Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) makes a pass against Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.

As we do each week, we rarely take the league's best QBs and tell you to start a player who is already a starter. These are designated for the guys who might fill in for a week due to an injury, a bye week, etc. For Week 8, fantasy players will have to tap into their creative side because names like Goff, Murray, Stafford, Lawrence, and Donald are all on a bye. Therefore, innovative solutions are needed! Including for my own team!

Start - Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After suffering a loss on Monday night at the hands of the Detroit Lions, the feisty Baker Mayfield was feeling a certain way after the game. He felt like some calls that should have been made weren't. But, he didn't play well either, throwing a pick, struggling to move the football, and only completing 28 out of 50 passes. In Week 8, you better believe that he will want to take out some anger on the division bottom-feeder, New Orleans Saints.

Start- Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears will play the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, and Baltimore is still reeling from injuries. Even if Lamar Jackson is back and healthy, that will not help the Ravens' pass defense. Look for Williams to spread the ball around and use his legs a bit more. The running game should open up as well, which should help Williams throw the ball deep.

Start - Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons (If Healthy)

The Atlanta Falcons are coming off of a bad loss against the San Francisco 49ers. Thankfully, Penix Jr. will have ample opportunity to redeem himself against the Miami Dolphins. The game will also be at home for Atlanta, and they need this win. Penix Jr. has only thrown one touchdown to a true wide receiver this season, and that needs to change on Sunday.

Sit - Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

The Packers will be traveling to Pittsburgh for a Sunday Night primetime matchup with the Steelers. It's a game you know Rodgers will want to win, and Love will try not to lose, which could cause trouble for Love by forcing the ball into an excellent defense. Plus, Love isn't necessarily great on the road.

Sit - Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

Like the great Randy Jackson would say, "It's a no from me, dog!" Tua has only put up over 20 points as a fantasy option once this season. You cannot trust him against an outstanding Falcons defense hungry for a win. Plus, the Dolphins locker room is in shambles at the moment.

Sit - C.J. Stroud - Houston Texans

Stroud and the Texans will play the 49ers this weekend, and you know what that means? Trouble in the pocket for Stroud. He will have to rely on his internal clock and escape the pocket more often than not. The 49ers keep finding ways to be consistent, even while riddled with injuries.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 8: QB Edition

Reporting by Josh Petry, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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