Fantasy football is basically a game of survival by the time late October rolls around. If you’re looking at week 8 qb rankings fantasy lists right now, you’re probably staring at a roster full of holes. It’s not just the bye weeks—though having the Cardinals, Jaguars, Lions, Rams, Raiders, and Seahawks all off at once is a total nightmare. It’s the injuries.
Lamar Jackson is out with that lingering hamstring. Jayden Daniels is sidelined. Bryce Young is dealing with an ankle sprain. Honestly, if you told me in August that you’d be unironically considering Daniel Jones or Bo Nix as a top-10 play in Week 8, I’d have said you were tilting. But here we are.
The landscape has shifted. Patrick Mahomes is back on top of the projections because the dual-threat monsters are in the trainer's room. If you’ve got a winning record, you’re just trying to bridge the gap. If you’re 2-5, this week is basically your Super Bowl.
The Elite Tier: Who’s Actually Left?
Usually, this section is crowded. This week? It’s lean.
Patrick Mahomes vs. Washington is the play of the week. The Commanders' defense has been a "get right" game for almost every quarterback they've faced. They’ve allowed two different passers to go for three touchdowns already this season. Mahomes has been steady, averaging over 24 fantasy points, and with Rashee Rice back in the mix, he’s the clear QB1. He’s basically the only "set it and forget it" guy who isn't a massive injury risk right now.
Josh Allen travels to Carolina. On paper, it looks like a smash spot. However, Allen’s efficiency has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He’s still a touchdown machine—he’s on pace for another 40-TD season—but the Panthers are weirdly stingy against the pass sometimes because teams just run all over them. Still, you’re starting him. You don't bench the guy who can give you 30 points even on a "bad" day.
✨ Don't miss: What's on ESPN2 Right Now: Your Guide to Today's Live Games
Then there’s Jalen Hurts. The Giants defense is missing Brian Burns and Paulson Adebo, which is a massive blow to their pass rush and secondary. Hurts is missing A.J. Brown, though. That’s the catch. Expect a lot of Saquon Barkley in this one, but Hurts should still vulture enough rushing touchdowns to keep his floor high.
The "I Can't Believe I'm Doing This" Tier
This is where Week 8 gets spicy. Since so many starters are missing, we have to look at the guys usually left on the waiver wire.
- Daniel Jones vs. Tennessee: Look, I know. It’s Daniel Jones. But the Titans aren't the defensive juggernaut they used to be, and Jones has been surprisingly effective as a runner this year. He’s ranked as a strong QB1 by some experts this week simply because the volume will be there.
- Bo Nix vs. Dallas: Nix was a beast as a rookie and has carried that over. Dallas has given up a league-high 12 receiving touchdowns. Nix isn't just a dink-and-dunk guy anymore; he’s scrambling for 40+ yards a game. If you're desperate, he's a legitimate high-ceiling play.
- Drake Maye vs. Cleveland: The Patriots are actually letting Maye throw the ball. He’s averaging nearly 9 yards per completion, which is top-tier efficiency. Cleveland’s defense is physical, but they can be beaten deep if the offensive line gives Maye three seconds to breathe.
Why C.J. Stroud Is Making Everyone Nervous
If you drafted Stroud early, you’re probably frustrated. The Houston offense looks... broken? That’s a strong word, but they’re definitely struggling. Stroud has only finished as a top-15 QB once this season. That is wild.
He’s facing a 49ers defense that is middle-of-the-pack in yards allowed but very good at limiting big plays. Stroud’s off-target rate is among the highest in the league right now. Without Nico Collins (concussion), it’s hard to see him suddenly exploding for 300 yards and three scores. He’s more of a low-end QB1 or high-end QB2 this week. You’re probably starting him because the waiver wire is a wasteland, but don’t expect a miracle.
Streaming Options and DFS Sleepers
If you’re really in a hole, look at Kirk Cousins. He’s starting for the Falcons because Michael Penix Jr. is out. Cousins isn't going to run for 50 yards, but he’s playing a Miami defense that is currently the worst in the league against the run. That might sound counterintuitive for a QB, but it means the Falcons will move the ball at will, setting up play-action shots in the red zone.
Baker Mayfield is another one. People keep waiting for the regression, but it hasn't happened. He’s playing the Saints in what should be a high-scoring divisional matchup. With Chris Godwin healthy and Mike Evans still doing Mike Evans things, Baker is a top-8 play this week, easily.
Week 8 QB Matchup Summary
| Quarterback | Opponent | Fantasy Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | Washington | Elite start; projected for 27+ points. |
| Josh Allen | Carolina | Must-start; high rushing floor. |
| Jalen Hurts | NY Giants | Solid QB1; watch for rushing TDs. |
| Joe Burrow | NY Jets | Tough matchup; lower than usual ceiling. |
| Bo Nix | Dallas | Sneaky sleeper; great for streaming. |
| C.J. Stroud | San Francisco | Risky; struggling with efficiency. |
What You Need to Do Before Kickoff
Don't just look at the names. Look at the practice reports.
If you see a guy like Lamar Jackson listed as "LP" (Limited Participation) all week, don't assume he's playing. The Ravens have been cautious. Also, check the weather for that Green Bay at Pittsburgh game. Late October in Pittsburgh can turn into a ground-and-pound slog real fast, which hurts Jordan Love’s value.
The most important move? Secure a backup today. With six teams on bye, the waiver wire will be empty by Saturday night. If you’re relying on a "questionable" starter, grab Andy Dalton or even Carson Wentz (starting for the Vikings) just in case. It’s better to have a guy who gives you 12 points than a zero because your starter was a late scratch.
👉 See also: Christopher Bell and the Rain: What Really Happened to the Coca Cola 600 Winner
Double-check your scoring settings too. In leagues that give 6 points for passing touchdowns, pocket passers like Cousins and Burrow move up. In 4-point leagues, you absolutely have to prioritize the runners like Nix and Jones.
Move your "questionable" players to the late-game slots if possible. It gives you more flexibility if you need to make a pivot at 4:00 PM. This week is all about mitigating disaster rather than chasing the perfect lineup.
Your Next Steps:
- Check the Waiver Wire: Look for Bo Nix or Drake Maye if they were dropped during their bye weeks.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Pay close attention to the final status of Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels on Friday afternoon.
- Verify Bye Weeks: Ensure you don't have Kyler Murray, Jared Goff, or Matthew Stafford accidentally sitting in your active QB slot.
- Pivot if Necessary: If your QB1 is out, don't overthink it—grab the best available matchup and move on.