Fantasy Football: Top 6 quarterbacks to start for Week 8

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Oct 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles with the football during the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

This week in fantasy football, it’s all about gunslinger like quarterbacks that will dominate the scene thanks to some highly favorable matchups

With the mid-season point here for most fantasy football seasons, most owners continue to stick with their drafted quarterbacks and only make changes to their lineups if a favorable matchup is presented before them. Most owners have at least two, sometimes three quarterbacks on the roster as the tough task is ahead to see who gets the nod in Week 8 NFL action.

Don’t worry though, I’ve done the research for you for this particular week as this slideshow should help make those decisions much easier come game day. Of course in fantasy football, research is king but a little luck doesn’t hurt either.

Without further adieu, here are the top 6 quarterbacks you should start for Week 8!

Next: 6. This Packer is on a golden quest

Oct 18, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

6. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

I bet you’re thinking, “Why do you have Rodgers so low?! He is the best quarterback in the league!” He might be the best in the league at his position but hear me out on this one. This week, Rodgers is facing the hottest defense in the NFL in the Denver Broncos.

They have allowed just 8 fantasy points per game to the QB position. Thats right, eight… Another interesting stat? Rodgers has only surpassed 255 yards once this season. Fantasy wise, I think he is hurting without Jordy Nelson, but they are still undefeated.

Packer fans, rejoice because contrary to belief, he will put up a huge game in what should be an epic showdown on Sunday Night Football.

Next: 5. Ice runs in his veins

Oct 25, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) attempts a pass during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

5. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Ryan and company have surprised many this year with a hot 6-1 start. The Falcons are facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have given up 300+ yards to both Blake Bortles and Kirk Cousins. Tampa Bay has given up the second-most passing touchdowns this season to opposing quarterbacks.

Ryan should have a field day throwing to Julio Jones. After an average performance against the Tennessee Titans in Week 7 (22-of-38 for 251 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT), Ryan will be looking to bounce back. Ryan has thrown for 250 yards in 14 straight games. He’ll makes it 15 on Sunday.

Next: 4. The Red Rifle will fire off

Oct 18, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bengals beat the Bills 34 to 21. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

4. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

Dalton is having a season hotter than Hawaii on a summer day. He is on a current streak of six straight games with at least a 65 QBR. The only players to do that? Tom Brady and Peyton Manning of course. Dalton is a must-start quarterback against the Pittsburgh Steelers even though he is only averaging a QBR of 39 against AFC North opponents.

However, Dalton in his last four games against the Steelers he has averaged 264 yards with 7 passing touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Oh and the Steelers’ defensive secondary is giving up 277 passing yards per game.

Next: 3. He only gets better with time

Oct 18, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 25-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

3. Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals

Palmer put on a passing clinic on Monday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens. He didn’t have a monster outing but he put up pretty good numbers (275 yards and 2 touchdowns). Palmer will have a tougher outing against a Browns’ defensive secondary that has played well of late.

Regardless, Palmer and his Arizona Cardinals are playing with purpose to once again make a big splash in the NFL Playoffs. Palmer has been healthy and looks like he hasn’t missed a beat so far this season. Expect to see him make magic against the Browns in glorious fashion.

Next: 2. Superman continues to fly

Oct 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) passes the ball during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Philadelphia 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

2. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Newton has definitely been Superman this season for the Carolina Panthers. Although he has thrown 5 interceptions the past two weeks, he is facing an Indianapolis Colts’ defense that allowed at least 280+ passing yards the past five weeks. This past month alone, the Colts’ defense gave up 335 passing yards and 2 touchdowns per game.

The wide receiver corps for the Panthers isn’t the greatest, but with that matchup, if you got Newton, start him. He’s going to provide a plethora of fantasy points thanks to his dual-threat super powers.

Next: 1. This Charger is ready to smoke some Ravens

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tackle Joe Barksdale (72) blocks Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) as San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks downfield during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Oakland won 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

1. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

Playing from behind multiple times has forced offensive coordinator Frank Reich to call more passing plays on offense for the San Diego Chargers. With having to throw so much, Rivers has an ideal matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Next: Top Emoji from around the AFC East

For the season, Baltimore has allowed over 21 points a game to opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. This season, Rivers has completed 215 passes through seven games. He is also on pace for 5,604 yards. Needless to say, he’s going to have a field day against the Ravens!