:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51544683/usa-today-9598142.0.jpg)
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 |
-
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.