Which quarterbacks have the most favorable fantasy matchups? Who is the best streaming option? And who has a poor matchup?
Here’s a breakdown of five notable quarterbacks featured in Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon and Matthew Freedman’s Week 8 fantasy football rankings.
The No. 1 QB
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Mahomes has been on fire this season. His worst fantasy performance was a 20.82-point showing, and he’s exceeded 25 points in all other starts.
He’s the top QB in our weekly rankings (again) and leads all quarterbacks in median, ceiling and floor projections in the FantasyLabs Player Models.
The Most Favorable Matchups
Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Cousins is in a prime spot against a New Orleans defense that ranks in the bottom five in yards allowed per attempt (8.7) and passing yards given up per game (293.7). The Saints are also Pro Football Focus’ No. 31 unit in pass coverage.
Cousins carries an average rank of 4.0 among our rankers.
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
Pressure can generate turnovers, but fortunately for Luck, the Raiders can’t pressure the quarterback or defend the pass. Overall, the Oakland defense ranks as PFF’s No. 29 unit in pass coverage and No. 31 unit in pass-rushing.
Luck has an average rank of 6.0 and has the third-highest ceiling projection in the FantasyLabs Player Models.
Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Matchup Downgrade
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
You can’t sit Newton because he carries such a high floor with his rushing attempts, but this spot against the Ravens isn’t great. Baltimore is allowing a league-low 4.5 yards per play and has one of the NFL’s best secondaries.
The Panthers have an implied team total of only 20.5 points, and Newton ranks outside two of our three rankers’ top 10 QBs.
The Best Streamer
Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears
Trubisky could be available depending on what site you play on and your league size. He has the 10th-best median projection and an average rank of 12.7 among our rankers.
Aside from the matchup against a banged-up Jets secondary, Trubisky also isn’t afraid to run, which solidifies his floor:
Quarterback rushing yards/game leaders this year:
Cam Newton: 42.8
Tyrod Taylor: 41.7
Mitch Trubisky: 40.8
Dak Prescott: 33.7
Taysom Hill: 31.3— Justin Bailey (@justinbailey32) October 23, 2018
Want another edge? Be sure to keep up with the week’s news on FantasyLabs.
Pictured above: Mitchell Trubisky
Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
