Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season began with limited offensive production in the early games, but several players delivered breakout performances that make them attractive waiver wire additions for Week 9 fantasy lineups.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward posted his first career 300-yard passing game, finishing with 304 yards and two touchdowns while adding 41 rushing yards on seven scrambles. The Titans have a bye in Week 9, but Ward is worth monitoring in one-QB leagues and should be rostered in shallow superflex formats.
Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier seized opportunity after top draft pick Jeremiyah Love exited with an ankle injury. Allgeier rushed for 147 yards on 11 carries with a long touchdown and added 44 receiving yards and a touchdown on five catches. If Love misses time, Allgeier could emerge as an RB2, with Arizona likely leaning on him more than Bam Knight.
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell excelled with 142 receiving yards, seven receptions, and a red-zone touchdown on nine targets, benefiting from one-on-one coverage as defenses focused on Garrett Wilson.
Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew replaced Jacoby Brissett and sparked an improbable comeback victory. If Arizona sticks with Minshew, he becomes a viable add in all superflex leagues.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson, operating as the third-down back, produced a 73-yard receiving touchdown and over 100 receiving yards. He remains a strong bench stash; an injury to starter Ken Walker would immediately elevate Johnson to RB2 or borderline RB1 status.
Among other standout performances, Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. caught 10 of 12 targets for 154 yards, solidifying his status as a top-five PPR option at the position. Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving returned to rookie-form with 170 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 27 carries, establishing himself as the foundation of the offense.
