Streaming Defenses: Week 8 Options

Written by

Jerry Donabedian

Updated on November 3, 2020 9:12AM EST

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The past few weeks were great for streaming defenses, but the upcoming slate is a different story entirely. The Top 8 of our Week 8 rankings includes just one team meeting the ownership requirement for this column, while the other seven defenses are already rostered in a comfortable majority of fantasy leagues.

Given the difficult road ahead, it's all the more important to victory-lap last week's success. Four of our five streaming picks finished in the top half of the league for D/ST fantasy scoring, including our No. 2 choice (KC) leading all teams with 18 points. Maybe some of the magic will rub off on our Week 8 streamers?

For injury/ranking updates throughout the week, follow me on Twitter (@JerryDonabedian).

Note: These recommendations are limited to team defenses that are rostered on less than 60 percent of teams on Yahoo or 45 percent on ESPN. Any references to fantasy points are based on Yahoo standard scoring, which doesn't include yards allowed.

Top Streaming Options for Week 8

1. New Orleans Saints at CHI

60% rostered on Yahoo, 43% on ESPN

Team implied total: 24.25

Opponent implied total: 20.25

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 9: 17th (at TB), Week 10: 10th (vs. SF)

For injury/ranking updates throughout the week, follow me on Twitter (@JerryDonabedian).

Top Streaming Options for Week 8

1. New Orleans Saints at CHI

60% rostered on Yahoo, 43% on ESPN

Team implied total: 24.25

Opponent implied total: 20.25

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 9: 17th (at TB), Week 10: 10th (vs. SF)

While coverage breakdowns in the secondary remain all too common, the Saints still have a formidable front seven that can pressure QBs and shut down RBs. A trip to Chicago could lead to this unit's first big fantasy performance since Week 1, as Nick Foles has been one of the worst passers in the league this year, with five interceptions and 5.8 YPA in four starts. The Saints are 10th in defensive DVOA, while the Bears are 26th in offensive DVOA.

2. Green Bay Packers vs. MIN

20% Yahoo, 11% ESPN

Team implied total: 30.5

Opponent implied total: 24

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 9: 14th (at SF), Week 10: 4th (vs. JAX)

The Packers haven't been getting turnovers, but they do have a respectable average of 2.5 sacks per game, led by another huge year from Za'Darius Smith (six sacks, 11 QB hits). The Green Bay defense also happens to be coming off arguably its best performance of the season, having limited Deshaun Watson and the Texans to 13 points before garbage time. A home game against Kirk Cousins could bring even better results, as Minnesota has given up the ninth-most fantasy points to team defenses. Consider it a bonus if Dalvin Cook (groin) isn't ready to play.

3. Tennessee Titans at CIN

27% Yahoo, 16% ESPN

Team implied total: 30

Opponent implied total: 24.5

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 9: 6th (vs. CHI), Week 10: 8th (vs. IND)

The Tennessee defense has been mediocre in real life and subpar for fantasy purposes, but it does have startable matchups the next three weeks, facing Cincinnati, Chicago and Indianapolis. While sacks (seven) have been few and far between, the Titans have picked off nine passes and are tied for 20th in QB hits (20), plus they rank a respectable 17th in defensive DVOA. This isn't a good defense, but it's not exactly a terrible one either.

Meanwhile, the Bengals have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to D/STs, including seven last week in a shootout loss to Cleveland. The Bengals typically will give up a few sacks and at least one turnover even when they play well, as a pass-heavy offense makes it nearly impossible for rookie QB Joe Burrow to steer completely clear of negative plays.

4. Detroit Lions vs. IND

2% Yahoo, 2% ESPN

Team implied total: 23.75

Opponent implied total: 26.25

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 9: 13th (at MIN), Week 10: 7th (vs. WAS)

The Lions defense was brutal the first two weeks of the season, but it's been similar to Tennessee over the past month, turning in acceptable real-life performances that don't quite translate to big fantasy scores. While the subpar pass rush (eight sacks) is a serious problem, it's something that can perhaps be overcome in matchups with Philip Rivers, Kirk Cousins and Kyle Allen the next three weeks. Detroit thus makes for a solid multi-week option in deeper fantasy leagues where streaming is a difficult task.

5. Carolina Panthers vs. ATL

5% Yahoo, 6% ESPN

Team implied total: 25.75

Opponent implied total: 23.25

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 9: 28th (at KC), Week 10: 25th (vs. TB)

Now we're all the way into desperation territory, looking at a slumping Carolina defense in a matchup with a Falcons offense that's allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to D/STs. But the Panthers do have home-field advantage, and the betting odds hint at a degree of upside if you squint hard enough.