Anyone who reads this page knows that I prefer streaming defense over starting a quality one each week, but that's going to be much more difficult with six teams on bye in week 8. That means just 26 teams are playing, and that leaves depth at the position much thinner than usual. Let's take a look at which defenses will be the best options for fantasy owners in week 8.
1. Kansas City Chiefs D/ST
One week after the Giants shut the Broncos offense down, the LA Chargers shut them out in a 21-0 victory. Denver's offense is in a funk, and even though the Chiefs allow plenty of yardage, Denver doesn't look like they can move the ball right now.
2. Minnesota Vikings D/ST
The Browns seem to throw multiple interceptions in every game, a recipe for every week fantasy success. It's not like the Vikings defense really needs much help, as they are already one of the best defenses in Fantasy Football.
3. Cincinnati Bengals D/ST
The Colts offense was awful in a 27-0 loss against the Jaguars in week 7, and without Luck back, things won't get better against the Bengals. Start this defense with confidence.
4. Baltimore Ravens D/ST
Yes, the Vikings did just run over the Ravens. But now Baltimore gets to play at home against a Dolphins team that has struggled to put points on the board all year, making them a top Fantasy Defense this week.
5. Seattle Seahawks D/ST
DeShaun Watson and the Houston Texans have been surprisingly good on offense, but they haven't yet played against a defense like Seattle's. The Seahawks will likely force the rookie into a few mistakes and pick up some fantasy points as a result.
6. New Orleans Saints D/ST
The Saints have started to play much better on defense, and now they get to play against a Bears team that completed exactly four passes in week 7.
The Bears don't have the firepower to hang with the Saints, and when Trubisky is forced to throw this defense will capitalize.
7. Detroit Lions D/ST
The second highest scoring fantasy defense has a tough home matchup against the Steelers in week 8, but could still put up a decent point total. The Lions defense has scored double digit fantasy point totals in every week except one, and Roethlisberger could easily hand this opportunistic defense a touchdown.
8. Philadelphia Eagles D/ST
The Eagles have one of the best defenses in the league and take on a 49ers offense that has struggled to produce points all year.
9. New England Patriots D/ST
The Chargers seem to have figured out something, as they have won their past three games. But the Patriots seem to have figured out what was wrong with their defense, as they held the Falcons to just seven points on offense. The Chargers don't have the same firepower, and will have trouble scoring against a re-energized Patriots defense.
10. Atlanta Falcons D/ST
Atlanta is reeling after losing three straight games to AFC East foes, but it would be shocking if they lost to the New York Jets, even if the game is on the road. Josh McCown is always good for a turnover or two a game, and that makes the Falcons a decent fantasy defense in week 8.
