When Patrick Mahomes, quarterback of Kansas City Chiefs posted a projected 26 points for his Week 8 showdown against Washington, fantasy managers took note. The buzz landed on October 22, 2025, the day WalterFootball released its weekly rankings and ESPN’s analyst panel echoed the same hierarchy. But the real story isn’t just the top‑three; it’s the flood of streaming options that could rescue squads stuck without a franchise quarterback. Here’s why you should care.
Overview of the Week 8 Quarterback Landscape
During Week 8 of the 2025 NFL seasonnational slate of games, the matchup matrix favors a handful of elite signal‑callers. The Chiefs face a Washington defense that has allowed 292 passing yards per game, while the Ravens travel to Chicago, where the Bears have struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills head to Charlotte, a venue that historically hands up defense‑friendly numbers to opponents.
Top‑Tier QBs and Their Projections
The consensus top five is painfully familiar:
- 1. Patrick Mahomes – 26 projected fantasy points.
- 2. Lamar Jackson – 25 points against the Bears.
- 3. Josh Allen – surprisingly high 28 points despite a rainy forecast in Charlotte.
- 4. Jalen Hurts – solid 24 points in Philadelphia’s home game.
- 5. Bo Nix – a dark horse at 22 points for Denver.
Matt Bowen of ESPN summed it up: “When Mahomes is on the field you can almost guarantee a double‑digit floor. The real challenge is navigating the drop‑off after the top three.”
Streaming Candidates & Emerging Options
For managers whose rosters lack a top‑tier QB, the stream‑week market is where the action lives. Joe Flacco, now under the helm of the Cincinnati Bengals, is flashing a 15‑point ceiling against the New York Jets. WalterFootball’s breakdown shows 230 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a single interception – numbers that exceed his career averages of 269 yards and 1.8 touchdowns per game.
FantasyLife.com flagged three “streamers” with the highest designed rush share. Jaxson Dart sits at the top, having logged a 38% rush‑share rate since Week 4. He faces the Philadelphia Eagles, a defense that has allowed 12 QB rushes per game this season.
Another surprise is Jayden Daniels, who slipped just behind Dart after a clutch performance in Week 7. His matchup? The Seattle Seahawks, who have surrendered a 7.4‑yard rush average to opposing QBs.
Impact on Teams Without Elite Quarterbacks
Think about the Miami Dolphins or the Arizona Cardinals – both stuck behind second‑string QBs early in the season. For them, the Week 8 slate offers a chance to plug the gap without blowing cap space. The key is matching the right streamer to the opponent’s defensive profile. For instance, Cleveland’s defense gives up the fifth‑most passing yards to backup QBs, making Flacco a tempting pickup for anyone with a bench slot.
Even the running‑back game can swing the decision. FootballGuys.com highlighted how Chase Brown’s rise to RB 22 coincided with Flacco’s resurgence, noting the Bengals’ offense finally opened up lanes for chunk plays. As a result, a manager who started Brown and added Flacco could see a double‑digit boost beyond the QB’s isolated points.
Looking Ahead: Later Weeks & Injury Watch
Injury reports are the lifeblood of fantasy strategy. Brock Purdy, who’s still listed as questionable for the San Francisco 49ers, could re‑enter the rotation, dramatically reshaping the Week 9 landscape. If he returns, his matchup versus the Denver Broncos will be a nightmare for anyone still banking on a lower‑tier starter.
Meanwhile, the defensive rest of the league is tightening up. The New England Patriots have forced a league‑best 2.9 interceptions per game, meaning any low‑budget QB will need a floor‑based game plan – short passes, high‑percent completions, and a rushed‑yard bonus.
Bottom line: Week 8 offers a blend of safe bets (Mahomes, Jackson) and high‑upside streams (Flacco, Dart). Managers who stay nimble, watch the daily injury feed, and align quarterback styles with defensive tendencies will come out on top.
Key Facts
- Mahomes projected 26 points vs. Washington (Chiefs).
- Lamar Jackson projected 25 points vs. Chicago (Ravens).
- Josh Allen tops the board with 28 points at Carolina (Bills).
- Joe Flacco: 15 points, 230 yards, 2 TDs vs. New York (Bengals).
- Jaxson Dart leads designed rush share (38%) vs. Philadelphia.
- Tee Higgins climbs to top‑15 WR tier, averaging 16.4 points when Flacco starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Joe Flacco’s resurgence affect my streaming options?
Flacco’s recent three‑start stretch averages 281 yards and 2.6 touchdowns, well above his career baseline. Against the Jets, he’s projected for 15 points, making him a viable floor‑plus‑ceil option for managers lacking a top‑tier starter. Pair him with a high‑volume RB like Chase Brown for added upside.
Which Week 8 quarterback offers the best rush‑share upside?
Jaxson Dart tops the list with a 38% designed rush share since Week 4, facing the Eagles—a defense that struggles against QB runs. He offers a potential 7‑point floor from rushing yards alone, complementing his passing upside.
What impact does Tee Higgins’ performance have on a Flacco‑led Bengals offense?
When Flacco is under center, Higgins averages 16.4 fantasy points, a jump of roughly 3 points over his season baseline. The improved passing volume lifts the entire offense, meaning a manager who starts both can expect a compound boost.
Should I consider streaming a rookie quarterback this week?
Drake Maye cracked the top five on NFL.com’s list, but his matchup versus a stout Dallas secondary curtails upside. Unless you need a high‑variance play, it’s safer to stick with proven streams like Flacco or Dart.
What’s the injury outlook that could reshape Week 9 QB rankings?
Brock Purdy remains questionable; a return would give the 49ers a solid starter against Denver, potentially pushing the Broncos’ Bo Nix out of the top‑five. Keep an eye on the weekly health reports, especially for West Coast quarterbacks.