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Week 8 could feature the return of one of the NFL’s most prominent quarterbacks. A report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated that New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees (thumb) is planning on returning to practice this week with the hope of playing in Week 8. If Brees is unable to play this Sunday, the next target is Week 10, which is after the Saints’ bye week. Brees’ situation will need to be monitored all week, which fantasy owners can do by downloading the DK Live app. The Carolina Panthers are coming out of their bye week, but Cam Newton (foot) will remain out of practice this week as he continues to rehab, so Kyle Allen will start again in Week 8.
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Here are some QBs with under 50 percent ownership on mainstream ESPN traditional leagues that fantasy owners can consider picking up if they are in need of a QB.
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (49 percent)
Stafford is coming off his best fantasy performance of the season, throwing for 364 yards and four TDs after attempting a season-high 45 passing attempts in last week’s loss to the Vikings. Stafford is positioned well to have another highly productive fantasy outing at home against a lousy Giants defense. The Giants rank in the bottom six in both total yards allowed and points allowed to opponents, and they have also allowed elevated fantasy points to opposing QBs. Stafford is a strong streaming candidate this week if available in fantasy leagues.
Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans (2 percent)
Making his first start in place of Marcus Mariota, Tannehill was productive, passing for 312 yards and two TDs on 29 attempts. Tannehill draws a highly appealing matchup this week against a poor Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass defense that has allowed the most passing yards per game. The Buccaneers have also allowed the third most points per game and seventh most fantasy points per game to QBs. Tannehill is in an excellent spot and is widely available in fantasy leagues.
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (42 percent)
Jones has hit the skids lately for a combination of reasons, which include rookie mistakes, poor blocking by the offensive line, and the loss of several key players on offense. However, Jones’ supporting cast may be nearing full strength if Sterling Shepard (concussion) is able to return this week, and he draws a strong matchup indoors against a poor Lions defense. The Lions have allowed the second most yards, sixth most points, third most passing yards, and ninth most fantasy points to opposing QBs. Jones is a candidate for a better performance in Week 8 in a good matchup.
Teddy Bridgewater, New Orleans Saints (22 percent)
As mentioned in the opening paragraph, Drew Brees is planning on returning to practice this week with the hopes of playing on Sunday. However, if Brees ultimately does not play, Bridgewater will be in line to face a poor Cardinals defense that ranks in the bottom five in both yards allowed and points allowed. The Cardinals have also allowed the fourth most fantasy points per game to opposing QBs. The matchup is taking place indoors at home in New Orleans, adding to the fantasy appeal for Bridgewater if Brees remains out.
Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers (6 percent)
Rudolph cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol prior to the Steelers’ Week 7 bye, and is set to return to the field for an appealing matchup vs. a vile Miami Dolphins team this week. The Dolphins rank in the bottom third in passing yards allowed and have allowed the second most fantasy points to opposing QBs. Miami also comfortably ranks last in points allowed to opponents.