Streaming Defenses Week 8: D/ST Picks for Fantasy Football This Week

Note: These recommendations are limited to team defenses that are rostered on less than 60 percent of teams on Yahoo or 80 percent on NFC. Any references to fantasy points are based on Yahoo standard scoring, which doesn't include yards allowed.

Top Streaming Options for Week 8

1. Indianapolis Colts (vs. TEN)

• 49% Yahoo, 82% NFFC
• Team implied total: 31.0     Opponent implied total: 16.5 
• Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 9: 14th (at PIT),  Week 10: 11th (vs. ATL)

A lot of fantasy leagues have 3-4 strong D/ST plays on waivers this week, but none quite compare to Indianapolis. A home game against the Titans isn't just the best possible matchup right now; it's one of the best we've seen this decade. Five of the seven defenses to face Tennessee this season have scored 14-plus fantasy points, including a 15-spot from Indianapolis in a 41-20 win at Tennessee in Week 3. 

2. Atlanta Falcons (vs. MIA)

• 9% Yahoo, 60% NFFC
• Team implied total: 27.0     Opponent implied total: 19.5
• Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 9: 18th (at NE),  Week 10: 23rd (at IND)

The Dolphins have officially graduated from 'falling apart' to flat-out broken. Mike McDaniel's departure is a matter of when, not if, and GM Chris Grier will follow him out the door if Stephen Ross has even the slightest bit of sense (unfortunately, he can't also fire himself). QB Tua Tagovailoa may not be far behind, after throwing six interceptions the past two weeks despite so many of his passes coming behind/near the line of scrimmage. It's a full-on Miami Meltdown, with Atlanta next in line to benefit.

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3. Cincinnati Bengals (at NYJ)

• 3% Yahoo, 0% NFFC
• Team implied total: 24.5     Opponent implied total: 20.0
• Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 9: 16th (vs. CHI),  Week 10: BYE

Justin Fields is the better matchup for D/ST scoring, but Tyrod Taylor should work just fine, especially if Garrett Wilson (knee) is out again. The Jets have a CFL-level receiving corps without Wilson in the lineup, giving 90-plus percent snap shares to guys like Josh Reynolds and Arian Smith who would struggle to even earn roster spots with other teams. As bad as Cincinnati's defense is, a home matchup with this miserable Jets offense should lead to a solid fantasy score.

4. Buffalo Bills (at CAR)

• 38% Yahoo, 50% NFFC
• Team implied total: 26.75     Opponent implied total: 19.25
• Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 9: 25th (vs. KC),  Week 10: 2nd (at MIA)

I'd rather stream a defense against Bryce Young (ankle) than Andy Dalton, but this is still a favorable matchup. Just keep in mind that it's not without risk, as Buffalo's struggles against the run give Carolina a window to keep things close (and avoid the sacks/turnovers that we need for fantasy points). On the other hand, the Bills should beat up on Young/Dalton if Josh Allen is able to build an early lead and force the Panthers away from their running game.

5. Baltimore Ravens (vs. CHI)*

• 31% Yahoo, 22% NFFC
• Team implied total: 28.5     Opponent implied total: 22.0
• Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 9: 4th (at MIA),  Week 10: 12th (at MIN)

The Ravens don't necessarily stand out for Week 8 with so many other strong options on the board, but they might be the right 'add' in highly competitive formats where week-to-week streaming isn't so easy. Few teams have more defensive talent, and we'll almost certainly see a better, healthier version of the Ravens after their Week 7 bye, aided by an incredibly soft schedule over the next two months. For those who missed out on the Patriots and their mid-season run of weak opponents, Baltimore could end up being the new version, grading out as a top-10 play a handful of times over the next 6-7 weeks.

*The Bengals aren't listed here, but they're actually ranked ahead of Baltimore if looking at Week 8 only.

Week 8 Rankings

Tier 1: IND

Tier 2: NE, ATL, TB, BUF, PHI, KC, CIN

Tier 3: BAL, GB, LAC

1. Colts (vs. TEN) 
2. Patriots (vs. CLE) 
3. Falcons (vs. MIA)  
4. Bengals (vs. NYJ)  
5. Eagles (vs. NYG)  
6. Chiefs (vs. WAS) 
7. Bills (at CAR) 
8. Buccaneers (at NO)   
9. Ravens (vs. CHI) 
10. Packers (at PIT)
11. Chargers (vs. MIN)
12. Texans (vs. SF) 
13. Vikings (at LAC) 
14. Broncos (vs. DAL)
15. 49ers (at HOU) 
16. Jets (at CIN) 
17. Browns (at NE)
18. Steelers (vs. GB)
19. Giants (at PHI)
20. Cowboys (at DEN)

Looking Ahead to Week 9

1. Rams (vs. NO) 
2. Chargers (at TEN)
3. Packers (vs. CAR)
4. Ravens (at MIA)
5. Jaguars (at LV) 
6. Patriots (vs. ATL)
7. Lions (vs. MIN)
8. 49ers (at NYG)
9. Cowboys (vs. ARZ)
10. Texans (vs. DEN) 
11. Broncos (at HOU) 
12. Bears (at CIN)
13. Bengals (vs. CHI) 
14. Colts (at PIT)
15. Commanders (vs. SEA)
16. Seahawks (at WAS)
17. Giants (vs. SF) 
18. Steelers (vs. IND)
19. Falcons (at NE)
20. Cardinals (at DAL)

Rest-of-Season Rankings 

1. Los Angeles Rams  
2. Kansas City Chiefs   
3. Green Bay Packers   
4. Minnesota Vikings 
5. Philadelphia Eagles  
6. Denver Broncos
7. Seattle Seahawks 
8. Baltimore Ravens
9. Buffalo Bills    
10. Detroit Lions 
11. Houston Texans  
12. New England Patriots 
13. Pittsburgh Steelers   
14. Indianapolis Colts   
15. Atlanta Falcons
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
17. Cleveland Browns 
18. Washington Commanders
19. Los Angeles Chargers
20. Jacksonville Jaguars