the wide receiver group is going to fall off.” (09:28)

• Proposes riding Gadsden until the “wheels fall off.”

Jake Ciely:

“The difference though...with Gadsden is that this is a rookie. So there's always this weird optimism there when you have these young kids.” (10:41)

5. RB Spotlight: Kyle Manungai (Chicago Bears)

[10:41 - 13:15]

• Handled 13 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown vs. Saints; previously had not exceeded 7 carries in a game.
  • Showed signs of becoming the “David Montgomery” in Chicago’s split backfield.
  • Bears’ coaching parallels to Ben Johnson in splitting RB duties.
  • Manungai projects as a solid RB3 in Week 8 (@ Ravens), boosted by injuries to Baltimore’s run defense.

Joey P.:

“Manungai in a six-team bye, he'll be an RB3 this week in my rankings...he will be an RB3 this week against the Ravens.” (13:01)

• Jake Ciely adds:

“He is very startable this week. Yes, he's going to be startable as an RB2.” (13:15)

• Joey P. jokes:

“Everybody's gonna get back on the Chase Brown train against the Jets and Manungai is going to outscore him this week. Watch.” (13:33)

6. Deep Streamers: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG), Bayshell Tootin, Isaiah Davis

[13:41 - 17:11]

• Tyrone Tracy Jr. (Giants):
  • 9 carries, 46 yards, TD (no targets).
  • Game flow-dependent; Giants’ offensive line health and matchups matter.
  • Could become RB2 if starter Cam Scataboo—lead back, known for violent running—gets hurt.

Joey P.:

“If Scataboo gets hurt because he runs like the effing juggernaut, at some point Tracy could potentially have RB2 value because Tracy is one Scataboo injury away from having this job.” (15:17)

• Bayshell Tootin (Jaguars):

  • Worth a stash as Jaguars come off bye; Travis Etienne’s performances declining, Tootin's role could expand to a 50/50 split or more.

• Isaiah Davis (Jets):

  • Only becomes relevant if Breece Hall is traded/injured; Jets backfield is a fantasy wasteland otherwise.

Joey P.:

“If Tootin’s involved, and then if it continues...and then all of a sudden he does have the 60%, don't forget about Tootin.” (16:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bipocalypse Roster Hell:

  “Please don't even get me started about these bipocalypse weeks because it's totally unnecessary.” – Jake Ciely (07:38)

• On Arizona Backfield:

  “This is get the heck away while you can.” – Joey P. Zeppia (02:55)

• On Tight End Waiver Luck:

  “This is yet another tight end off the waiver wire in a year where the waiver wire is bearing some fruit at the tight end position for a change, which is really great.” – Joey P. (08:37)

• On Waiver Wire Strategy:

  “Just ride it until the wheels fall off.” – Joey P. (10:06)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:32] Arizona backfield analysis, Bam Knight vs. Michael Carter and Trey Benson
• [03:23] Rashard Smith’s role and outlook in Kansas City
• [05:57] Miami WR depth, Malik Washington’s emerging value
• [07:55] Ronde Gadsden’s breakout for Chargers at tight end
• [10:41] Kyle Manungai an RB3 this week; Bears backfield rotation
• [13:41] Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Giants RB pecking order
• [16:18] Deep stashes: Bayshell Tootin, Isaiah Davis

Tone & Approach

• Candid, analytical, and slightly irreverent.
• Hosts don’t sugar-coat the state of waiver options, but offer actionable advice relevant to both casual and competitive players during a tough bye week stretch.

Summary for Fantasy Managers

This episode provides a strategic map for one of the trickiest weeks of the fantasy season, prioritizing practical options and low-risk stashes. From navigating the murky Cardinals backfield to capitalizing on Arizona/KC uncertainty and Tampa Bay's emerging talent, Jake and Joey equip managers to weather injuries and byes with insight—and a sense of humor.

Top Adds for Week 8:

• Bam Knight (Cardinals, trade if possible)
• Rashard Smith (Chiefs, RB3/PPR upside)
• Malik Washington (Dolphins, contingent on Waddle news)
• Ronde Gadsden (Chargers TE, especially if desperate)
• Kyle Manungai (Bears, strong RB3/possible RB2 this week)
• Tyrone Tracy Jr., Bayshell Tootin, Isaiah Davis (stash depth)

Key Reminder:
“When you need bye week help, don’t hesitate to grab talent—even if it’s a temporary fix.”