Week 8 Defense
If you read my article on playing the waiver wire game, you know that it is an essential part of winning your fantasy football league. If you haven’t read it, what are you waiting for? I just told you it’s an essential part of winning your fantasy football league! Why do you hate winning?
One of the best ways to maximize your weekly scoring is to stream defenses, this is true for week 8 defenses. This strategy is simple – we aren’t as concerned about good defenses, so much as finding defenses that are playing terrible offenses. Bad offenses are more likely to keep playing bad because if they knew how to be good, they would already be good. Because of this flawless logic, I will be pointing out the best streaming options on a weekly basis.
Week 8 Defense: New England DEF (50% owned)
Last week, the question at quarterback for the Buffalo Bills was whether to start Nathan Peterman or Derek Anderson. This week, the Buffalo Bills have to be questioning whether they have a quarterback to start against the New England Patriots. With McCoy concussed, Josh Allen injured and Kelvin Benjamin overweight, the Buffalo Bills are overwhelmed on offense. So it should come as no surprise that the Buffalo Bills are giving up the most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Amazingly enough, the New England Patriots are available in 50% of fantasy leagues right now. This is, without a doubt, the best stream option of week 8 defenses.
Week 8 Defense: Arizona DEF (35% owned)
If you watched the Arizona Cardinals against the Denver Broncos, you might not be too keen on streaming them as a defense this week. That would be a huge mistake. In week five, when Arizona played San Francisco, they had 4 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions, and a defensive touchdown. What I’m saying is San Francisco is really bad right now. They are currently giving up the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing fantasy defenses. If you can’t pick up the Patriots to stream, the Arizona Cardinals are a great consolation prize.
Week 8 Defense: Pittsburgh DEF (28% owned)
Against good teams, the Pittsburgh defense struggles. Against bad teams, the Steelers defense feasts. And right now, the Cleveland Browns offense must look like a two for one special at Golden Corral. Right now, the Cleveland Browns are giving up the 10th most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Expect Baker Mayfield to die a heroes death against Pittsburgh’s pass rush.
ABSURDITY CHECK A.K.A. When You Don’t Want To Lose But Don’t Want To Win Either
Washington DEF (16% owned)
Washington has been fairly consistent as a fantasy defense, with only one truly poor outing against the New Orleans Saints. The New York Giants have also been fairly consistent this year. However, that consistency just means they are wallowing in mediocrity. The New York Giants have given up the 6th most fantasy points to opposing defenses this year. The concern is that Washington has only been a DEF1 three times this year. So while Washington has a high floor, they also have a relatively low ceiling. This match-up should prove a good hedge if you don’t need your defense to put in an amazing performance, but also don’t want it to sink your roster.
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