Fantasy Football Week 8: Taylor and Cook Shine, McCaffrey Struggles

Week 8 of the 2025 fantasy football season provided a thrilling mix of standout performances and unexpected disappointments. Several star running backs showcased their skills, while some established players fell short of expectations. Analysts Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft dissect the winners and losers from this week’s action.

Highlighting the Top Performers

The standout player of the week was undoubtedly Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts. He continued his domination over the Tennessee Titans, achieving three touchdowns and accumulating 37.4 fantasy points. This marks his third consecutive game against the Titans where he scored at least three touchdowns, and it was also his fourth 30-point performance in the past six weeks. As the Colts gear up for their upcoming matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Taylor’s momentum looks set to continue.

Following closely was James Cook III of the Buffalo Bills, who solidified his status as one of the league’s top running backs. He rushed for 216 yards and recorded two touchdowns, resulting in 33.6 fantasy points against the Carolina Panthers. With seven of his 19 carries gaining double-digit yardage, Cook’s impressive performance leaves him as a must-start option for the Week 9 clash against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Another notable performance came from Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite leaving the game against the New York Giants due to a hamstring injury, Barkley had already amassed season-highs of 174 total yards and two touchdowns, scoring 33.4 points before his exit. The Eagles will need to monitor his recovery closely during their bye week.

In a surprising turn, Breece Hall of the New York Jets displayed exceptional form against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hall recorded 32.86 fantasy points and showcased his prowess with a game-winning touchdown pass, helping the Jets snap their 0-7 start. As the Jets head into their Week 9 bye, Hall’s performance raises questions about his potential if he remains with the team beyond the trade deadline.

Also making waves was rookie quarterback Drake Maye of the New England Patriots. He led all quarterbacks with 26.28 fantasy points in a challenging matchup against the Cleveland Browns, completing 18 of 24 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns. With his efficiency and dual-threat ability, Maye is positioned as a top option going forward, especially with an upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Key Disappointments and Injuries

On the other end of the spectrum, Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers faced a disheartening game against the Houston Texans. Despite high expectations, he managed only 9.8 fantasy points—his lowest of the season—after a streak of seven games scoring 22 or more points. McCaffrey’s struggles were compounded by the team’s overall lack of offensive rhythm, which will need addressing in their next game against the New York Giants.

Another player who struggled was Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons, who recorded a mere 5.8 points. His performance was hindered by the absence of key offensive players, resulting in a lackluster game against the New England Patriots. Fantasy managers are hopeful for improved outings once the Falcons’ offense is back at full strength.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also underperformed in their victory over the New Orleans Saints, each scoring less than 6.5 points. With a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against the Patriots and Bills, their fantasy prospects may be dimming.

Injuries played a significant role this week as well. Cam Skattebo of the New York Giants suffered a dislocated ankle, prompting concern over the Giants’ backfield depth. With Skattebo sidelined, Tyrone Tracy Jr. is expected to step into the starting role, making him a crucial addition for fantasy managers.

As the fantasy football landscape shifts following Week 8, managers must evaluate their rosters carefully, balancing standout performances against disappointing results and injury updates. With crucial matchups on the horizon, the stakes continue to rise in the quest for fantasy glory.