Week 8 presents a crucial juncture for fantasy football managers, balancing top-tier talent returning from byes with critical waiver wire opportunities created by injuries and unexpected breakouts. This week’s quarterback landscape demands strategic pickups and precise starts to gain a competitive edge in your league.
As fantasy football managers gear up for Week 8, the quarterback position once again takes center stage. This upcoming week (2025 season) brings a fresh set of challenges and opportunities, particularly with several key teams heading into their bye weeks. Understanding both the current projections and historical performance is vital for making winning decisions.
While some elite names remain at the top, injuries and surprising breakouts mean the waiver wire is ripe with potential difference-makers. We’ll dive deep into the top-ranked quarterbacks for Week 8, analyze recent historical performances that could inform future success, and highlight the best streaming and stash options available.
Week 8 (2025) Quarterback Rankings: Identifying Your Core Starters
The latest projections for Week 8 of the 2025 season see familiar faces dominating the top spots. Quarterbacks returning from early-season byes are poised to reclaim their elite status, while established stars continue to offer high floors and ceilings.
According to USA TODAY Sports’ Week 8 rankings, fantasy managers should prioritize these signal-callers:
- Patrick Mahomes II (KC) vs. WAS
- Josh Allen (BUF) at CAR
- Lamar Jackson (BAL) vs. CHI
- Jalen Hurts (PHI) vs. NYG
- Bo Nix (DEN) vs. DAL
- Baker Mayfield (TB) at NO
- Dak Prescott (DAL) at DEN
Patrick Mahomes II, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson consistently rank as top-tier options, offering both passing prowess and rushing upside that few others can match. Their matchups this week position them for strong fantasy outings. Jalen Hurts also remains a cornerstone of fantasy rosters, known for his dual-threat capabilities that reliably produce points.
Recapping Week 8 (2024) Top Performers: A Look Back
To truly understand quarterback potential, looking at recent history can provide valuable context. Week 8 of the 2024 season saw several quarterbacks deliver dominant fantasy performances, showcasing their ceiling when everything clicks. These past results offer insights into players who can step up under the right circumstances.
According to FantasyPros’ weekly leaders from Week 8 of the 2024 season, these quarterbacks led the charge in standard leagues:
- Jalen Hurts (PHI): 35.1 fantasy points
- Bo Nix (DEN): 29.8 fantasy points
- Kirk Cousins (ATL): 28.6 fantasy points
- Brock Purdy (SF): 26.0 fantasy points
- Matthew Stafford (LAR): 25.8 fantasy points
It’s notable that Jalen Hurts and Bo Nix appear prominently in both the 2024 historical leaders and the 2025 Week 8 rankings, underscoring their consistent fantasy relevance. Hurts’ ability to rack up points with both his arm and legs makes him a perennial favorite, while Nix, even as a rookie, demonstrated significant fantasy upside due to his dual-threat nature.
Week 8 Waiver Wire & Streamer Targets (2025 Season)
Injuries and unexpected quarterback situations continue to create chaos and opportunity for fantasy managers. Week 8 provides a critical chance to uncover value on the waiver wire, especially with several teams on bye. Look for quarterbacks who are poised for increased roles or favorable matchups.
Single-QB League Standouts
For those in standard leagues seeking immediate help, these quarterbacks are prime candidates for a pickup:
- Tua Tagovailoa (MIA): Roster percentage around 45% (Yahoo). Tua is expected to return in Week 8, bringing with him a track record of impressive performances, like his 20.6 fantasy points in Week 1 before his concussion. With elite weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and a favorable stretch of matchups (Cardinals, Bills, Rams, Raiders, Patriots), his upside is immense despite concussion risks.
- Geno Smith (SEA): Roster percentage around 62% (Yahoo). Smith has consistently delivered big passing yardage this season, including three 300-yard games. He has recorded at least 17.0 fantasy points in five of seven games and faces appealing matchups against Buffalo and the Los Angeles Rams before Seattle’s Week 10 bye.
- Jameis Winston (CLE): Roster percentage around 1% (Yahoo). With Deshaun Watson suffering a likely season-ending Achilles injury and Dorian Thompson-Robinson unimpressive in Week 7, Winston is poised to take over for the Browns. Known for his “air it out” style, he has the potential for big fantasy numbers, even with primary pass-catchers like David Njoku and Jerry Jeudy. He faces a questionable Ravens secondary in Week 8.
Deep Sleepers & Two-QB League Adds
In deeper leagues or those requiring two quarterbacks, these options offer significant potential:
- Mason Rudolph (TEN): Roster percentage around 1% (Yahoo). With Will Levis expected to miss extended time due to a shoulder injury, Rudolph made his 2024 debut in Week 7. Despite a tough matchup, the Titans showed a willingness to let Rudolph air the ball out. His Week 8 matchup against the Detroit Lions, with targets like Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins, presents intriguing upside.
- Bo Nix (DEN): Roster percentage around 13% (Yahoo). Nix is proving to be fantasy-relevant, primarily due to his rushing ability. He has at least four rushing attempts in every game this season, often converting those into significant yardage or even touchdowns. His rushing floor has led to at least 14.0 fantasy points in three consecutive games, making him a solid play against the Carolina Panthers in Week 8 and the Ravens in Week 9.
Navigating the Week 8 Bye Weeks (2025)
Unlike some previous weeks, Week 8 of the 2025 season will impact several quarterback rooms. Savvy fantasy managers must account for these absences and plan their starting lineups accordingly. The following teams are on bye, meaning their starting quarterbacks will not be available:
- Arizona Cardinals
- Detroit Lions
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Rams
- Seattle Seahawks
This means popular starters like Jared Goff, Trevor Lawrence, Matthew Stafford, and Geno Smith will be sidelined, forcing many to turn to the waiver wire or their bench for a replacement. This makes the streaming options discussed above even more critical for a successful Week 8.
Rookie Quarterbacks: High Upside, Real-World Learning Curve
The 2025 season continues to highlight a new crop of rookie quarterbacks making their mark in the NFL. While their real-world performance can be inconsistent, several have shown flashes of fantasy relevance, especially those with rushing upside. Bo Nix, as noted, is already proving valuable due to his mobility.
Other rookies like Drake Maye (NE) and Caleb Williams (CHI) are finding their footing and could emerge as intriguing options later in the season or for those in dynasty leagues. Their development is closely watched by fans, offering a glimpse into the future of their respective franchises.
Comprehensive Week 8 (2025) Quarterback Rankings
To help you solidify your Week 8 lineup, here is the full list of ranked quarterbacks for the 2025 season, providing a comprehensive overview of the week’s landscape (rankings by USA TODAY Sports):
- Patrick Mahomes II (KC) vs. WAS
- Josh Allen (BUF) at CAR
- Lamar Jackson (BAL) vs. CHI
- Jalen Hurts (PHI) vs. NYG
- Bo Nix (DEN) vs. DAL
- Baker Mayfield (TB) at NO
- Dak Prescott (DAL) at DEN
- Drake Maye (NE) vs. CLE
- Daniel Jones (IND) vs. TEN
- Caleb Williams (CHI) at BAL
- Justin Herbert (LAC) vs. MIN
- Jaxson Dart (NYG) at PHI
- Jordan Love (GB) at PIT
- Joe Flacco (CIN) vs. NYJ
- Brock Purdy (SF) at HOU
- Aaron Rodgers (PIT) vs. GB
- Tyrod Taylor (NYJ) at CIN
- C.J. Stroud (HOU) vs. SF
- Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) vs. MIA
- Marcus Mariota (WAS) at KC
- Spencer Rattler (NO) vs. TB
- Andy Dalton (CAR) vs. BUF
- Dillon Gabriel (CLE) at NE
- Carson Wentz (MIN) at LAC
- Cam Ward (TEN) at IND
- Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) at ATL
This comprehensive list, provided by USA TODAY Sports, should be your go-to resource for setting your Week 8 quarterback lineup. Whether you’re relying on a top-tier option or streaming a high-upside play, understanding the landscape is key to victory.
The Fan’s Edge: Strategic Insights for Week 8
For dedicated fantasy enthusiasts, Week 8 is more than just another slate of games; it’s a test of strategic foresight. With significant byes and emerging waiver targets, the decisions made this week can heavily influence playoff contention. Observing historical data, such as the FantasyPros’ Week 8 (2024) leaders, helps us project which player archetypes thrive under pressure.
Whether you’re holding onto an elite QB, diving into the waiver wire for a streamer, or stashing a high-upside rookie, every choice impacts your season’s trajectory. Leverage these insights to navigate the complexities of Week 8 and secure a dominant performance for your fantasy squad.
