Week 8 QB Start, Sit Fantasy Strategy: Teddy Bridgewater for Another Great Week

This week is the perfect reminder that it is not about the QB; it is about the matchup. Tons of players have wonderful matchups that should see them have monster weeks, but they are not players you would normally think of. Do not expect the insane fireworks we saw last week, but expect very reasonable weeks from these waiver wire snags.

In two QB leagues, you should have plenty of options for that 2nd QB slot. Use this list to guide you in your decision on who to start so you do not make the mistake of playing someone on name value alone. You have to be bold and not let yourself start a guy just because he has been good. You need someone who will be good.

Start Them

Teddy Bridgewater

vs. ATL

Teddy Bridgewater is the perfect example of starting him in plus matchups and benching him in mediocre or bad matchups. In the last game against Atlanta, Teddy came through with 313 yards passing and a couple of scores. This was a great game by Bridgwater, elevated by the fact that the Falcons’ secondary is so bad. This game should see similar results, where Teddy comes through with a massive game. Matt Ryan will drive the ball on the Panthers’ secondary as well, and this will lead to an overall high-scoring game. A perfect opportunity for Teddy to put up huge comebacks as the two QBs go back and forth.

You cannot talk about Teddy without speaking to his weapons. Robby Anderson and DJ Moore look to be two of the best deep threats in the game right now. Not to mention that CMC may be back for the game, which would be a huge plus for Teddy. Curtis Samuel has also been playing well and is excelling as a gadget player under Matt Rhule’s system. Teddy is a must-start this week against Atlanta.

Joe Burrow

vs. Ten

Joe Burrow is coming off of a huge game, and we might be getting to the point where I no longer need to tell you to start him. However, I had to put him on this list as I did not want you to miss out on this incredible opportunity that he has. The Titans have been atrocious on defense, and this game is shaping up to be a repeat of last week’s against Cleveland for Burrow.

The Bengals will not be able to stop the Titans’ extraordinarily efficient offense. However, this just gives Joe Burrow an excuse to air it out on a weak secondary all game long. This game should see Burrow hit the 300 passing yard mark with ease, and hopefully, he should leave the game with multiple scores.

Justin Herbert

@ DEN

Justin Herbert is a must-start in almost every matchup at this point in the season. The rookie is playing with extreme confidence, and he has tallied 7 touchdowns in the past two games. The weak spot on this Broncos’ defense is their secondary. Anthony Lynn knows this and will target them repeatedly with Herbert’s cannon of an arm. Joshua Kelley and Justin Jackson are simply not getting it done on the ground, and they will continue to be inefficient in this game against the Broncos. Herbert will pass the ball out of necessity this game, but he will see success.

What gives me such tremendous confidence in Herbert is knowing that he has Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to target all game. These two are one of the best duos in the NFL. Herbert will have his choice on which monster target to throw to all game long. However, Herbert has also been utilizing other guys on the squad like Jalen Guyton. He has scored and hit over 70 yards in two of the last three games. Herbert has the talent around him to succeed, and he will succeed in this game.

Sit Them

Ben Roethlisberger

@ BAL

Ben Roethlisberger has been on a tear this season. A lot of that has to do with having the deepest WR core in the NFL, with four playmakers who could be #1s on several different rosters. However, this Baltimore defense is no joke. It does not matter who your QB is; you do not start them against the Ravens. The Ravens rank 7th in DVOA against the pass and just added an elite pass rusher in Yannick Ngakoue. I would say that Big Ben would be running for his life in this game, but I do not think that he has the mobility to run anymore.

The scariest part for Roethlisberger is that he struggled with turnovers against a much weaker Titans’ defense. This Ravens team is not only efficient on defense, but they have playmakers. Ngakoue, for example, is one of the best at stripping the ball from the QB. You should not start Ben in this matchup. The game will be low scoring with the Steelers also having a monster defense, and he will not get much against Baltimore.

Drew Brees

@ CHI

Do not be fooled by Jared Goff having a somewhat okay day against this Bears’ defense, as that kind of performance does not happen often. Drew Brees will not be able to stay clean in this game, and the Bears’ pass rushers will get to him. This is a matchup where I am fading most of the fantasy players; however, I especially do not want to touch Brees. Go get a safer option from the waivers for this week.

Tua Tagovalioa

vs. LAR

Tua may intrigue you as this Miami team does have weapons around it, and he has been so hyped up for this game. Do not do it. The Rams have one of the best secondaries in football and are terrifying for even experienced QBs to play against. This is a horrible matchup for Tua’s first start, and I wish that Fitzpatrick would have gotten another week. Hopefully, the game will not kill the rookie’s confidence; however, you should not be playing him in fantasy.

Jalen Ramsey will be shadowing #1 DeVante Parker, and I peg Ramsey to win that matchup. Tua’s best chance is to hit Mike Gesicki and Adama Shaheen against the terrible Rams LB core. However, that does not bode well for a quality fantasy game.

Wait until the Cardinals game next week to try out Tua in your fantasy roster.