Waiver Wire Watch: Jaxson Dart and Oronde Gadsden II Shine in Fantasy Football
Introduction
As Week 8 of the NFL season approaches, fantasy football managers are on the lookout for players who can elevate their teams' performance. The waiver wire is a crucial resource for finding these hidden gems. Among the standout players to consider are Jaxson Dart and Oronde Gadsden II, both of whom have shown promising potential in recent games.
Key Details
Jaxson Dart, a rookie quarterback, has been gaining attention for his impressive performances, while Oronde Gadsden II is making waves as a tight end with consistent involvement in his team's offense. Both players offer a fresh injection of talent that can help fantasy teams navigate the challenges of the season. With injuries and bye weeks affecting many top players, these newcomers can provide valuable depth and consistency.
Impact
Picking up players like Dart and Gadsden II can be a strategic move to bolster your fantasy roster. They bring a mix of youthful energy and untapped potential, which can be crucial in securing victories as the season progresses. By capitalizing on these waiver wire opportunities, fantasy managers can stay ahead of the competition and build a strong foundation for the rest of the season.
About the People Mentioned
Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the New York Giants in the NFL. Born on May 13, 2003, in Kaysville, Utah, Dart played college football at USC and Ole Miss, where he established himself as a highly productive and record-setting quarterback. At Ole Miss, he set school records for wins by a starting quarterback (28) and winning percentage (.737), finishing his collegiate career with 11,970 passing yards, 81 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions over 45 games, along with 1,541 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, accumulating over 13,500 total yards of offense[1][6][7]. Dart was selected 25th overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, who traded up to secure him. He began his rookie NFL season as a backup to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. Following a 0–3 start for the Giants, Dart was named the starter for Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he led the team to victory, completing 13 of 20 passes for 111 yards and scoring a rushing touchdown in his first career start[1][5]. He continued to impress by leading the Giants to a win over the Philadelphia Eagles on October 9, 2025, with 195 passing yards and 58 rushing yards, becoming one of the few quarterbacks since 1991 to score opening-drive touchdowns in each of their first three career starts, joining Patrick Mahomes in that achievement[1]. Dart is noted for his distinctive under-eye black paint, inspired by a scar on the Star Wars character Anakin Skywalker, which he has worn since his college days as a personal tribute and expression of his youthful spirit[5]. At 6 feet 2¼ inches tall and weighing 223 pounds, Dart combines mobility and passing skills, making him a promising young talent in the NFL[1][3]. He is currently active with the Giants and is viewed as a key figure in the team's effort to improve its performance in the 2025 season[1][3][4].
About the Organizations Mentioned
NFL
## Overview of the NFL The National Football League (NFL) is the preeminent professional American football organization in the United States, renowned for its massive influence on sports, entertainment, and business. With 32 teams divided between the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC), the NFL organizes a 17-game regular season culminating in a single-elimination playoff and the Super Bowl—the most-watched annual sporting event in the U.S.[2] ## History and Evolution Founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) in Canton, Ohio, the league initially comprised teams primarily from the Midwest and Northeast[1][3]. It was renamed the National Football League in 1922 and faced early instability, surviving competition from rival leagues such as the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and multiple iterations of the American Football League (AFL)[2]. By the 1950s, the NFL had established a monopoly on professional football in the U.S., with only the Canadian Football League (CFL) operating independently in Canada[2]. The most significant development in NFL history was the 1966 merger agreement with the AFL, which led to a common draft and the creation of the Super Bowl as a championship game between the two league champions[1][2]. The leagues fully merged in 1970, reorganizing into the AFC and NFC and cementing the NFL’s dominance in American professional sports[1][2]. ## Key Achievements and Innovations The NFL pioneered lucrative television contracts, transforming football into a national pastime and a major media event. The league’s adoption of revenue-sharing and salary caps fostered competitive balance, helping small-market teams remain viable[2]. The NFL has also been a leader in sports technology, implementing instant replay, advanced player tracking, and digital platforms for fan engagement. Notable achievements include the expansion to 32 teams, the internationalization of the game through game
