Fantasy Football Week 8 Defensive Streaming Options
By Bill Pivetz
If you are looking for a fantasy football defense to stream this week, there are a few options available to you on the waiver.
The top fantasy football defenses at this point in the season are not what we expected them to be on draft day. The Patriots defense has scored 145 points already, almost 60 points more than the next team. However, the Eagles defense was drafted ninth and is currently ranked 16th. But a lot can change over the next week.
If you are stuck with one of those struggling defenses, don’t worry. I am here to help. There are 11 teams with ownership percentages over 50 percent in ESPN leagues. That covers 10-team leagues and almost 12-team leagues. But, if you are playing the matchups and want a different defense, there are options available to you.
For this piece, I will list three defenses that are owned in less than 50 percent of leagues. You may not want to use these defenses after week 8 but whether it’s because of a hot streak or the matchup is in their favor, you can’t pass on using them now.
Lions, vs. NYG
Don’t look at their week 7 performance when thinking about streaming the Lions defense. It’s about looking forward and this matchup is a prime example.
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The Giants offensive line gave up eight sacks and the first interception to the Cardinals defense. The Lions defense recorded 10 sacks, three interceptions and eight fumble recoveries before being shut down by the Vikings offense.
The Giants offense will be without Sterling Shepard but Saquon Barkley looks to be at 100 percent. I still don’t trust the Giants offensive line to give Daniel Jones enough time to get a pass off.
Colts, vs. DEN
The Colts went two games without an interception before recording two in week 7. They also had three sacks and a safety against Houston. The defense has 16 sacks and four picks on the season.
Opposing defenses are averaging 8.1 fantasy points facing Joe Flacco and the Broncos. Denver just traded away their best receiver in Emmanuel Sanders, leaving Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton as the top receivers.
Playing at home will lead to better results than if they were playing in Denver.
Seahawks, @ATL
The Seahawks defense has scored over six points just twice this season. They have a negative 2 and 1-point game in the last three weeks. That all changes this week when they travel east to face the banged-up Falcons.
Starting quarterback Matt Ryan is questionable with an ankle injury. Backup running back Ito Smith will likely be ruled out as he goes through concussion protocol. Mohamed Sanu has been traded to New England.
Julio Jones is still a threat. Austin Hooper has stepped up big this season. But, if Matt Schaub is under center, their values drop significantly. Even if Ryan can play, the Falcons offense hasn’t been the same as years past and has been turning the ball over a bit more.
Next. Fantasy football week 8: Exploitable inefficiencies. dark
While the top defenses are still available to their owners, some of them don’t have the best matchups. All three listed are facing offenses dealing with injuries or are struggling. In a pinch, they may be able to save your season with a great performance.