Has the 2022 fantasy football season already left you scrambling for help on the waiver wire? After DK Metcalf suffered a knee injury, Seattle Seahawks veteran wide receiver Marquise Goodwin stepped into his role and immediately produced. We’re breaking down whether you should add the playmaker to your fantasy roster against the New York Giants in Week 8.
Should You Add Marquise Goodwin From the Waiver Wire for Week 8?
Okay, raise your hand if you knew Goodwin was still in the league at 31 years old. I sure didn’t realize he had signed in Seattle after catching a total of 55 passes over the last three years with San Francisco and Chicago. But the Seahawks are surely glad to have the veteran after seeing him immediately pay dividends when called upon in Week 7.
With Goodwin stepping into an explosive passing attack, consider adding him to a weekly Best Ball tournament on Underdog Fantasy, where thousands of dollars are up for grabs in prizes every week.
Goodwin was fantastic, catching four of five targets for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Geno Smith, who had only targeted Goodwin 10 times entering this game, appeared to favor the veteran immediately. This could prove to be a massive waiver wire addition for hurting fantasy rosters.
Available in every Yahoo and ESPN league, Goodwin will be a popular claim with Metcalf possibly on the shelf for some time. Though Metcalf won’t require surgery and Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll won’t rule him out for Week 8, it’s probably a safe assumption that Metcalf will be held out for at least this week as a precaution. The door is open for Goodwin.
MORE: Zay Jones Waiver Wire Week 8
Even as the Seahawks have undergone personnel changes from Russell Wilson to Smith at quarterback, this passing attack heavily favors their top-two receivers, and then the tight end position. With Metcalf out, Goodwin will step into a direct role that has earned 52 targets across seven games. Tyler Lockett has 53 targets in a shockingly balanced distribution.
Tight ends Noah Fant and Will Dissly are almost even with 20 and 19 receptions, respectfully, followed by Goodwin and a random assortment of talent.
It was impressive to see the Seahawks adjust on the fly with Goodwin filling in for Metcalf. There aren’t many athletes comparable to Metcalf stylistically, and Goodwin is more like Lockett with his quickness, speed, and slight frame. Seattle now has two track-star speedsters who weigh around 182 pounds starting.
Beyond being unusual, Seattle is the team capable of making it work. Smith’s collegiate days with Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin may be paying off for however long Goodwin is in the lineup, as he thrived alongside two playmakers who overcame their size concerns with immense speed. Both of these 30-plus-year-olds have shown throughout the year they have plenty of gas left in their burners to jet past their younger defenders.
Is Marquise Goodwin a Good Play Against New York?
The Giants’ defense ranks third in limiting fantasy production to opposing receivers, an impressive feat considering their lack of high-end individual talent. New York only gives up 10.6 receptions, 131 yards, and less than half a touchdown in each game to their opponents. This doesn’t look promising for the Seahawks at face value.
But considering the Giants travel to Seattle and the Seahawks’ unique reliance on their top-end playmakers, I think Goodwin actually is a good starting play this week. His speed is extremely problematic 1-on-1, and he can win on more routes than just running straight downfield.
He may lack long-term roster potential depending on how quickly Metcalf returns to the field, but I’d absolutely be willing to slide Goodwin into my WR2 or Flex role if your roster is hurting for a playmaker. He’s in a better position than any of the waiver wire receivers we’ve covered in 2022.
