Week 8 Budget Fantasy Sleepers

Introduction

In the world of salary cap fantasy sports, finding value plays can make or break your lineup. When you're working with budget constraints, identifying players who can deliver significant production at minimal cost becomes essential. Today, we're examining three intriguing options all priced under $2 million at Salary Cap Sports: Kayshon Boutte (WR, Patriots), Oronde Gadsden II (TE, Chargers), and Kimani Vidal (RB, Chargers). Each brings unique upside, but which one is positioned best for fantasy success over the coming weeks?

Kayshon Boutte - New England Patriots WR

Current Situation

Kayshon Boutte has emerged as one of the more intriguing pickups in recent weeks. The second-year receiver out of LSU has developed solid chemistry with rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and the results have been encouraging. Through eight games in 2025, Boutte has posted 23 receptions for 431 yards and five touchdowns.

Recent Performance

What's particularly exciting about Boutte is his recent hot streak. Over his last three games, he's scored touchdowns in each contest, accumulating 10 receptions for 223 yards and four touchdowns on just 12 targets. That's an impressive 18.6 yards per reception and elite touchdown efficiency. His connection with Maye on deep balls has been especially productive, with multiple catches of 25 yards or more.

Concerns

The primary concern with Boutte is target volume. Despite his production, he's averaging fewer than four targets per game, which limits his floor. The Patriots offense also ranks among the league's worst, which could cap his overall ceiling. Competition for targets from Stefon Diggs and others further complicates his consistency.

Fantasy Outlook

Boutte is the classic boom-or-bust play. He has legitimate touchdown upside every week given his rapport with Maye on deep shots, but his lack of consistent targets means he could easily post a dud. In Salary Cap Sports, he's an interesting buy for a week when you need upside, but be prepared to sell him quickly if the production doesn't continue. The volatility makes him better suited as a short-term hold rather than a season-long investment.

Oronde Gadsden II - Los Angeles Chargers TE

Current Situation

The rookie tight end out of Syracuse has become an increasingly important part of the Chargers passing attack. Through six games, Gadsden has compiled 27 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, his usage has been trending upward significantly.

Recent Performance

Gadsden's last three games have been particularly impressive. He's caught 19 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns on 22 targets during this stretch. That's an average of over seven targets and 100 yards per game. In Week 8 against the Vikings, he led the team with five receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. The chemistry with Justin Herbert is clearly developing, and Herbert has shown he's willing to target his tight ends consistently.

Advantages

Unlike Boutte, Gadsden offers a much safer floor thanks to his increasing target share. At 6'5 and 236 pounds, he's a true mismatch weapon who operates as more of a receiver than a traditional blocking tight end. The Chargers offensive system under Jim Harbaugh traditionally features tight ends prominently, and with limited competition at the position, Gadsden's role appears secure.

Fantasy Outlook

Gadsden represents the best combination of floor and ceiling among these three options. His target volume provides consistency, while his size and Herbert's willingness to look his way in the red zone offer touchdown upside. In Salary Cap Sports, he's a player you can buy and hold for multiple weeks with confidence. The upcoming matchup against Tennessee's defense in Week 9 is particularly favorable for tight ends.

Kimani Vidal - Los Angeles Chargers RB

Current Situation

Vidal's opportunity is entirely predicated on injury. With both Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris sidelined, the second-year running back from Troy has been thrust into a featured role. Through five games in 2025, he has 54 carries for 279 yards and one touchdown.

Recent Performance

Vidal has shown flashes of the ability that made him productive at Troy. In Week 6 against Miami, he exploded for 124 rushing yards on 18 carries while adding three receptions for 14 yards and a touchdown. He followed that up in Week 8 with 117 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries against Minnesota. That's back-to-back games with 117+ yards and a score.

Concerns

The biggest question with Vidal is sustainability. Reports indicate the Chargers are actively looking to upgrade the running back position via trade or free agency. If they acquire a veteran back, Vidal's touches could evaporate quickly. This makes him risky to spend a trade on.

Fantasy Outlook

Vidal is the highest-risk, highest-reward option of the three. As long as he maintains the starting role, he has RB2 upside with 15-20+ touches per game. In Salary Cap Sports, he's a buy for immediate production, but you should be ready to sell at the first sign of trouble. The Titans matchup in Week 9 is favorable, but beyond that game, his situation becomes increasingly uncertain. His solid 5.2 yards per carry this season shows real efficiency, which makes him productive while the opportunity lasts.

The Verdict: Who Should You Target?

Best Overall Value: Oronde Gadsden II

For my money, Gadsden represents the best fantasy investment over the next few weeks. Here's why:

• Consistent Volume: His target share has steadily increased, providing a safe floor of 5-7 targets per game.
• Stable Role: Unlike Vidal, whose playing time could disappear with a roster move, Gadsden's position is secure.
• Strong Quarterback Play: Justin Herbert is a top-10 quarterback, far superior to Drake Maye at this stage.
• Favorable Schedule: The Chargers face beatable defenses over the next month, including Tennessee, Baltimore, and Atlanta.
• Red Zone Presence: His size makes him a natural target near the goal line.

Best Upside Play: Kimani Vidal

If you're looking for a home run swing and can stomach the risk, Vidal offers the highest ceiling. Running backs with 20+ touches are fantasy gold, regardless of efficiency. However, this is purely a buy-for-now, sell-quickly situation in Salary Cap Sports. Use him while the opportunity exists, but be ready to move him immediately if news breaks about roster changes.

Boom-or-Bust Option: Kayshon Boutte

Boutte's low price combined with legitimate touchdown upside makes him an interesting buy when you need a spark. However, the inconsistent target volume makes him someone you'll likely want to flip after a big game rather than hold long-term. In Salary Cap Sports, he's a classic 'buy low, sell high' candidate if he posts another touchdown performance.