C.J. Stroud and 3 More Quarterbacks to Sit in Fantasy Football for Week 8

With bye weeks in full swing, here are four quarterbacks who should be benched in fantasy football ahead of Week 8.

Oct 20, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) warms up prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images | Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Not every quarterback matchup is worth trusting in NFL Week 8. While some passers are heating up against vulnerable defenses, others face situations that could quickly cool off their fantasy production.

Challenging road environments, improved secondaries and lingering offensive issues all come into play this week. A few quarterbacks have struggled to stay consistent under pressure, while conservative game plans or run-heavy scripts could limit others.

With several stars on bye, fantasy managers may feel the temptation to roll the dice, but not every gamble will pay off. Avoiding the wrong start can be as valuable as finding the right one. Here are four quarterbacks better left on the bench in Week 8.

Cam Ward (Titans) @ Colts 

Ward had one of his better performances this season in his last outing vs. the Patriots despite being without his top pass-catcher, Calvin Ridley. However, that isn’t saying much because he threw for just one touchdown and the Titans lost, 31-13. In Week 8, Ward faces the Colts, who give up the fourth-most passing yards per game (255.4), and I still wouldn’t feel comfortable starting him in fantasy. The rookie is yet to record a multi-TD game and has thrown an interception in his last five games.   

Patriots score on defense!

NEvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/4G231fTicp

— NFL (@NFL) October 19, 2025

C.J. Stroud (Texans) vs. 49ers 

Stroud and the Texans' offense have been painful to watch this season. Their offensive line is struggling, and they lack a run game and playmakers outside of Nico Collins. To make matters worse in Week 8, Houston will likely be without Collins, as he suffered a concussion late Monday night vs. the Seahawks. Stroud and the Texans’ struggles will continue this week without their top playmaker. 

Seattle pressure leads to an Ernest Jones INT!

HOUvsSEA on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/l7WzFU1zUw

— NFL (@NFL) October 21, 2025

Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons) vs. Dolphins 

A home game vs. the Dolphins appears to be a good spot for Penix to fill in as a bye-week replacement. However, he’s dealing with a bone bruise injury that will likely limit his practice all week. Penix’s injury, alongside the matchup with the Dolphins' poor run defense, could alter Atlanta’s game plan. Miami has the worst run defense in the NFL, leading the league with 159.3 rushing yards allowed per game. Expect the Falcons to lean heavily on Bijan Robinson and the run game, limiting Penix’s ceiling in Week 8. 

From @gmfb: The latest on injuries to Mike Evans, Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix Jr., who has a bone bruise in his lower leg — not his foot — and should be good to go Sunday. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/Z0AEsFYFTY

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 21, 2025

Brock Purdy/Mac Jones (49ers) @ Texans 

Whether it's Purdy or Jones who starts under center for the 49ers, I’d sit both. Entering Monday night, Houston allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks in the NFL. The 49ers offense still battles injuries at virtually every offensive position, including QB. Purdy has missed five straight games with a reaggravated turf toe injury. Even if he suits up, there’s still risk involved.   

The #49ers expect Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall to be ready to go for Week 8, per @DMRussini pic.twitter.com/NGPn8ha1bv

— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) October 18, 2025

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Check out our Week 8 quarterback rankings.