Fantasy football defense rankings: Top D/STs for Week 8, plus three viable streamers

Heading into Week 8, there are no NFL teams on bye, which means a full onslaught of matchups on deck and plenty of options at D/ST. Given the number of games available to choose from, there are plenty of depth plays for those streaming their fantasy defenses in Week 8 that could get you one step closer to a win this week.

Here’s a look at several streaming options to consider for Week 8, followed by my top-28 defense rankings to help you set your lineups.

Now, before we jump in, it’s worth noting that there are a few of the top teams to stream against have matchups against some defenses that are almost certainly rostered in your fantasy football leagues. Before diving into streamers, double-check your waiver wire for the Baltimore Ravens (vs. Browns with Jameis Winston making his first start) and Denver Broncos (fantasy’s No. 1 scoring defense this year going up against the Carolina Panthers).

The Chiefs are rostered in more than half of Yahoo fantasy leagues right now, but they’re worth mentioning that they’re worth double-checking the waiver wire for given a Week 8 matchup against a pitiful Las Vegas Raiders offense. Vegas has now resurrected previously benched Gardner Minshew amidst a thumb injury for Aidan O’Connell, and has leaned on WRs Tre Tucker and *checks notes* — DJ Turner — to fill a giant Davante Adams-sized hole in the offense. They could get WR Jakobi Meyers back in the mix this week, but even if they do, it may not be enough to move the needle up against Chris Jones, George Karlaftkis and Trent McDuffie, among others.

The Detroit Lions, even without Aidan Hutchinson, remain a strong streaming option this week, going up against the Tennesee Titans, who have become a bit of a fan favorite to stream against for fantasy defenses. They’ve been unable to find much consistency on offense, especially in the passing game, ranked bottom six in EPA per play (-0.220) and scoring drive percentage (28.2%) through seven weeks of the season. Pair that with the fact that they’re tied for the second-most offensive turnovers in the league, and you could have an easy top-five performance from the Lions’ D/ST in Week 8 despite the fact that they aren’t the scariest matchup in the league on paper.

The New Orleans Saints may be celebrating a new contract extension for franchise RB Alvin Kamara, but there’s little else worth a smile as things stand elsewhere on the offense today. Derek Carr could make a return from injury this week (though it’s uncertain), but even if he does, he could be less than 100% as the team simply looks to get a man not named Spencer Rattler under center. They’re also without WR2 Rashid Shaheed and are waiting for WR Chris Olave to be cleared from the concussion, having just missed last week with his second diagnosed concussion over the past two seasons. Finally, they’re also dealing with a banged up offensive line. It’s a tricky spot to be in up against a defense that ranks top-10 in turnovers forced and fourth in EPA per play against opposing offenses (-0.145).

Kate Magdziuk is an editor and contributor for Yahoo Fantasy and co-host of the Locked On Dynasty Football podcast. She is also the managing editor for Behind The Steel Curtain, SB Nation’s exclusive Pittsburgh Steelers blog. Her previous bylines include Pro Football Focus, NBC Sports Rotoworld and 4for4 Football, among others.