Blog · Week 8 · October 26, 2026
Should you pick up Seth McGowan in Week 8?
Yes, Seth McGowan is worth picking up on the waiver wire as a bench stash if you need backfield depth. However, you should not start him in Week 8 due to a tough matchup. Hold the 25-year-old running back on your bench to see if his workload keeps expanding.
Seth McGowan's rising waiver wire interest
Seth McGowan has surfaced as a popular target on the waiver wire for Week 8, recording 330512 adds and 0 drops in the last 24 hours. The 25-year-old rookie RB offers potential depth for a banged-up backfield in Indianapolis and remains available in most fantasy leagues. Across 7 games in the 2026 season, he has compiled 18.6 PPR pts with a 2.7 average per game. However, his usage saw a clear increase in Week 7 against MIN, where he earned a season-high 11 rushing attempts for 46 rushing yards along with 1 target and 1 reception for 2 receiving yards, scoring 5.8 PPR pts. His touch count is trending in the right direction.
Week 8 matchup analysis and FX projections
Looking ahead to Week 8 against JAX, the matchup outlook is extremely difficult. The opposing defense presents a MATCHUP DIFÍCIL, allowing just 17.3 pts per game to RBs, which ranks #31 out of 32 teams. Our FX Model projects McGowan for 4 PPR pts, 3.7 Half pts, and 3.4 STD pts, placing him as the RB79 for the week. His previous outputs include 4.8 PPR pts in Week 4 at WAS (6 carries, 31 rushing yards, 1 reception), 2.9 PPR pts in Week 5 at PIT (5 carries, 16 rushing yards), and 2.7 PPR pts in Week 6 vs TEN (4 carries, 27 rushing yards). His scoring ceiling remains low right now.
Fantasy football strategy for Seth McGowan
Adding Seth McGowan from the waiver wire is a stash move for depth rather than an immediate starting option for your lineup. Even though his opportunity expanded to 11 carries in Week 7, his fantasy floor and efficiency remain limited. Fantasy managers should sit the rookie RB across all formats in Week 8 because the opponent severely limits running back fantasy scoring. Keep him stashed on your bench to monitor if he secures a larger share of touches in upcoming weeks. If you have roster space, claiming him for low FAAB or free agency is a smart long-term bench move to protect against future injuries.
Fantasy advice
ADD · We recommend to ADD Seth McGowan on waivers but leave him on your bench for Week 8. In PPR and Half PPR formats, his projected 4 pts and 3.7 pts offer a minimal floor against a top defense. In STD leagues, a 3.4 pts projection makes him unstartable. His primary value comes from his 11 carries in Week 7, making him a useful bench stash if his volume continues to grow.
Projection from the FX Model, Fantasy Expertos' own system.
FAQ
Should I start Seth McGowan in Week 8?
No, sit him. He is projected for only 4 PPR pts against a defense ranking #31 against RBs.
Is Seth McGowan worth a high waiver priority?
No, save your top priority and target him through free agency or a small FAAB bid.
What are Seth McGowan's Week 8 fantasy projections?
The FX Model projects 4 pts in PPR, 3.7 pts in Half PPR, and 3.4 pts in STD formats.