Before I get into the week eight pick-ups for IDP’s, please excuse me while I go outside and let out a big “AARRRRGH!!!” because the injuries didn’t stop in week seven.    Let’s state the obvious and say that injuries have been very unkind to us this season and we’ve had to dig the waivers deeper than before.  Jaguars all-pro linebacker, Paul Posluszny, is out for the season after suffering a pectoral injury.  Redskins pass-rush specialist, Brian Orakpo, is out for the season after suffering a pectoral injury.  Raiders safety, Usama Young, suffered a knee injury and is out for the season.  Bengals linebacker, Vontaze Burfict, suffered a neck stinger and seemed “ok” today.  But it’s ok as we head into mid-season, there should be a handful of players available that should help fill the void.  

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:

Aaron Donald, Rams:  If he’s still available in your league, he has reached must own territory.  Donald put up another impressive game in his second start (5 tackles, 3 TFL and 1 sack).  Prior to their game against the Seahawks, Donald was the sole owner of the lone sack the Rams have had all season, then they broke out for three this past weekend.  Donald definitely has some intriguing DL3 value and match-up play has him at DL2 value.

Domata Peko, Bengals:  If you need a DL fill-in for week eight, give Peko a look against the Ravens.  He was pretty solid against the Colts (5 tackles, 1 sack).  The sack is hard to come by from Peko, but he gets lucky here and there but should be a top 30 option in week eight.

Jay Ratliff, Bears:  Out of nowhere Ratliff burst out for 3.5 sacks against the Dolphins.  Unless you’re desperate for a DL, I’d leave Ratliff alone though as he’s done nothing prior to week seven.  In DT required leagues is where I’d consider Ratliff, not mixed (DL) leagues.

Charles Johnson, Panthers: Throwing his name out there because there could’ve been that one impatient owner who dropped him. Can you blame him though? In the first 4 games, Johnson put up a total of 3 tackles and nothing else.  Johnson has picked it up lately though, through the last 3 games he’s put up 11 tackles, 4 tackle for loss, 3 sacks and 1 pass deflection, so he’s definitely been hitting the mark.

LINEBACKERS:

Vincent Rey, Bengals:  I’ve mentioned him before and I get a lot of responses on twitter that he’s still available, and right now he should be owned in all leagues that have 12 or more teams.  With the Bengals entire LB corps hurting from injuries, Rey is going to continue to put up numbers.  The 16 tackles he put up in week seven are no fluke, and as long as Lamur and Maualuga are out, Rey will benefit from the opportunity. Not to mention Burfict suffered a neck injury in week seven, too.  Rey’s value is on the rise and you should grab him, especially if you’re hurting from all these injuries.

Telvin Smith, Jaguars:  With Poz now out for the season, the LB you want in Jacksonville is Telvin.  He brings that quickness to the defense and has come a long way since pre-season.  In week seven he put up 4 tackles, 1 interception and 1 sack.  Don’t put too much into the low tackle total, that’ll only increase from here on out.  Telvin would be one of my top two choices at LB this week if you’re in need of one to add as he could flirt with top 25 value rest of the way.

Malcolm Smith, Seahawks:  With Wagner out for a few more weeks, Smith gains immediate LB2 value as he moves to WLB while Wright takes Wagner’s spot.  Smith should be a lock for 8-11 tackles a week and is definitely an option as a LB2 starter the next couple weeks.

Chris Kirksey, Browns:  Kirksey been playing roughly 65% of the snaps so far, but in week seven he’s definitely had his breakout game, 9 tackles and 1 sack.  That stat line is a glimpse of what he can do once he gains the starting job and plays majority of the snaps, or he’s a Dansby/Robertson injury away from flirting with top 25 LB value.  I’d definitely pick him up if you’re in a dynasty league, but it’s hard for me to trust in a redraft.

Trent Murphy, Redskins:  With Orakpo out for the season, the Redskins will look to unleash Murphy.  With Kerrigan playing phenomenal on the opposite side, you’d have to figure Murphy won’t see much attention, which will open the gates to the QB and make his path a bit easier.  I’d consider rostering Murphy in big play leagues as you’ll be relying on him getting the sacks instead of the tackles.

DEFENSIVE BACKS:

James Ihendigbo, Lions:  There’s a chance he’s still available on your waivers, if so I’d make a move to get him.  James posted 2.5 sacks the last three games and put together 23 tackles over that span as well.  He’s doing what he did in Baltimore and creeping under the radar as a mid-tier DB1 option going forward, or in other words an every week starter.

Will Hill, Ravens:  He made his season debut in week seven and played 24 snaps, easing him back in.  As soon as Hill gets comfortable, expect him to take the starting job as neither Stewart or Elam ran away with anything.  If nobody grabbed him in week six to stash him, make the move this week as his role will increase going forward.  He definitely has intriguing DB1 value once he gets the starting job locked down, but for now consider him a mid-DB2 option.

Bashaud Breeland, Redskins:  Breeland makes a solid stream for the week as he gets the Cowboys in week eight and should be targeted a lot.  He’s been active since Hall went down and averaged 5-6 tackles per game. Definitely consider him a DB2 stream option.

Corey White, Saints:  White is another solid stream option headed into week eight as the Saints host the Packers.  He’ll definitely be active and have a bunch of opportunities this game; the sack he had in week seven was a bonus.  I’d roster White for a couple weeks as he could have some solid games going forward against the Packers, Panthers and 49ers.

As always, feel free to reach me on Twitter and I’ll gladly respond to you in a timely manner because your waiver wire will vary from what I’ve seen.