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Week 8 Quarterback Rankings

With six teams on bye, let’s take a look at Week 8’s top QB options.

NFL: Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts
In a home game versus KC, Andrew Luck is a high-end QB1 in Week 8.
Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

Half a dozen signal-callers are resting this week, so we’re left with just 26 available QBs in Week 8. Still, there are plenty of serviceable options to get your fantasy team a much-needed win before the playoff race tightens.

Here are my Top 26 QBs for Week 8 vs. FantasyPros' ECR rankings:

Fantasy Football rankings - Week 8

View Available Players
# Player (team) Matchup ECR™ vs. ECR
1 Tom Brady (NE) at BUF 1 0
2 Andrew Luck (IND) vs. KC 4 +2
3 Cam Newton (CAR) vs. ARI 7 +4
4 Aaron Rodgers (GB) at ATL 3 -1
5 Matt Ryan (ATL) vs. GB 2 -3
6 Russell Wilson (SEA) at NO 5 -1
7 Drew Brees (NO) vs. SEA 6 -1
8 Derek Carr (OAK) at TB 8 0
9 Andy Dalton (CIN) vs. WAS 10 +1
10 Matthew Stafford (DET) at HOU 11 +1
11 Dak Prescott (DAL) vs. PHI 15 +4
12 Kirk Cousins (WAS) at CIN 14 +2
13 Jameis Winston (TB) vs. OAK 9 -4
14 Marcus Mariota (TEN) vs. JAC 13 -1
15 Blake Bortles (JAC) at TEN 21 +6
16 Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ) at CLE 17 +1
17 Carson Palmer (ARI) at CAR 12 -5
18 Brock Osweiler (HOU) vs. DET 20 +2
19 Alex Smith (KC) at IND 16 -3
20 Josh McCown (CLE) vs. NYJ 26 +6
21 Philip Rivers (SD) at DEN 19 -2
22 Carson Wentz (PHI) at DAL 23 +1
23 Tyrod Taylor (BUF) vs. NE 18 -5
24 Trevor Siemian (DEN) vs. SD 22 -2
25 Jay Cutler (CHI) vs. MIN 25 0
26 Sam Bradford (MIN) at CHI 24 -2

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Notes & Analysis:

  • Andrew Luck, fantasy’s second-highest scoring QB, gets a home matchup against a Chiefs defense that has allowed 297 yards and 3 TDs per game in their last three outings. Getting Donte Moncrief back should also give him a boost.
  • Cam Newton will need to have a big week to live up to this relatively lofty ranking, but I’m fully expecting the NFL’s most dynamic QB to come off his bye ready to ball out.
  • Aaron Rodgers and his pass-happy offense travel to Atlanta to take on Matt Ryan’s high-flying Falcons in what should be a battle of NFC heavyweights. They’re both rock-solid QB1s.
  • Russell Wilson’s fantasy stock has taken a hit in 2016, presumably due to a few lower-body injuries that have limited his rushing ability. Even if he can’t turn on the jets quite yet, he should find plenty of success through the air against New Orleans — it’ll be very disappointing if he doesn’t.
  • Andy Dalton is an acceptable QB1 in most league as he’ll get a healthier Tyler Eifert in London this week, where he’ll take on a Josh Norman-less Redskins defense.
  • Dak Prescott takes on a tough Eagles defense this week, but after a week of rest and the addition of Dez Bryant to the lineup, this dual-threat rookie is a low-end QB1 in Week 8.
  • Marcus Mariota and Blake Bortles square off this Thursday in an AFC South “clash” (if that’s what you want to call it). Mariota is the safer bet without a doubt, but I’m still confident a breakout game comes sooner than later for Bortles. Regardless, it’ll take a leap of faith to plug him in as your QB1 this week.
  • Carson Palmer just hasn’t looked the same this season, and now he’s dealing with a banged-up group of pass catchers. He’s not a great option even with multiple byes.
  • Brock Osweiler has been unacceptably horrible in his first couple games as a Texan, but he possibly has this week’s tastiest QB matchup against a pitiful Lions pass D. A big game isn’t out of the question with his talented receivers.