Week 8 Defense (DEF) Streamers and Starts - 2024 Fantasy Tiers, Rankings

Joey Pollizze analyzes all 2024 fantasy football Week 8 defenses (DEF) -- streamers, sits/starts, and D/ST waiver wire pickups to add. His Week 8 rankings and tiers for all of the NFL defenses.

Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our Week 8 fantasy football defense streamers and D/ST rankings for the 2024 fantasy football season. Every week, I'll go through the best and worst fantasy defenses. Since no team has a bye this week, I will be ranking fantasy defenses from No. 1 to No. 32. 

A lot goes into account when ranking fantasy defenses every week. Of course, who the defense is going up against is the most important factor in these rankings. But things like pressure rate and takeaways also play just as big of a part.

So, here are defenses fantasy managers should be starting in Week 8. Below, you will find our tiered fantasy football D/ST rankings. Good luck RotoBallers!

Editor's Note: Stay on top of your draft prep with RotoBaller’s fantasy football rankings, featuring expert analysis, ADPs, and draft insights for both PPR and non-PPR leagues.

Tier 1 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 8

1. Denver Broncos D/ST vs. CAR

DEN favored by 7.5, Total ~41.5

The Broncos will be the No. 1 fantasy defense in Week 8 against the Panthers. They have scored at least 11 fantasy points in four of the past five games, including a 20-point fantasy effort last week. Now, they get a great matchup at home against a Panthers offense that has had its troubles over the past few weeks.

The Broncos have totaled at least three sacks in five straight games and currently rank second in sacks (28). This defense also ranks first in pressure rate and first in pass-block win rate (57%) through the first seven weeks. Even though the Panthers rank top-5 in pressure rate allowed this season, Andy Dalton has thrown two interceptions in back-to-back games. So, keep Denver's defense in your lineups this week.

Update: Bryce Young is starting for the Panthers this week. Denver is still the overall No. 1 defense in Week 8. 

2. Kansas City Chiefs D/ST at LV

KC favored by 10, Total ~41.5

The Chiefs' defense hasn't been a strong fantasy option so far, as they have scored over nine fantasy points just once this season. However, expect them to have one of their better outings in Week 8 against the Raiders. With Aidan O'Connell (thumb) expected to be out for multiple weeks, Gardner Minshew II will start for Las Vegas on Sunday. That is certainly great news for Kansas City this week.

Minshew has thrown eight interceptions across six games this season, and Raider quarterbacks have been sacked 20 times through seven weeks (tied for the fifth-most). Despite the Chiefs totaling only four sacks over the past three contests, they rank fifth in pressure rate in 2024. So, make sure to lock Kansas City's defense into your lineups this week.

3. Baltimore Ravens D/ST at CLE 

BAL favored by 9, Total ~42.5

The Browns will be rolling with a new quarterback this week after Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles in Week 7. With Dorian Thompson-Robinson (finger) also dealing with an injury, there's a good chance that Jameis Winston will start on Sunday. While Winston is likely an upgrade for this Cleveland offense, fantasy managers should still be starting Baltimore's defense in Week 8.

Those three quarterbacks have been sacked a league-leading 35 times this season, and the Ravens have totaled at least three sacks in seven straight games. Therefore, they are a strong play this weekend.

4. Los Angeles Chargers D/ST vs. NO

LAC favored by 7.5, Total ~39.5

After looking at what the Broncos' defense did against the Saints offense last week, the Chargers will be a top-5 play in Week 8. Spencer Rattler should start for New Orleans in this game, and that is a sweet matchup for a Los Angeles defense that has been a sneaky set-it-and-forget-it option this season.

Rattler has been sacked 11 times across the last two weeks, which is the most in the NFL during this span. The rookie quarterback has also turned over the ball four times in the past two games. Even though the Chargers don't rank particularly high in pressure rate or pass-rush win rate (28th), they have totaled at least two sacks and forced at least one turnover in five of six games this season. So, get them in your lineups for Week 8.

5. Minnesota Vikings D/ST at LAR 

MIN favored by 3, Total ~48.5

If you played the Vikings' defense over any of the options listed in front of them, no one would blame you. They are currently the No. 1 fantasy defense while averaging 13.8 fantasy points per game. Even though Minnesota allowed 31 points to the Lions offense last week, that defense still ended up scoring 11 fantasy points, thanks to a touchdown and four sacks.

I love watching the Vikings play, if you don’t, you don’t love football.

The Vikings defense had struggled today, and regardless of how the game ends, they just made the biggest play of the season to date. 🔥🔥🔥#Skol pic.twitter.com/V6qYtsl36M

— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) October 20, 2024

As a result, you're starting them in a much better matchup against the Rams in Week 8. The Vikings rank third in sacks (24), top-5 in pressure rate, and second in takeaways (14). Los Angeles will be getting back Cooper Kupp (ankle) in this game, but Minnesota is still a strong play on Thursday against an offensive line that ranks 22nd in pass-block win rate (56%) this season.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST vs. NYG

PIT favored by 6.5, Total ~36.5

The Steelers' defense will continue to be a must-start option in Week 8 against the Giants. Daniel Jones has been sacked 22 times through seven games (third-most in the NFL), and without tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) last week, New York's offensive line allowed a season-high eight sacks. With Thomas out for the season, Pittsburgh should have its way on the defensive end this weekend.

The Steelers have scored at least eight fantasy points in six of seven games, and they rank tied for third in takeaways (13) this season. While Jones has only turned over the ball four times through seven weeks, Pittsburgh is still a strong start in Week 8. They rank 10th in pass-rush win rate (45%) and have forced at least two turnovers in three straight contests.

7. Detroit Lions D/ST vs. TEN

DET favored by 11.5, Total ~45.5

Without Aidan Hutchinson (tibia/fibula) last week, the Lions played well defensively against the Vikings. They sacked Sam Darnold four times and totaled an interception for the sixth straight game. Now, they get a great matchup against the Titans. Opposing defenses are averaging the most fantasy points versus Tennessee's offense this year.

It remains to be seen if Mason Rudolph or Will Levis (shoulder) will start for the Titans on Sunday. Either way, though, the Lions are a top play this weekend. Detroit ranks 13th in pass-rush win rate (44%) while totaling at least three sacks in four of the past five games. While losing Hutchinson will drop some of those pass rush numbers, the Titans rank 30th in pass-block win rate (49%) this season. So, start this defense in Week 8.

Tier 2 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 8

8. New York Jets D/ST at NE

NYJ favored by 7.5, Total ~41.5

Since firing Robert Saleh, the Jets defense has not looked the same. They have given up 60 combined points, forced zero turnovers, and totaled only three sacks over the past two weeks. They enter Week 8 atop the Tier 2 category. However, New York will still be a solid play this week against the Patriots.

New England ranks bottom-3 in pressure rate allowed and 32nd in pass-block win rate (45%). As for the Jets, despite not totaling many sacks over the past two games, they still rank top-10 in pressure rate. With a rookie quarterback in Drake Maye facing this secondary for the first time in his career, New York's defense could be in for a nice fantasy day.

9. Green Bay Packers D/ST vs. JAX

GB favored by 4.5, Total ~49.5

The Packers' defense has been a solid option all year. They have scored the third-most fantasy points through seven weeks while averaging a solid 10.4 fantasy points per game. As a result, Green Bay's defense will find itself as a top-10 fantasy option in Week 8 against the Jaguars. 

The Packers have forced the most turnovers (17) to start the season, and no player has turned over the ball more than Trevor Lawrence (63) since 2021. Green Bay might not pressure the quarterback at a high level, but that unit creates plenty of turnovers and held both the Rams and Cardinals offenses to under 15 points in Week 5 and Week 6. So, this defense is a nice start this weekend.

10. Houston Texans D/ST vs. IND

HOU favored by 6, Total ~45.5

The Colts' offense looks very different with and without Anthony Richardson under center. Given that Richardson will start in Week 8, the Texans' defense is a sneaky play this weekend. They rank top-5 in pressure rate, fourth in pass-rush win rate, and fourth in adjusted sack rate this season. The reason they aren't higher on this list, though, is because of Indianapolis' solid offensive line play.

Richardson has only been sacked four times this season, and the offensive line ranks toward the top of the league in pressure rate allowed. These two teams also played back in Week 1, and the Texans' defense only managed to score four fantasy points. Still, Richardson has struggled through the air this year, making Houston a solid play in 10-plus team leagues.

Tier 3 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 8

11. New York Giants D/ST at PIT 

PIT favored by 6.5, Total ~36.5

Some fantasy managers might think this is too high for the Giants' defense, considering what Pittsburgh's offense did in Week 7. But this New York defense is one of the best pass-rushing units in the NFL. They lead the league in sacks (31) and adjusted sack rate while ranking seventh in pass-rush win rate (46%). 

The highest-graded Giants in Week 7 vs the Eagles:

🥇 Dexter Lawrence - 83.7
🥈 Brian Burns - 78.2
🥉 Dru Phillips - 77.1
🏅 Tyler Nubin - 76.5
🏅 Bobby Okereke - 73.5

(min. 25 snaps) pic.twitter.com/xl0yTt27qz

— PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants) October 21, 2024

As a result, the Giants' defense is a solid play in most 12-plus team leagues this week. They can get to the quarterback at a high level and have totaled at least four sacks in five of the past six games. With Pittsburgh ranking 23rd in pass-block win rate (55%) this season, New York is a sneaky play in Week 8.

12. San Francisco 49ers D/ST vs. DAL 

SF favored by 5.5, Total ~47.5

The Cowboys offense has not been the same this year, which includes the struggles on the offensive line. Quarterback Dak Prescott has been sacked at least three times in four of six games in 2024, and Prescott has thrown six interceptions in his last three meetings against the 49ers. So, San Francisco has top-12 potential in Week 8.

San Francisco ranks tied for third in takeaways (13), while the Cowboys rank tied for fourth in giveaways (11) through seven weeks. On top of that, the 49ers rank eighth in pressure rate and adjusted sack rate this season. So, don't be scared to start this defense in Week 8.

13. Chicago Bears D/ST at WSH 

CHI favored by 3, Total ~44.5

Quarterback Jayden Daniels (ribs) could miss this week's game against the Bears. But assuming he plays, Chicago's defense will come in at the bottom of Tier 3. If the rookie can't play, though, this defense will move up with Marcus Mariota likely drawing the start.

Chicago has been a set-it-and-forget-it defense through the first two months, and it's going to be hard to bench them against any offense moving forward. They have totaled at least three sacks and forced at least two turnovers in five of six games this season. Even though the Commanders rank sixth in pass-block win rate (65%), the Bears rank second in pass-rush win rate (54%). That makes them a start in some leagues this weekend.

Tier 4 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 8

Most of the defenses in Tier 4 should only be started in deeper formats. If all 13 defenses aren't available from the first three tiers, then the Bills and Commanders are your next best choices.

The Bills have totaled at least three sacks in back-to-back games and currently rank 13th in pressure rate this season. Now, they go up against a Seahawks offensive line that has allowed 20 sacks through seven weeks (tied for fifth-most). As for the Commanders, they have played better defensively. They'll draw a Bears offense that has been clicking as of late but has also given up at least three sacks in four of the past five games.

The other three defenses on this list are all riskier options. The Dolphins have totaled only eight sacks this season, the Patriots have allowed 73 points over the past two games, and the Saints defense has allowed 213.7 rush yards per game across the last three weeks.

Tier 5 and 6 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 8

For the most part, fantasy managers should not be targeting any defenses from these two tiers. Most of these defenses are way too risky to start this weekend and should be avoided in most cases. 18 other defenses are better plays in Week 8.

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