5 players trending down (week 8)

Featuring Caleb Williams, Quentin Johnston, and more

October 23, 2025

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Our week 8 rankings are up and will be updated each day around 9-10am EST. Thank you to those who have shared initial feedback along the way. If there’s anything else we can do to improve them, let us know!

Now, let’s get into 5 players trending down as we head into week 8.

Giddy up.

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RB - Jordan Mason (MIN)

  • Jordan Mason has shown inconsistent performance since his impressive first start against Cincinnati where he ran for 116 yards and two touchdowns. In his subsequent three games, Mason has been limited to between 50-60 yards in each contest.

  • Mason's explosiveness has notably declined in recent weeks, as he hasn't managed a carry longer than 15 yards in his last three games. This represents a significant drop-off from the big-play ability he showed earlier.

  • Our take: Will be interesting to see how this backfield looks with Jones back and then with a potential QB shift back to JJ McCarthy. I think he’ll still be in FLEX consideration most weeks. But you’ll really be counting on a TD and positive game script. 

WR - Quentin Johnston (LAC)

  • Quentin Johnston is much improved from last year and producing 16.2 points per game in a high-volume Chargers attack, benefiting from Keenan Allen’s target magnetism and Ladd McConkey’s constant separation

  • Johnston still commits inexplicable drops and now faces target competition from a newly involved Oronde Gadsden II, leaving him more boom-bust WR3 with better 2026 optimism once Keenan Allen is likely gone

  • Our take: QJ has come down to earth since his hot start. That last bullet sums it all up for me. 

QB - Caleb Williams (CHI)

  • Williams currently sits as QB13 in fantasy points per game, though his season has been notably inconsistent with three strong QB1 finishes (QB9, QB1, QB10) contrasted by three poor performances where he finished QB20 or lower (QB20, QB24, QB27).

  • Williams' rushing production has significantly declined since the season's start, failing to exceed 27 rushing yards in any game since Week 1, while his passing metrics show concerning trends with rankings of 35th in adjusted completion rate and 34th in highly accurate throw rate among 41 qualifying quarterbacks.

  • His performance metrics raise serious concerns, as he currently holds the third-highest off-target rate among qualified quarterbacks, and recently failed to capitalize on a favorable matchup against the Saints, suggesting potential struggles against upcoming opponents.

  • Our take: The off-target rate is concerning. Hard to tell how much that should be attributed to a skill issue or still getting used to a new offense. Wouldn’t blame you for selling into a more stable QB, but I wouldn’t sell low. 

RB - Tony Pollard (TEN)

  • Tony Pollard has been struggling significantly, averaging only 39.7 rushing yards and 11.2 PPR fantasy points per game, with a four-yard per attempt average when Tyjae Spears is healthy. His recent performance against the Patriots required six receptions for 43 receiving yards just to reach 12.1 fantasy points.

  • Pollard's rushing production has been particularly concerning, with five consecutive games of 67 or fewer rushing yards, including just 52 total yards over the past two weeks. His previous matchup against the Colts resulted in only 45 yards on 16 attempts and 13.9 fantasy points.

  • The outlook against the Colts remains challenging, as Indianapolis has been particularly effective against running backs, allowing only 17.4 fantasy points per game (fourth-fewest in the NFL). Over the past month, they've limited running backs to 69.8 rushing yards and 15.8 fantasy points per game, with just one rushing touchdown allowed.

  • Our take: It’s hard to find any positives going for Pollard. I would avoid as a contender and hopefully you already sold if you’re rebuilding. 

RB - Chuba Hubbard (CAR)

  • Hubbard has found himself in a clear committee situation with Rico Dowdle, receiving 54% of the snaps but showing less efficiency with just a 35.7% rushing success rate compared to Dowdle's 52.9%. His first drive performance was particularly concerning, managing only nine yards on his initial touches.

  • Despite receiving the starting role and earning an in-season multi-year extension in 2024, Hubbard's adjusted yards after contact per attempt sits at just 2.14, significantly lower than his backfield partner's 3.47.

  • Hubbard's explosive play rate of 5.9% pales in comparison to Dowdle's 21.1%, though it's worth noting that his recent performance came after returning from a lower-body injury which could have affected his effectiveness.

  • Our take: It’s hard to imagine there’s much of a market for Hubbard buyers right now. Even if Dowdle leaves in the offseason (free agency), they have Jonathan Brooks waiting in the wings. It’s hard to see things turning around right now.

Yesterday’s poll results:

🥇 Best subscriber comment (casual golfer): “A good walk spoiled”

Our take: Guess I’m in the minority here lol. I’m obsessed.

Today’s poll:

Are you buying or selling Caleb Williams?

(Vote to see live results)

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That’s all for today!

See ya pizza,

Joe

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