Should I Drop Anthony Richardson? Fantasy Football Outlook for Week 8

It might be time to let go if you still hold onto Anthony Richardson in fantasy football leagues, especially where you are only required to start one quarterback.

Why is it time to move on from Richardson? Who do you need to get on your roster instead?

It is time to figure out what to do with the Indianapolis Colts QB and if he should be dropped in favor of others.

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Should I Drop Anthony Richardson in Fantasy Football?

In most 1QB leagues, dropping Richardson is the right move. The Colt has struggled significantly as a passer this season, and Week 7 against the Dolphins highlighted his weaknesses.

He completed just 41.7% of his passes, throwing for 129 yards with no touchdowns. This lackluster performance, combined with six interceptions and three passing scores on the season, makes him a liability for fantasy owners.

Anthony Richardson fumbles. Dolphins ball.#NFLTwitter #NFLpic.twitter.com/WaDmi9JTwb

— Pick 6 Pack (@Pick6PackFB) October 20, 2024

While Richardson's rushing ability gives him some value in deeper leagues or Superflex formats, it is not enough to justify holding onto him in strictly 1QB leagues.

His turnovers and poor passing efficiency make him hard to trust. You can find quarterbacks on the waiver wire that will outproduce Richardson this season.

Fantasy managers looking for consistent production should look elsewhere, as the 22-year-old's boom-or-bust potential has tilted too far toward the bust side this season.

Who Should I Pickup in Week 8 Fantasy Football?

If you are dropping Richardson, Drake Maye and Russell Wilson are two quarterbacks to target on the waiver wire for Week 8.

Maye of the New England Patriots is rostered in 25% of Sleeper leagues. The rookie has been impressive in his two starts. He has scored over 19 fantasy points in each game. In Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 22-year-old completed 26-of-27 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He also chipped in 18 rushing yards.

Maye's efficient play gives him solid long-term value, although his Week 8 matchup against the Jets is tough. The Jets are allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, so temper expectations for this week. The North Carolina product is still worth adding to your roster.

Quarterback leaders in per-start fantasy points

Lamar Jackson (25.7)
Russell Wilson (24.9)
Baker Mayfield (24.2)
Jordan Love (22.2)
Drake Maye (21.2)

Small sample size be damned. Maye and Wilson should not remain on waivers going into Week 8.

— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) October 22, 2024

Russell Wilson, available in 87% of leagues, is an excellent streaming option. Wilson impressed in his first start for the Pittsburgh Steelers, putting up 24.86 fantasy points. He connected on 16-of-29 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns. The veteran QB also added a rushing touchdown.

Wilson has a favorable matchup in Week 8 against the New York Giants. The Giants have surrendered the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

If you are looking for a one-week streamer with upside, Wilson is the better choice, but both he and Maye offer more stability than Richardson moving forward.

In a 1QB league, dropping Richardson and picking up one of these waiver options is a smart move to help strengthen your roster for the rest of the season. In 2QB or Superflex, you can feel confident dropping the quarterback, especially if Maye or Wilson are out there.

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