When Dak Prescott, quarterback of Dallas Cowboys and rookie Drake Maye, quarterback for the New England Patriots both hit the top‑tier of the latest Week 8 Fantasy QB RankingsUnited States, fantasy owners are scrambling to lock them in. The NFL.com guide, released Friday, Oct. 23, 2025 at 11:17 AM UTC, flags Prescott, Maye and Broncos’ rookie Bo Nix as solid start‑options, while issuing a stark warning about Vikings’ veteran Carson Wentz facing a chokehold defense in the Los Angeles Chargers. For the casual fan, that means a potential point swing of 10‑15 fantasy units depending on who you trust.
What the Rankings Say
The consensus from FantasyPros—44 experts out of a pool of 165—places Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) at the summit, followed by Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) and Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens). Mahomes’ 26‑point outburst in Week 7 came on less than 80 % of snaps, yet he still eclipsed the rest of the league—a clear sign that his ceiling stays sky‑high even when the coaching staff pulls him early.
Just behind the trio, Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) and Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) round out the top five. The YouTube channel that posted the "UPDATED TOP 20 QB RANKINGS for Week 8" even bumped Bo Nix into its Tier 1 tier, citing his dual‑threat legs and an upcoming matchup against the Washington Commanders, a defense that historically lets up the eighth most fantasy points per game.
Quarterbacks to Start
- Dak Prescott – Faces a Miami Dolphins defense that has allowed 23.4 fantasy points per game to QBs. Prescott’s 254‑yard passing average this season makes him a safe floor play.
- Drake Maye – Takes on the New York Giants’ secondary, which ranks 28th in pass defense. Maye’s 12.3 yards per attempt suggests upside.
- Bo Nix – Meets the Commanders, who rank 9th in allowing fantasy QB points. Nix’s rushing ability (averaging 3.1 yards per carry) adds a bonus floor.
- Patrick Mahomes – Up against the Washington Commanders, a matchup that historically yields about 18.7 fantasy points for top QBs. Mahomes remains the weekly premium.
- Josh Allen – Plays the Carolina Panthers, whose pass defense is the ninth‑fewest points‑allowed to QBs.
- Lamar Jackson – Visits the Indianapolis Colts, a team that has surrendered 22.1 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.
Quarterbacks to Sit
The biggest red flag this week is Carson Wentz. He’s managed only one 16‑point outing in four starts, with two interceptions and a lone touchdown over his last two games. Pair that with the Los Angeles Chargers defense, which has allowed a mere seven passing touchdowns and six interceptions through seven weeks, and you have a recipe for a fantasy bust.
Other sit‑candidates include J.J. McCarthy (out with a shoulder issue) and Jayden Daniels (out after a sprained ankle). Even though they have talent, the injury reports make them too risky for the week.
Injuries and Availability
The injury carousel keeps turning. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers) and Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers) are listed as injured, meaning they’ll sit the entire week. Their absences open up backup options— Josh Johnson could see snaps in San Francisco, while Teddy Bridgewater might get a handful for the Panthers. Keep an eye on waiver wires; sometimes a low‑priced fill‑in can net 12‑14 points.
Impact of Defensive Matchups
The Chargers’ secondary has been a nightmare for fantasy owners. By Week 7 they’d allowed only one top‑10 quarterback performance. That stat translates into a roughly 8‑point swing when you start a QB against them. In contrast, the Dolphins and Panthers, while still solid, have been more permissive—averaging 22‑24 fantasy points per game to opposing QBs. When you’re balancing a roster, those defensive trends can be the difference between a bench‑warmer and a weekly starter.
Looking Ahead to Week 9
Week 9’s slate features a high‑scoring duel between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. If you’re riding the Mahomes‑Allen wave, that game could push both into the 30‑point territory. Meanwhile, the Vikings finally get a chance to reset with a matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, a defense that’s been vulnerable to mobile quarterbacks—good news for anyone considering a late‑week pickup like Jalen Hurts if he lands a backup role.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Chargers' defense affect fantasy quarterback choices?
The Chargers have allowed just seven passing touchdowns and six interceptions through seven weeks, plus only one top‑10 fantasy QB performance. That scarcity usually mutes a starter’s ceiling, turning potential 20‑point nights into 10‑12 point outings. Fantasy owners generally bench any QB facing them unless the matchup is otherwise unbeatable.
Which injured quarterbacks are still viable bench stashes?
Brock Purdy and Bryce Young are out for the week, but their backups—Josh Johnson (49ers) and Teddy Bridgewater (Panthers)—have shown occasional upside. Keep them on IR lists; a late‑week injury could thrust them into a starting role, yielding 12‑15 fantasy points.
Is it worth starting a rookie like Bo Nix over a proven veteran?
Nix’s dual‑threat skill set and a Commanders defense that allows the eighth most fantasy points make him a high‑upside play. If you need a ceiling hitter, lock him in; the risk is mitigated by his rushing floor.
What’s the best strategy for Week 8 if I’m already locked into Mahomes and Allen?
Pair those two premium QBs with a high‑floor starter like Prescott or a high‑upside rookie such as Nix. Avoid Wentz and anyone facing the Chargers. Fill the remaining slots with reliable flex options—think running backs with goal‑line work or tight ends like Travis Kelce who thrive in red‑zone situations.
How do the Week 9 matchups change my Week 8 roster decisions?
If you’re eyeing a late‑season push, consider locking in quarterbacks who have a favorable Week 9 slate—Mahomes, Allen, and Hurts all have high‑scoring opponents. This may justify riding a slightly risky QB now (like Nix) if it lets you keep a premium slot open for later.
