Doug Martin (RB, OAK) - Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 10-Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 23% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Through Oakland’s first seven games, Martin has managed just 99 yards on 27 attempts (3.7 YPC), while struggling to navigate yardage with anything resembling the results that Marshawn Lynch delivered. He has also been noticeably lacking the explosiveness that Jalen Richard can provide.

But even though the dynamic Richard is the superior playmaker, Martin possesses the confidence and commitment of Oakland's coaching staff, which will propel him into the responsibilities that had been designated for Lynch. His ability to sustain that role should be dependent upon whether he can perform effectively, but it is feasible that Jon Gruden might continue using Richard primarily as a pass-catching weapon even if Martin struggles - without significantly expanding Richard's workload.

While this situation could ultimately change, Martin will be highly involved in this week's reconstructed ground game, and it is easy to envision Gruden doggedly allowing him to accumulate carries as the weeks progress. Owners with injury and bye week challenges should take this into consideration.