Week 8 waiver targets: Old players breathe new life into fantasy lineups

They say age is just a number and this week, three of the NFL’s oldest players look ready to put plenty on the scoreboard.

QB Joe Flacco | Cincinnati Bengals

The 40-year-old quarterback went 31-of-47 for a season-high 342 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 33-31 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. He also earned a season-high 25.98 fantasy points by throwing to one of the NFL’s best wide receivers.

Ja’Marr Chase saw a team-high 23 targets against Pittsburgh, 13 more than Tee Higgins, who had a season-high 96 yards and a score. Chase also scored with 10 catches for 161 yards. After the game, former Jets linebacker Bart Scott praised Flacco on ESPN’s "Get Up" program, saying the quarterback has one of the most underrated arms in all of football. 

Flacco’s arm strength has never been an issue, but his lack of weapons with the Cleveland Browns certainly was. With Chase, Higgins and tight end Noah Fant to throw to, Flacco may have the safest floor of all available quarterbacks. He’ll look to build on last week’s performance with a home game against the 0-7 New York Jets on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Flacco remains available in 89 percent of leagues.

K Nick Folk | New York Jets

New York’s veteran kicker will turn 41 in two weeks, and when it comes to scoring, the 27th-ranked Jets will ride his right leg as long as the quarterback situation remains a mess. 

Starter Justin Fields was benched for Tyrod Taylor after completing six passes for 46 yards in the first half of last week’s loss to the Carolina Panthers. Taylor responded by going 10-for-22 for 126 yards and a pair of costly interceptions.

The fantasy season may be doomed for talented Jets players like wide receiver Garrett Wilson, running back Breece Hall and rookie tight end Mason Taylor, but Folk looks to be the beneficiary of the team’s offensive struggles. 

Folk hasn’t missed a field goal or extra point all season, and his 62.00 fantasy points are currently tied with Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland and the Houston Texans' Ka'imi Fairbairn for sixth-most among kickers. But unlike Ryland, Folk doesn’t have a bye this week, making him an excellent option for Week 8. 

Folk remains available in 98 percent of leagues.

QB Aaron Rodgers | Pittsburgh Steelers

Rodgers may have lost to Flacco's Bengals on Thursday but one can hardly blame the 41-year-old quarterback after his 249-yard, four-touchdown performance against his AFC North rival.