Week 8 of the NFL season has arrived, and the fantasy quarterback landscape has taken quite the turn. Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield currently reign supreme, but who will stand out this week?
Let’s break down my Week 8 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football quarterback picks.
Start ‘Em: Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins) vs. Cardinals
I get it, this is a frightening proposition.
Some fantasy managers may want to see Tua make it through an entire game before trusting him in their starting lineups again. That’s understandable. However, this is a fantastic opportunity for Tagovailoa to return in dominant fashion. The Cardinals are atrocious defensively, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and sixth-most passing yards per game. On the other side of the ball, Tua has a fully healthy offensive arsenal at his disposal in Tyreek Hill, De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle.
While it’s a risky move, Tua has legitimate QB1 potential this week.
Sit ‘Em: Anthony Richardson (Colts) at Texans
Now, this is a risky move that almost certainly won’t pay off.
We all know the upside Richardson brings to the table thanks to his cannon of an arm and rushing ability. The problem is, he hasn’t shown it since Week 1, and he’s constantly at risk of getting hurt because he refuses to avoid contact when scrambling.
After missing two weeks due to a hip issue, Richardson underwhelmed in his return to action, completing just 10 passes for 129 yards. He did add 56 yards on the ground, but still finished with just 8.8 fantasy points for the game. Until Richardson’s confidence returns and he produces consistently, you can’t trust him in fantasy lineups.
Check out my full Week 8 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Russell Wilson (Steelers) vs. Giants
I almost can’t believe I’m writing this… but yes, start Russell Wilson this week.
I was among those questioning Mike Tomlin’s decision to bench Justin Fields for the veteran despite Pittsburgh’s recent success, and while I still believe Fields can be a starter in this league, it looks like Tomlin made the right call. Pittsburgh’s offense looked fantastic against a truly elite Jets secondary, carving them up for 37 points. Wilson was at the center of it all, racking up three total touchdowns and 264 passing yards. His instant rapport with George Pickens was particularly impressive, as the two looked like longtime teammates.
Wilson should continue to cook this week against a Giants squad that is quite vulnerable against quarterbacks from a fantasy perspective.
Sit ‘Em: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) at Raiders
If you told me eight weeks ago that at some point this season, I would recommend sitting Patrick Mahomes and starting Russell Wilson, I probably would’ve called you a liar.
Yet, here we are.
Through five games, Mahomes has failed to score more than 17.4 fantasy points in an outing. He’s thrown more interceptions (eight) than touchdowns (six), and holds a quarterback rating of just 82.5. Quite frankly, it’s been ugly across the board, yet the Chiefs somehow remain undefeated. Say what you will about Mahomes, he shows up when called upon.
Unfortunately for fantasy managers who roster the quarterback, his production in the clutch doesn’t change the fact that he’s currently putting up mid-range QB2 numbers. Sit him until that changes.
Fantasy Advice Twitter Takeover
On Sunday from 11-1 ET, Jeff Pratt will be taking over the DraftKings Network X account to answer all of your start/sit questions. Don’t miss out!
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 8 fantasy football quarterback picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice next week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
