Knowing which defenses to start in fantasy football can be critical to winning your matchups. This position, arguably more so than any other, is matchup-dependent on a weekly basis, and the best results can be obtained by being flexible with a streaming strategy. Here’s a look at our Week 8 fantasy defense rankings and the top options to stream this week.
Top Fantasy Defense Streamers in Week 8
By this point in the season, we have a pretty good idea of who the top defenses are and which offenses we want to target with our defense streamers. Here are my top fantasy defense streamers, all of which are rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues.
Indianapolis Colts (vs. WAS)
This matchup would be more favorable with Carson Wentz under center, but we’re not exactly fearful of Taylor Heinicke.
Heinicke only took one sack against the Packers, but he did throw a pick-six, and should’ve had another fumble-six. One of my recommended plays on Underdog Fantasy last week was Heinicke to throw a pick, and I might have to go back to the well yet again.
The Colts have recorded multiple sacks in four straight games. They just held the Titans to what was really 12 points (since seven of their points allowed came courtesy of Matt Ryan throwing a touchdown to the other team).
Entering Week 7, the Commanders were allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to defenses. They’re a terrific team to stream against. The Colts are out there in 66% of Yahoo leagues. Grab them and put in your lineups this week.
Tennessee Titans (at HOU)
The Titans really hadn’t posted a high-end defense effort all season until this past week against the Colts. They sacked Ryan three times, forced three turnovers, and returned one for a touchdown.
This week, Tennessee gets a weak Texans offense featuring a quarterback that has thrown five interceptions on the season. Houston and Davis Mills score just 17.6 points per game. He’s also typically good for a couple of sacks. The Titans have recorded three sacks in three straight games.
This is a tough week for streaming defenses as the bad offenses are facing bad defenses. The Titans have enough playmakers to force turnovers and possibly score. They are a worthwhile streamer this week.
Atlanta Falcons (vs. CAR)
I know. I know. The Panthers lit up the Bucs last week. But I’m just not buying it. This is still an offense devoid of any playmakers outside of DJ Moore.
The Falcons were torched by Joe Burrow and the Bengals last week, but PJ Walker is not Burrow. The previous week, the Falcons held the 49ers to just 14 points.
MORE: Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer Week 8
Entering Week 7, the Panthers were allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to defenses. I just can’t fathom the Panthers suddenly being a competent offense. Stream Atlanta this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. DEN)
I hesitate to recommend the Jaguars because this is a defense that’s allowed 57 points over the past two weeks. With that said, the Broncos’ offense simply can’t score points. Whether it’s Russell Wilson or Brett Rypien, Denver is averaging 14.2 points per game.
Wilson seems likely to start. He’s averaging over three sacks taken a game. While he’s not really turning it over, you can certainly do worse than a defense that won’t allow many points that accumulates a couple of sacks. The Jaguars are not a preferred defensive streamer, but they’re a viable one if you need them.
Week 8 Fantasy Defense Rankings
The rankings below are from Senior Fantasy Analyst Tommy Garrett. If you want to ask Tommy or any of our fantasy analysts about defense rankings or streamers for Week 8, then be sure to sign up for the PFN Pass, which includes daily personalized fantasy advice through the PFN Discord server.
The table is best viewed in landscape on mobile devices and can be sorted using the filters above the table.