Week 8 fantasy rankings: Best, QB, RB, WR and TEs to start, sit

We’re quickly closing in on the halfway point of the 2023 NFL season, meaning we have more data points and film to put together our Week 8 fantasy rankings. As always, we’ll provide analysis and fantasy football advice for some of the top players at each position.

After a challenging Week 7 with six teams on the bye, things get a lot easier in Week 8. with all 32 teams playing. While we will need to keep an eye on injuries, the landscape for this weekend’s games looks a lot better for fantasy managers.

Let’s dive into our Week 8 fantasy rankings. Matchup previews for the top 15 players at each of our positional fantasy rankings will be provided throughout the week. Bookmark this page for updates taking you through Sunday morning.

Week 8 fantasy QB rankings

RANK	PLAYER	OPPONENT
1	Jalen Hurts (Q – Leg)	@ Commanders
2	Lamar Jackson	@ Cardinals
3	Patrick Mahomes	@ Broncos
4	Josh Allen	vs Buccaneers
5	Trevor Lawrence	@ Steelers
6	Tua Tagovailoa	vs Patriots
7	Joe Burrow	@ 49ers
8	Jared Goff	vs Raiders
9	Justin Herbert	vs Bears
10	C.J. Stroud	@ Panthers
11	Kirk Cousins	@ Packers
12	Brock Purdy	vs Bengals
13	Dak Prescott	vs Rams
14	Desmond Ridder	@ Titans
15	Matthew Stafford	@ Cowboys
16	Derek Carr	@ Colts
17	Gardner Minshew	vs Saints
18	Geno Smith	vs Browns
19	Kenny Pickett	vs Jaguars
20	Tyson Bagent	@ Chargers

Fantasy analysis and matchup previews for our Week 8 fantasy QB rankings will be released on Monday. We’ll provide additional updates leading up to Sunday, October 29.

1. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles – Jalen Hurts did suffer a knee injury on SNF, requiring a brace to finish the game. For now, he’s expected to play in Week 8. If Hurts is on the field, he has a golden opportunity to pepper DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown with targets against a Commanders’ defense that has allowed 14 passing touchdowns and nearly 1,800 passing yards in seven games.
2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens – It’s amazing what happens when Ravens’ receivers catch the football. Lamar Jackson has played at an MVP level this season, the players around him have just been slow to play at a high level. If Week 7 was a sign of this offense getting comfortable, Jackson is about to go on an electrifying fantasy run.
3. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs – In his last meeting against Denver, Patrick Mahomes only managed a single touchdown and threw a pick. This past Sunday, the Chiefs’ offense looked like it finally found its stride. Denver’s pass defense isn’t historically bad anymore, but this is still a spot for Mahomes to record 300-plus yards and two scores.
4. Josh Allen Buffalo Bills – Josh Allen has thrown three interceptions in his last three games, but he still boasts a 93.4 QB rating over that stretch while averaging 264.3 rushing yards per contest with two scores on the ground. Against a middle-of-the-pack Buccaneers’ pass defense, Buffalo should take advantage of a short week with a rebound performance.
5. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence just had one of his best performances of the season on an injured knee against a top-10 defense. With the benefit of 10 days rest, Lawrence’s numbers in Week 7 will be dictated by the offensive line. Jacksonville has held up well in pass protection in recent games and a clean effort would put Lawrence on a path to 250-plus yards and multiple touchdowns.
6. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa probably isn’t going to finish as a top-five fantasy QB in Week 8 because Bill Belichick has proven he can at least limit Miami’s explosive plays. Even if a 300-yard performance with three touchdowns isn’t coming, New England’s vulnerable pass rush and some injuries in the secondary still provide Tagovailoa a road to a very productive fantasy day.
7. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals – We’ve seen enough from Joe Burrow to view him as an elite fantasy quarterback for the rest of the season, but the San Francisco 49ers defense has held its opponents to a 67.2 QB rating this season and the 49ers’ pass rush will have success against the Bengals’ line.
8. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions – Jared Goff plays like an All-Pro quarterback at home, demonstrated by his 113.3 QB rating at Ford Field in 2023. If the Raiders can’t stop a DII quarterback, imagine what Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown will do.
9. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers – For as much as we like this matchup against the Chicago Bears secondary, other numbers matter. Justin Herbert has only completed 57% of his throws in the last three games and that 4-4 TD -INT line has meant a lot of points left on the board. Until this Chargers’ offense gets fixed, which might not happen with Mike Williams on IR, Herbert’s fantasy ceiling takes a big hit.
10. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans – In their final two games before the bye week, the Carolina Panthers defense allowed 480 passing yards and six touchdowns through the air. None of the injured starters are coming back anytime soon. Plus, this is a chance for C.J. Stroud to get revenge on the team that passed on him. Roll with Stroud in Week 7, it could be an outstanding fantasy day.
11. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings – If Kirk Cousins is capable of doing that against the San Francisco 49ers, we can’t wait to see what he can do with Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson against a Packers’ defense that is running out of healthy starters.
12. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers – While the Bengals’ defense is playing better as of late – 5-7 TD-INT rate, 59.8% completion – it doesn’t have the personnel or experience (younger players are more undisciplined) to hold up well against Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Brock Purdy doesn’t offer an elite fantasy ceiling, you can trust him to deliver top-12 production.
13. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys – Mike McCarthy’s offense can’t be classified as good, but it does produce plenty of red-zone trips. As for the opponent, the Los Angeles Rams defense has allowed a 90-plus QB rating to three different opponents this season.
14. Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons – While the Falcons’ offense is frustrating to many in fantasy football, it is having some success. Desmond Ridder has three rushing touchdowns this season and he can give you 2-3 additional points on the ground without finding the end zone. Plus, Tennessee’s secondary has allowed a 101 QB rating with a 71.5% completion rate to quarterbacks this season.
15. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams – It all comes down to the Rams’ offensive line. When Los Angeles protects Stafford, he’s a top-10 fantasy quarterback. Against an extremely athletic Cowboys’ pass rush, time to throw will be a problem. However, the Cowboys defense has allowed a 100-plus QB rating in the two games since Trevon Diggs went down.
16. Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints – Not only does Derek Carr have three offensive weapons that can carry him to fantasy relevance, he also has a good matchup in Week 7. Indianapolis has allowed 232.6 passing yards per game this season and 7 yards per attempt. The Saints’ wealth of receiving options will help Carr reach a decent fantasy floor.

Related: Kirk Cousins Is An Elite Quarterback

Week 8 fantasy RB rankings

RANK	PLAYER	OPPONENT
1	Christian McCaffrey	vs Bengals
2	Kenneth Walker III	vs Browns
3	Travis Etienne Jr	@ Steelers
4	Tony Pollard	vs Rams
5	Austin Ekeler	vs Bears
6	Saquon Barkley	vs Jets
7	Breece Hall	@ Giants
8	Alvin Kamara	@ Colts
9	Raheem Mostert	vs Patriots
10	Bijan Robinson	@ Titans
11	D’Andre Swift	@ Commanders
12	Jonathan Taylor	vs Saints
13	Jahmyr Gibbs	vs Raiders
14	Isiah Pacheco	@ Broncos
15	Derrick Henry	vs Falcons
16	James Cook	vs Buccaneers
17	Dameon Pierce	@ Panthers
18	Joe Mixon	@ Bengals
19	Gus Edwards	@ Cardinals
20	Aaron Jones	vs Vikings
21	Javonte Williams	vs Chiefs
22	Akexander Mattison	@ Packers
23	Rhamondre Stevenson	@ Dolphins
24	Miles Sanders	vs Texans
25	Rachaad White	@ Bills
26	Brian Robinson Jr	vs Eagles
27	Kareem Hunt	@ Seahawks
28	Najee Harris	vs Jaguars
29	Royce Freeman	@ Cowboys
30	Justice Hill	@ Cardinals

1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers – Even if Christian McCaffrey isn’t 100 percent healthy, he is the 49ers’ offense and the Bengals’ defense is allowing 5 yards per carry and over 140 rushing yards per game this season.
2. Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks – While Walker’s yards per carry average has dipped in the last two weeks, he’s averaging 20-plus touches per week and is magnetized toward the goal line. Running the ball will be tough against Cleveland’s defense, but the way to get around it is short throws and screens that get Walker in open space.
3. Travis Etienne Jr, Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Etienne has seemingly become the centerpiece of the Jacksonville Jaguars offense. That’s really all you need to know, considering Pittsburgh allows the fifth-most rushing yards per game (142.3) and 4.7 yards per carry.
4. Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys – Returning from the bye, we expect Tony Pollard to see more of the volume (20-plus touches) he received in September. When the opportunities come, he should perform very well against a Rams’ defense allowing 117 rushing yards per game with 4.1 ypc and nine scores.
5. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers – The Chargers are now in desperation mode and teams typically put even more in their stars when that happens. The Chicago Bears are respectable against the run, but this is a prime spot for Justin Herbert to start peppering Ekeler with a lot more targets.
6. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants – The New York Jets have only allowed two rushing touchdowns this season, but the 135.2 rushing yards per game and 4.4 ypc average allowed is enticing enough for Saquon Barkley in Week 8.
7. Breece Hall, New York Jets – In his last two games before the bye week, Breece Hall received 34 carries and eight receptions. He’s officially RB1 and the centerpiece of the Jets’ offense. Enjoy the second half of the season, Hall will be electric.
8. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints – Derek Carr is taking Captain Checkdown to the extremes, treating Alvin Kamara as if he’s the go-to read the moment the Saints’ quarterback sees a defender. It’s a recipe for long-term problems, but Kamara’s fantasy managers can enjoy the ride.
9. Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins – Raheem Mostert goes from facing one of the most physical teams in the NFL to a Patriots’ defense that is dealing with injuries in the front seven. With New England focused more on stopping Tyreek Hill, Mostert’s path to success should be clearer.
10. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons – The headache is behind Bijan Robinson, but it’s not over for fantasy managers. Even before Week 7, Arthur Smith hinted the team wanted to “ease” the physical and mental load on the rookie. Teams should want to feed their best player the football 20-plus times, but the Falcons’ distribution of touches has always been questionable.
11. D’Andre Swift, Philadelphia Eagles – Even if the Philadelphia Eagles won’t have one running back served as their workhorse, D’Andre Swift is getting more than enough touches to be a premium fantasy running back. Washington has only allowed four rushing scores this year, but its opponents average 4.4 yards per carry.
12. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts – With the Colts’ committed to feeding both Taylor and Zack Moss, it stings a bit from a fantasy perspective. With that said, Taylor remains an elite talent and we trust Shane Steichen to make things work even against New Orleans (3.9 ypc allowed).
13. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions – A more favorable game script and the absence of David Montgomery are two huge factors in Jahmyr Gibbs’ favor. Plus, he’s facing a Las Vegas Raiders defense that has allowed five rushing touchdowns in the last two games
14. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs – Put the down game behind Isiah Pacheco and focus on his matchup against a Broncos’ run defense that has allowed 167 rushing yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry this season.
15. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans – The Tennessee Titans have already thrown the white flag up and now without Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry faces a Falcons’ run defense that allows just 3.7 yards per carry. The workload will be there for a while, but Henry’s fantasy ceiling is lowered significantly now.

Related: 10 Takeaways From NFL Week 7

Week 8 fantasy WR rankings

RANK	PLAYER	OPPONENT
1	A.J. Brown	@ Commanders
2	Tyreek Hill	vs Patriots
3	Stefon Diggs	vs Buccaneers
4	Ja’Marr Chase	@ 49ers
5	Amon-Ra St. Brown	vs Raiders
6	Cooper Kupp	@ Cowboys
7	Keenan Allen	vs Bears
8	Chris Olave	@ Colts
9	CeeDee Lamb	vs Rams
10	Davante Adams	@ Lions
11	Puka Nacua	@ Cowboys
12	DK Metcalf	vs Browns
13	Brandon Aiyuk	vs Bengals
14	DeVonta Smith	@ Commanders
15	Zay Flowers	@ Cardinals
16	Mike Evans	@ Bills
17	Jordan Addison	@ Packers
18	Chris Godwin	@ Bills
19	Drake London	@ Titans
20	DJ Moore	@ Chargers
21	Terry McLaurin	vs Eagles
22	Nico Collins	@ Panthers
23	Diontae Johnson	vs Jaguars
24	Amari Cooper	@ Seahawks
25	Calvin Ridley	@ Steelers
26	Jaylen Waddle (Q – Back)	vs Patriots
27	George Pickens	vs Jaguars
28	Christian Kirk	@ Steelers
29	Adam Thielen	vs Texans
30	Michael Pittman Jr	vs Saints
31	Garrett Wilson	@ Giants
32	Tee Higgins	@ 49ers
33	Tyler Lockett	vs Browns
34	Marquise Brown	vs Ravens
35	Jakobi Meyers	@ Lions

1. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles – After losing his mind over only receiving 16 targets in the first two games, Jalen Hurts now seems to be targeting Brown 15-plus times a game. Facing a Commanders’ defensive backfield that has allowed 282.5 passing yards per game and 10 touchdowns in the last four weeks, Brown might have a shot at 200 yards if the Eagles really want to push for it.
2. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins – Ordinarily, Tyreek Hill would be No. 1 in our fantasy WR rankings. However, he’s lowered one spot this week because of Brown’s matchup and due to how well the New England Patriots covered Hill (40 yards, 1 TD) the last time they went head-to-head.
3. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills – In the last two games, Tampa Bay’s cornerbacks have allowed 292.5 passing yards per game with a 71% completion rate. In a must-win game, Allen will get Stefon Diggs to fill up the box score.
4. Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals – The San Francisco 49ers have allowed the fourth-most receptions (108) to wide receivers. Considering how often Joe Burrow is targeting Ja’Marr Chase these days, neutralizing Tee Higgins’ fantasy value, Chase could finish as WR1 and deliver 10-plus catches.
5. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions –After being embarrassed by the Baltimore Ravens a week ago, expect the Detroit Lions offense to use one of the NFL’s worst defenses as a proverbial punching bag on the national stage.
6. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams –Performances like that are extreme outliers for Cooper Kupp. If Matthew Stafford doesn’t get Kupp at least 8-80 against the Cowboys’ defensive backfield, we’ll be surprised.
7. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers – The days of top-five fantasy finishes are likely over with Mike Williams gone, but Keenan Allen should see double-digit targets against a Bears’ defense that allowed 89 receptions to wide receivers through its first seven games.
8. Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints – The quarterback situation in New Orleans isn’t great nor is Carr’s tendency to hammer Alvin Kamara with targets. However, Chris Olave is still producing like a WR1 and the Colts’ secondary is very inexperienced, which leads to plenty of coverage busts.
9. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys – CeeDee Lamb rebounded before the bye week with a 117-yard performance. Dallas will always grease the squeaky wheel, especially in a projected game script that favors the Cowboys.
10. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders – If our fantasy WR rankings for Week 8 were based purely on talent, Davante Adams is in the top-3. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, Las Vegas does an awful job of getting him the football regardless of who is at quarterback.
11. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams – While Puka Nacua’s fantasy managers might not get the production they enjoyed in Week 7, the Cowboys’ secondary has taken a step back since Trevon Diggs went down and their No. 2 corner spot is a big problem.
12. DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks – A matchup against Denzel Ward isn’t ideal from a fantasy perspective, but we’ve seen DK Metcalf produce even against top-end cornerbacks. He should also be healthier than when we last saw him on the field.
13. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers – If Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy don’t make corrections from the awful second half on MNF, where Brandon Aiyuk didn’t draw a single quality target, then we’ll panic. Until that happens, we’ll bet on a player who is proving to be one of the best route-runners in the NFL.
14. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles – Barring an AJ Brown-like tantrum on the sideline, DeVonta Smith is stuck in his role as a 2C option alongside Dallas Goedert. Fortunately, the Commanders’ secondary (1,337 receiving yards allowed) is extremely fantasy-friendly to pass-catchers.
15. Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens – Set to face a Cardinals’ secondary responsible for allowing nearly 1,400 receiving yards in seven games, Zay Flowers is a low-end WR1 with Lamar Jackson playing at an MVP level.

Related: Heisman Watch 2023

Week 8 fantasy TE rankings

RANK	PLAYER	OPPONENT
1	Travis Kelce	@ Broncos
2	Mark Andrews	@ Cardinals
3	Dallas Goedert	@ Commanders
4	Sam LaPorta	vs Raiders
5	T.J. Hockenson	@ Packers
6	Darren Waller	vs Jets
7	Jake Ferguson	vs Rams
8	George Kittle	vs Bengals
9	Evan Engram	@ Steelers
10	Kyle Pitts	@ Titans
11	Jonnu Smith	@ Titans
12	Logan Thomas	vs Eagles
13	David Njoku	vs Seahawks
14	Hunter Henry	@ Dolphins
15	Dalton Kincaid	vs Buccaneers
16	Dalton Schultz	@ Panthers
17	Cole Kmet	@ Chargers
18	Chigoziem Okonkwo	vs Falcons
19	Tyler Higgbee	Tyler Higbee
20	Michael Mayer	@ Lions

Submit start/sit fantasy questions or request fantasy matchup previews on Twitter to @Matt_Sportsnaut

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