X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Top Fantasy Football D/ST Rankings (Weeks 8, 9, 10, 11) - Defense Streamers and Starts

Green Bay Packers Defense - Rashan Gary, DST, D/ST, Rankings, Streamers

Joey's best fantasy football defense streamers and D/ST rankings for Weeks 8, 9, 10, 11 in 2024. NFL team defense streamers and starts based on strength of schedule.

Welcome, RotoBallers, to our fantasy football D/ST streamers and starts for Weeks 8, 9, 10, and 11 -- looking at the next four weeks and identifying the best D/ST matchups. If you like to stream defenses every week or want to pick up defenses weeks in advance because they have a nice upcoming schedule, this article can be a big help for you. 

This piece will contain several defenses fantasy managers should pick up for Week 8 and beyond. If you already have Week 8 figured out, though, this article can still be beneficial because picking up defenses with an excellent matchup in Week 9 or Week 10 could give you a huge edge at the position.

So here are the best defensive streamers and starts for Week 8 through Week 11. If you want only specific Week 8 D/ST fantasy football rankingsbe sure to check that link out.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

D/ST Strength of Schedule: Weeks 8-11

Streaming defenses is never easy because anything can happen in any given game. Just look at the Jets defense last week. That unit was a top-10 play against the Steelers, but it scored -3 fantasy points. So when looking at which defenses to play every week, a couple of factors should be taken into account.

For starters, who the defense is playing against is the biggest factor. Targeting offenses like the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots has worked extremely well for fantasy managers through the first seven weeks. That shouldn't change either heading into the next four weeks, as the Browns, Patriots, Raiders, and Titans rank bottom-10 in sacks allowed.

Each defense on this list will be broken down into four categories (temporary streamer, part-time streamer, recruit streamer, and fool's gold streamer) to help you make the best decision. The description of each category can be found below, and all defenses on this list will be rostered in 50% or less of ESPN leagues. 

  • “Temporary” Streamer: D/ST with a good matchup in Week 8
  • “Part-Time” Streamer: D/ST with multiple nice matchups in a row
  • “Recruit” Streamer: D/ST with an easy upcoming schedule that you pick up earlier to stash on your bench
  • Fool’s Gold” Streamer: D/ST that on paper looks like a good option but should be avoided 

 

Week 8 D/ST Streamers

Chicago Bears D/ST (Borderline Part-Time Streamer/Must-Add)

  • Week 8 Opponent: Washington Commanders (2nd)
  • ESPN Rostership: 43.6%
  • Over-Under: 44.5 points
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: 21

The Bears defense should not be available on waivers right now. It is likely under 50% rostered in ESPN leagues because of its bye last week. However, fantasy managers should be running to the waiver wire to pick it up if it is available. Chicago has been one of the better defenses in 2024 and ranks fourth in points allowed per game (16.8).

On top of that, this unit is averaging 11 fantasy per game while totaling at least three sacks and forcing at least two turnovers in five of six games this season. Now, the Bears do have a tougher matchup in Week 8 against the Commanders. Jayden Daniels has played turnover-free football, and Washington ranks sixth in pass-block win rate (65%) through the first seven weeks.

Things would change, though, if Daniels -- who is dealing with a rib injury -- can't play. While Marcus Mariota looked good last week, this Bears defense is no joke. So this Chicago defense could potentially be started in Week 8. It also has a solid matchup against the Cardinals (Week 9) and Patriots (Week 10) upcoming. That makes it a strong add in all formats.

Kansas City Chiefs D/ST (Temporary/Part-Time Streamer)

  • Week 8 Opponent: Las Vegas Raiders (31st)
  • ESPN Rostership: 32.1%
  • Over-Under: 42.5 points
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: 16.5

The Chiefs defense hasn't been as strong of a fantasy option this year, as this unit has scored in double figures just once. But it has a great matchup in Week 8 against the Raiders. With Aidan O'Connell (finger) out for multiple weeks, Gardner Minshew II will start for Las Vegas on Sunday. That is great news for this Kansas City defense.

Minshew has thrown eight interceptions (tied for the most in the NFL) across six games this season and just threw three interceptions in last week's loss to the Rams. While the Chiefs have only totaled four sacks over the last three contests, they do rank fifth in pressure rate. So this is a great start for them in Week 8.

The Chiefs are also a defense fantasy managers might want to keep for the coming weeks. They'll play the Broncos (Week 10), Panthers (Week 12), and Raiders again (Week 13) in the coming weeks. Opposing defenses have had a hard time putting up solid fantasy numbers against Denver's offense this year, but Kansas City should still be a solid play in that game.

Los Angeles Chargers D/ST (Part-Time Streamer)

  • Week 8 Opponent: New Orleans Saints (26th)
  • ESPN Rostership: 33.1%
  • Over-Under: 39.5 points
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: 16

At this point, the Chargers defense needs to be rostered in more leagues. Not only has it played well defensively through the first seven weeks, but Los Angeles also has a great upcoming schedule. In Week 8, this defense will go up against a Saints offense that has struggled with Spencer Rattler under center. 

Since Rattler has taken over for the injured Derek Carr (oblique), he has been sacked 11 times across the last two games while turning over the ball four times (two interceptions and two fumbles). After watching what the Broncos defense did to this Saints offense last week, the Chargers defense is a great start in Week 8. Los Angeles also ranks first in points allowed per game (13.8) this season.

After the Chargers' Week 8 matchup against the Saints, they'll play the Browns (Week 9) and Titans (Week 10) in the coming weeks. The Browns will likely be starting Jameis Winston or Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback, and that Cleveland offensive line has given up a league-leading 35 sacks. As for Tennessee, opposing defenses are averaging 12 fantasy points per game against that offense in 2024.

New Orleans Saints D/ST (Recruit Streamer)

  • Week 8 Opponent: Los Angeles Chargers (9th)
  • ESPN Rostership: 47.9%
  • Over-Under: N/A
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: N/A

There's no doubt the Saints defense has looked awful over the past three weeks. It has totaled just three sacks since Week 5 while allowing 213.7 rush yards per game across the last three games. This team simply can't stop the run, which is why this defense should not be started in most formats in Week 8 against a Chargers team that runs the ball 49.2% of the time (seventh highest in the NFL).

However, New Orleans has some fantasy potential over the next couple of weeks. This defense will play the Panthers in Week 9 and the Browns in Week 11. Carolina has surely had its struggles on offense over the past few games, which includes quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton has thrown multiple interceptions in back-to-back games.

Then, the Browns matchup is also a great one for New Orleans. If the Saints can just figure out how to stop the run, they could be a strong start in two of the next four weeks.

Green Bay Packers D/ST (Temporary Streamer)

  • Week 8 Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars (12th)
  • ESPN Rostership: 34%
  • Over-Under: 49.5 points 
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: 22.5

The Packers defense deserves to be rostered in most leagues moving forward. It has scored the third-most fantasy points through seven weeks while averaging 10.4 fantasy points per game. Yet, this defense is still available in over 65% of ESPN leagues. As a result, fantasy managers should be making a move for this Green Bay defense. 

For starters, the Packers lead the league in takeaways (17) and have forced at least two turnovers in six of seven games this season. Now, Green Bay gets a matchup against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8. No player has turned over the ball more than Lawrence since 2021 (63), so the Packers could be in for a sneaky solid fantasy day.

Outside of the Jaguars matchup this week, though, they don't have many great matchups upcoming. The Packers will face the Lions in Week 9 before heading on a bye in Week 10. Then, following their Week 10 bye, they'll play the Bears (Week 11), 49ers (Week 12), Dolphins (Week 13), and Lions (Week 14). Still, given the way this defense has played to start the year, it is worth a pickup.

 

Recruit Streamers

If you have Week 8 already figured out, let's look ahead at some defensive options that you could start in Week 9:

  • Washington Commanders (21.3% rostership)- Week 9 opponent: 27th-ranked Giants
  • New York Giants (5.4% rostership)- Week 9 opponent: 2nd-ranked Commanders (pending Daniels' availability)
  • New England Patriots (4.9% rostership)- Week 9 opponent: 32nd-ranked Titans

 

Fool’s Gold Streamers

Houston Texans D/ST vs. Indianapolis Colts

  • Week 8 Opponent: Indianapolis Colts (6th)
  • ESPN Rostership: 39.2%

For the most part, the Texans defense has played well over the past two weeks against the Patriots and Packers. It has totaled seven sacks and forced six turnovers in those two games while finishing with at least nine fantasy points in back-to-back contests. However, fantasy managers should think twice about starting this defense in Week 8.

Despite ranking in the top five in pressure rate this season, Houston could have a hard time getting to Anthony Richardson in this game. The Colts offensive line ranks in the bottom five in pressure rate allowed this season, and Indianapolis quarterbacks have only been sacked 10 times through seven weeks.

Of course, Richardson hasn't looked his best on the field this year, throwing six interceptions across his four full games. But back in Week 1, Houston couldn't stop this Colts offense. The Texans defense gave up 27 points and only totaled two sacks while forcing one interception. As a result, there are better defensive options for Week 8.

 

D/ST Streaming Action Plan

Planning out your fantasy D/ST might require some work, but it might be necessary to target the best matchups every single week. Here is how I would line up my defensive streams over the next four weeks. 

  • Week 8: Stream the Chiefs versus the 31st-ranked Raiders
  • Week 9: Stream the Chargers versus the 30th-ranked Browns
  • Week 10: Stream the Chargers versus the 32nd-ranked Titans
  • Week 11: Stream the Saints versus the 30th-ranked Browns


Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Nolan Arenado

Ready for Second Half
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Back in Action to Begin Second Half
Yordan Alvarez

Resumes Swinging -- Return Imminent?
Jake Burger

to Miss an Additional 2-3 Weeks
TreVeyon Henderson

Signs Rookie Contract
Christian Watson

Goes on PUP List
Austin Riley

Hopes to be Activated Next Week
Ketel Marte

Lands on Restricted List After Burglary
Ricky Pearsall

Heads to PUP List
Brandon Aiyuk

Placed on PUP List
Luther Burden III

Signs Rookie Deal
Washington Nationals

Eli Willits Expected to Sign Contract on Saturday
Grayson Rodriguez

Being Shut Down Again - Will We See Him Again This Year?
Ezequiel Tovar

Activated and Back in Lineup on Friday
Max Fried

"Hopeful" to Pitch Next Week - Looks Like He'll Avoid IL Stint
Steven Kwan

Receives Injection in Wrist, Considered Day-to-Day
CJ Abrams

Back to Start Second Half
Alec Bohm

Back From Rib Injury on Friday
Trey Hendrickson

Holdout to Spill into Regular Season?
Jalen McMillan

Bucs Offensive Coordinator Not Forgetting About Jalen McMillan
Levi Onwuzurike

to Miss at Least Four Games
Nick Emmanwori

Seahawks, Nick Emmanwori Reach Agreement on Rookie Deal
Max Holloway

Set For Main Event
Brandon Lowe

Back From 10-Day Injured List
Dustin Poirier

Set For His Final UFC Fight
Roman Kopylov

Set For Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa

Returns At UFC 318
Luis L. Ortiz

to Remain on Leave for Another Month - Will he Pitch Again?
Daniel Rodriguez

Looks For Third Win In A Row
Kevin Holland

Set For His Fourth Fight This Year
Dan Ige

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Patricio Freire Set For His Second UFC Fight
Daniel Zellhuber

Set To Open Up UFC 318 Main Card
Michael Johnson

Looks For Third Consecutive Win
Elijah Arroyo

Signs Rookie Deal
Jaydon Blue

Described as "Borderline Lazy"
T.J. Sanders

Bills Sign T.J. Sanders to Rookie Deal
Christian Wilkins

Raiders Put Christian Wilkins on PUP List
Jabari Small

Lions Add Jabari Small to Backfield
Quinshon Judkins

Remains Unsigned, Won't Report With Rest of Rookies
Mason Taylor

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Jets
Hendon Hooker

Leading Lions QB2 Battle Entering Training Camp
Ozzy Trapilo

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Bears
Tate Ratledge

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Lions
Jack Bech

Signs Rookie Contract with Raiders
Yegor Chinakhov

Requests Trade
Dakota Joshua

Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua
Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Damian Lillard

Returning to Portland
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF