RADIO
Atlanta D/ST Trending Up Heading into Matchup Versus Bucs
The Atlanta Falcons defense/special teams unit rose to the occasion in Week 7, recording two interceptions, recovering two fumbles, and notching two sacks in their impressive win over the 49ers. Week 8 brings an intriguing road matchup against the Buccaneers, who have allowed the third-most sacks so far this season (22) and ceded 11 turnovers (four fumbles lost, seven interceptions), which is tied for fifth-most. While Atlanta hasn't been particularly great at forcing turnovers or getting to the quarterback, they haven't been bad either, and, even though there are some questionable tags, for the most part they are a healthy unit heading into Week 8. The Falcons could be a defense on the upswing, and their ranking at RotoBaller this week reflects that, checking in as the No. 11 defense overall in Week 8, so they are solidly in the streaming conversation in this upcoming divisional matchup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
New York Jets D/ST Is a Risky Streamer With Pass Rush Depleted
The New York Jets defense/special teams unit is a risky streaming option against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. Las Vegas ranks sixth in scoring at 26.1 points per game despite averaging only 74.7 rushing yards. David Bailey has 5.5 of New York's 19 sacks, a 29% share, but is doubtful with a groin injury after missing practice all week. Joseph Ossai (ankle) and T'Vondre Sweat (knee) are out after also missing all three sessions. New York has intercepted just one pass through seven games and allowed 28 points to Miami last week. Kirk Cousins threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns without an interception against the Rams last week. RotoBaller ranks the Jets D/ST15 for Week 8, making them a fallback for deeper leagues. Raiders lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (back) is questionable after limited work Friday, but Brock Bowers (calf) practiced fully Thursday and Friday and has no designation. Cousins has 16 touchdown passes and five interceptions through seven games; Bowers contributed six catches for 73 yards last week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Denver Broncos D/ST Remains a Top-10 Play Against Chiefs
The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit remains a starting option in 12-team leagues for Sunday's home game against the Kansas City Chiefs, ranking ninth at RotoBaller for Week 8. Denver has 21 sacks and seven interceptions this season and has held its last three opponents to 17, 14 and 16 points. Against Arizona, it allowed one touchdown on five red-zone trips and recorded three sacks with 13 quarterback hits. Kansas City managed three points and 213 net yards against Seattle last week, but it regains wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring/knee) and tackle Jaylon Moore (concussion). Both practiced fully Friday, with Rice upgrading from limited work, and carry no injury designation, improving the Chiefs' receiving options and protection compared with that loss. Denver counters with Pat Surtain II (ankle), who practiced fully all week and has no designation after missing three games. The Broncos still have concerns elsewhere: Zach Allen (hamstring), their sack leader with 4.5, is questionable after limited work Friday. Safety Brandon Jones (hamstring) is also questionable after a limited session, while Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) is out after missing all three practices.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Detroit Lions Defense is Still Tough to Trust in Week 8
The Detroit Lions defense has been a much-maligned unit in 2026, and for good reason. The Lions have allowed the second-most total passing yards (1,881) and touchdown passes in the NFL (16) through seven weeks. However, Detroit has been a bit better recently, holding the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers to a combined 38 points in their last two games. The Lions have also gotten their pass rush going, ranking second in the NFL with 21 sacks. In Week 8, Detroit will take on the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota's offense has had some issues so far this season, as they've scored more than 23 points just once in six games. Even so, Detroit's defense has had enough issues that it is tough for fantasy managers to trust. The Lions defense has moved out of must-avoid status, but managers should still go in a different direction if possible in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Patrick Surtain II Cleared to Play Against Chiefs in Week 8
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (ankle) does not carry an injury designation into Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Surtain, who has been a full participant for three consecutive practices, has been cleared to play in Sunday's divisional battle. This is great news for Surtain and Broncos fans, as the star cornerback had missed the previous three weeks with an ankle issue. When Surtain is healthy, he is one of the best defensive players in football. Over his last two full seasons, he has five interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and 92 tackles. His return comes at a great time for the Broncos, as he'll give them an extra weapon on defense as they face off against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Back in Week 1 against Kansas City, Surtain played 69% of the snaps but had just three tackles and zero forced turnovers.
Source: Denver Broncos
Source: Denver Broncos
Washington Commanders D/ST A Sneaky Option in Week 8 Against Eagles
The Washington Commanders' defense hasn't been a fantasy DST to target so far this season. Still, a Week 8 matchup against the Tanner McKee-led Eagles, without DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (hamstring), offers some intrigue. Coordinated by Brian Flores disciple Daronte Jones, the Commanders have modeled their defensive identity after Flores, with Washington's 42.3% blitz rate trailing only the Minnesota Vikings. Despite that, Washington ranks just 21st in pressure rate (34.1%) and tied for 18th in takeaways (eight). In addition, starting defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw (knee) and Daron Payne (foot) are out for Sunday night, and Payne is likely to miss significant time. That duo has led a major improvement against the run for Washington and will be a major blow against an Eagles offensive line that's getting healthier, plus a healthy Saquon Barkley. However, with McKee under center, the Eagles had 222 yards of offense (3.6 yards per play) against the Panthers and 321 yards (5.2 yards per play) against the Cowboys. Both defenses rank in the bottom 12 for defensive EPA/play, and Washington does too. Washington could produce a similar result to those teams on Sunday night and, ideally, force a turnover or two, as they have done in four consecutive games. Washington is RotoBaller's eighth-ranked defense in Week 8.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST an Elite Week 8 Option
The Pittsburgh Steelers surrendered just 10 points to the New Orleans Saints while recording two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception in their Week 7 victory. In Week 8, they'll face the 5-2 Cleveland Browns in a pivotal AFC North showdown. Despite their record, the Browns are scoring the fifth-fewest points per game in the NFL while allowing the most sacks. Pittsburgh ranks among the top 10 teams in both sacks and turnovers forced, so this looks like a great opportunity to start the Steelers DST at home. Fantasy managers who have been rolling with Pittsburgh's defense, which ranks as a top-five option in RotoBaller's Week 8 DST rankings, should continue doing so with confidence on Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs Defense In A Good Spot In Week 8
The Kansas City Chiefs defense will take on the Denver Broncos on the road in Week 8. Last week, the Seattle Seahawks dropped 20 points against this defense and gave up no sacks. The Chiefs defense has been a stronger real-life unit than a fantasy unit this season mostly due to their lack of sacks. This unit has racked up eight total sacks through six games but all their sacks came in just two games. The Kansas City defense has also allowed 20 or more points in half of their games this season. They will get a chance to bounce back against Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos this Sunday. What they have lacked in the sack department, they've made up for in turnovers. The Chiefs have collected one interception in every game this year and a fumble recovered in four of their six games. This defensive unit does have its share of injuries with L’Jarius Sneed and Mansoor Delane listed as questionable, but they should still be considered a strong unit. The Chiefs are ranked seventh in our RotoBaller Week 8 rankings, making them a top-10 unit this weekend.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Minnesota Vikings D/ST Still Playable Against High-Powered Lions?
The Minnesota Vikings' defense matches up against one of the top offenses in the league in the Detroit Lions, but the road trip could still be playable for managers who roster the Minnesota defense. The Lions score at the third-highest rate in the league, rank fourth in yards per play, sit first in adjusted net yards per passing attempt, and still haven't thrown an interception. That said, the Lions' worst game of 2025 came against the Brian Flores defense, which was not a coincidence: the Vikings forced the Lions' offense into six turnovers during a Christmas Day debacle that eliminated Detroit from playoff contention. Minnesota's defense held the Lions to 34 points across two games last season, both wins, and is even better statistically than it was last year. The Vikings probably can't count on that many turnovers again, but as RotoBaller's No. 11 defense this week, the Vikings can still be a lineup option for managers willing to stomach a high-risk matchup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Panthers Fire Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero
The Carolina Panthers have fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Defensive line coach Todd Wash has been named interim defensive coordinator and will assume play-calling duties following consecutive losses. Carolina surrendered 258 rushing yards in a 43-13 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 before Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns in Thursday's 27-19 loss. The Panthers failed to record a sack in either contest, although they forced three turnovers against Green Bay. Carolina remains a risky fantasy D/ST option heading into its Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos, with Wash inheriting a defense that has struggled to generate pressure.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Bears Acquire Jeffery Simmons From Titans in Blockbuster Deal
The Chicago Bears have acquired star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Simmons is a superstar on defense, earning four Pro Bowl honors throughout his career. He was also named a First Team All-Pro last season after amassing 11 sacks, 67 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 21 quarterback hits. He is on a similar trajectory this year with four sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Trading two first-round picks is a big decision for the Bears, but if the trade works out as planned, those selections will be later in the first round. Plus, it's a fair price to pay for a team looking to not only separate themselves in the NFC North, but also solidify their roster for a Super Bowl run. Simmons will now be tasked with serving as a game wrecker in a division that features Jared Goff, Kyler Murray, and Jordan Love.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Myles Garrett Will Not be Designated to Return Ahead of Week 8
Los Angeles Rams star pass rusher Myles Garrett (knee) will not have his practice window opened this week, head coach Sean McVay told Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. Garrett has been on injured reserve since the days following Los Angeles' Week 1 loss in Australia. He has missed six consecutive games and is now on track to miss a seventh. NFL teams have the option to designate players to return, which allows them to practice for a certain amount of time without being activated from injured reserve. However, the Rams aren't ready to open Garrett's practice window quite yet, which suggests that he could still be at least 1-2 weeks away from returning. The 30-year-old wasn't himself in the season opener, logging zero tackles on a 40% snap share. However, he posted a whopping 23 sacks last year in Cleveland, so we expect him to be a game wrecker once he's healthy again.
Source: Gary Klein
Source: Gary Klein
Aaron Glenn's Future With Jets Remains Uncertain
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is expected to coach through the end of the 2026 season, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. Glenn has a 5-19 record as the Jets' coach, has struggled with clock management, and is facing criticism for hiring offensive coordinators Tanner Engstrand and Frank Reich. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson appears increasingly frustrated after hauling in just six receptions for 70 yards in the last two games. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler notes that if Glenn improves game management and maximizes his playmakers on offense, he could save his job and coach a third season with the Jets. While Glenn reportedly has a good relationship with ownership, if he's unable to turn the Jets around in the next 10 weeks, he could be relieved of his duties as head coach.
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Travis Hunter's Offensive Involvement Rekindles Fantasy Appeal
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter is back on the fantasy radar after an impressive offensive showing against the Houston Texans in London in Week 6. Hunter had played almost exclusively on offense through the first five games this year, but he got more involved as a receiver against the Texans a week ago, catching four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown. He also impressed defensively with three tackles and an interception in the loss. Hunter's four catches came on just nine offensive snaps, so quarterback Trevor Lawrence obviously made an effort to get him the ball when he was on the field. With such a small offensive snap count, it's hard to forecast week-over-week consistency for Hunter on offense. However, at the very least, he's back on the fantasy radar as a potential waiver wire option going forward. He could become particularly intriguing in fantasy football if the Jaguars trade wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the next two weeks.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dan Quinn on the Hot Seat in Washington
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has an uncertain future with the organization as the team comes out of their Week 7 bye. Quinn went into the team's Week 6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night with some heat, but the Commanders had a strong showing and made things interesting in the loss. Rapoport says that Quinn seems to have bought himself some more time with the way the Commanders played in Week 6, but if the team's performance does not improve going forward, he could be in danger of being fired before the end of the 2026 season. It will not be easy for Quinn and the Commanders from an offensive perspective with top receiver Terry McLaurin (knee) out for the rest of the season, and second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) remains on Injured Reserve. It all came to a head for Quinn in the Week 5 tie against the division-rival New York Giants, when the offense botched the end of the game and failed to attempt a potential game-winning field goal in overtime.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
