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Shaun Albin analyzes which defenses (DEF) to sit or start in Week 8 (2025) of the NFL season, and provides his best fantasy football streaming options.
With bye weeks and injuries piling up, finding the right defense to stream has become a weekly challenge for fantasy managers. Week 8 offers several intriguing options capable of producing sacks and turnovers against struggling offenses.
This week’s slate features multiple matchups where defensive talent aligns perfectly with offensive inefficiency. The Browns, Bengals, Buccaneers, and 49ers all face opponents ranking in the bottom half of the league in scoring or total yardage, giving each unit legitimate top-10 potential.
Whether it’s Cleveland’s relentless pass rush, Cincinnati’s opportunistic front, Tampa Bay’s aggressive blitz schemes, or San Francisco’s disciplined defense looking to rebound, all four teams bring strong upside in favorable spots. Each is widely available in fantasy leagues and worth streaming for managers needing a short-term boost heading into the midpoint of the season.
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Best DST Streaming Options For Week 8
Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots
The Cleveland Browns' defense has endured a brutal stretch against some of the league’s most efficient offenses, facing the Packers, Lions, and Steelers in three of their last four contests. Those matchups have made it difficult for fantasy managers to trust this unit, but a much-needed reprieve is on the way. Cleveland’s upcoming schedule features seven straight opponents that all rank in the top half of the league in terms of fantasy friendliness for opposing defenses — including a road trip to face the New England Patriots.
While the Patriots' offense has shown flashes under second-year quarterback Drake Maye, the unit remains inconsistent and vulnerable. Maye has improved his command of the offense, but his growing pains have led to turnovers and stalled drives. New England’s biggest issue continues to be its one-dimensional attack. The Patriots average just 91.5 rushing yards per game, ranking near the bottom of the NFL and placing more pressure on Maye to make plays through the air.
That lack of balance could spell trouble against Cleveland’s aggressive pass rush. Myles Garrett and Maliek Collins form one of the league’s most disruptive interior-edge duos, capable of collapsing pockets and forcing errant throws. The Browns also enter Week 8 allowing only 262.3 yards per game — the third-best mark in the NFL, trailing only the Falcons and Broncos.
Maliek Collins... Shows up nearly every game on film. 5 QB Pressures yesterday. pic.twitter.com/yNmJrkOhVz
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) October 6, 2025
With a favorable matchup ahead and a defense regaining confidence, Cleveland profiles as a top-10 streaming option this week. Their ability to limit big plays, force turnovers, and control the pace of the game gives them real upside in all scoring formats. Fantasy managers looking for a plug-and-play defense should feel confident rolling with the Browns as they look to rebound and build momentum heading into the second half of the season.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets
The Cincinnati Bengals' defense has been a major disappointment through the early part of the season, struggling to generate stops and sitting near the bottom of the league in total yards allowed. However, a Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets could serve as the perfect get-right spot for a unit that still has playmaking potential. Despite their defensive inconsistencies, Cincinnati quietly ranks 15th in turnover percentage at 10.8%, showing they’re capable of forcing key mistakes when given the chance.
That chance could come this week against a Jets offense that continues to sputter. New York has scored on just 35.9% of their drives, ranking among the lowest marks in the NFL. The offense as a whole sits 28th in total yardage, averaging only 279.8 yards per game. Even more troubling, the Jets remain one-dimensional — fifth in rushing yards per game but dead last in passing, producing just 144.2 yards through the air per contest.
Their lack of balance reached a low point in Week 6, when the Jets managed just eight first downs against the Broncos. That kind of inefficiency should have Bengals defenders licking their chops. Trey Hendrickson continues to pace the defensive front with a team-high four sacks, while pressure up front has contributed to six team interceptions.
Trey Hendrickson forces the fumble!
DETvsCIN on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/3KXbgIsMD5
— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2025
With the Jets’ offensive line struggling and their passing attack unable to sustain drives, the Bengals' defense has a real shot to deliver their best fantasy performance of the season. Cincinnati remains a high-risk, high-reward streaming play, but this matchup offers legitimate upside for managers in need of a defense capable of producing turnovers and sacks. Expect the Bengals to rebound in Week 8 as they look to turn their season — and fantasy reputation — around.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense has quietly been one of the more underrated fantasy units this season, and Week 8’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints presents another opportunity to deliver. Tampa Bay currently ranks 15th in total defense, allowing 319.5 yards per game. They’ve been especially stout against the run, surrendering just 88.2 rushing yards per contest — the fifth-best mark in the league. The Bucs’ secondary has been more vulnerable, ranking 21st against the pass (231.3 YPG), but an aggressive scheme has helped offset those numbers. Tampa Bay ranks third in the NFL with a 32.6% blitz rate and has produced 16 sacks through six games.
Head coach Todd Bowles continues to lean on his veteran core, with Vita Vea anchoring the interior as one of the league’s premier run stuffers. Lavonte David (2.5 sacks) and YaYa Diaby (3 sacks) have also been key contributors, while cornerback Jamel Dean leads the team with two interceptions. Despite ranking just 18th in turnover rate (9.7%) and 23rd in scoring rate allowed (41.9%), the Buccaneers defense remains one of the more opportunistic and aggressive units in fantasy thanks to their consistent pressure and ability to generate splash plays.
Vita Vea is a BEAST pic.twitter.com/GWh40DtdHd
— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) October 12, 2025
The Saints offense, meanwhile, remains stuck in neutral. They rank just 24th in total yards (305.3 YPG), 22nd in passing (195.8 YPG), and 19th in rushing (109.5 YPG). Their 6.5% turnover rate is low, but they struggle to sustain drives and finish possessions, ranking 21st in scoring rate (37.1%) and averaging only 18.5 points per game.
Tampa Bay’s defensive front should control the line of scrimmage and limit the Saints’ ground game, forcing them into unfavorable passing situations. With an aggressive pass rush, strong tackling up front, and a favorable matchup against a struggling offense, the Buccaneers' defense makes for a strong Week 8 streaming play.
San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans
The San Francisco 49ers' defense has yet to reach the elite level fantasy managers are accustomed to, but Week 8’s matchup against the Houston Texans could be the spark that gets them back on track. Despite a modest statistical start, San Francisco still ranks 15th in total defense (321.7 YPG) and 14th against the run (107.3 YPG), showing they remain stout up front. While their pass rush hasn’t clicked yet, the 49ers continue to limit big plays, allowing points on just 35.5% of opponent drives — the sixth-best mark in the NFL.
San Francisco’s low sack total (seven through six games) doesn’t fully reflect the talent on this front seven. Nick Bosa and Bryce Huff, who have combined for five sacks, continue to generate pressure, and the defense has forced seven fumbles through six games — a sign that turnovers could soon start to come in bunches. Even with a low 8.1% turnover rate so far, this is a unit built to rebound as game scripts start tilting in their favor.
Bryce Huff quickly gets to Stafford for the sack to force a 3rd and long 💪
SFvsLAR on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ywX03GHOpV— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2025
The Texans’ offense ranks just 20th in total yardage (314.4 YPG) and 19th in passing (198.2 YPG), offering San Francisco a favorable matchup to rediscover its identity. Houston’s offensive line has shown cracks under consistent pressure, and that could open the door for a breakout performance from the 49ers’ defensive front.
While the loss of Fred Warner is a blow, San Francisco’s defensive depth remains a strength, with Dee Winters stepping into a larger leadership role and the secondary tightening coverage each week. Expect the 49ers defense to play with renewed urgency and aggression, making them a strong bounce-back candidate and a viable Week 8 streaming option with top-10 upside.
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