Week 8 is basically the "Bye-mageddon" of the 2025 season. Honestly, if you aren't sweating your lineup right now, you probably aren't playing in a very competitive league. With six teams—the Cardinals, Lions, Jaguars, Raiders, Rams, and Seahawks—all taking the week off, the waiver wire is looking thinner than a pre-season depth chart.
Finding the right fantasy football rankings week 8 defense isn't just about picking the team with the coolest jerseys. It's about hunting for the quarterbacks who are currently seeing ghosts.
Why the Top Tier Isn't Always the Safe Tier
Look, we all want the Denver Broncos. They’ve been an absolute wrecking ball this year. But they’re facing Dak Prescott and a Dallas Cowboys offense that finally looks like it’s clicking. Do you really want to risk a "strength on strength" matchup when you could be picking on a rookie?
The Indianapolis Colts are the undisputed kings of the week 8 hill. They're playing the Tennessee Titans. Usually, I'd give you a bunch of sophisticated data about pressure rates, but it's simpler than that: the Titans are a mess. Rookie Cam Ward has been sacked 30 times already. That is a staggering number for October. The Colts already have 14 interceptions on the season. If you can get Indy, you start them. No questions asked.
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Then there's the New England Patriots. They’re hosting the Cleveland Browns. If you watched the Browns lately, you know Dillon Gabriel is struggling to find any rhythm behind that offensive line. New England’s run defense is top-five in the league, meaning they’re going to force Gabriel to throw. When he throws, bad things tend to happen for Cleveland.
The Streaming Options You Might Actually Find
If you're in a deep league, the "obvious" starts are already gone. You have to get a little weird.
- Atlanta Falcons (vs. Miami Dolphins): This is my favorite "disgusting" start of the week. Tua Tagovailoa has thrown six interceptions in his last two games. The Dolphins’ offensive line is playing like a group of guys who just met in the parking lot. Atlanta’s pass rush isn't elite, but against Miami right now, it doesn't have to be.
- Buffalo Bills (@ Carolina Panthers): The Bills are coming off a bye. They've had two weeks to stew over a two-game losing streak. Andy Dalton is under center for Carolina, and while he’s a veteran, he’s prone to those "what was he thinking?" throws. Buffalo’s pass defense allows only 156.9 yards per game—the best in the NFL.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@ New Orleans Saints): The Saints are giving up a lot of fantasy points to opposing defenses. Spencer Rattler is talented but young. Young quarterbacks make mistakes. Tampa Bay has 13 interceptions this year.
The Trap Games to Avoid
I’m telling you right now: stay away from the Philadelphia Eagles.
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I know, they just had a big game. But they’re playing Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants. Two weeks ago, this same matchup resulted in exactly one fantasy point for Philly. The Giants' offense isn't high-scoring, but they don't give up many sacks, and they play a ball-control style that limits defensive opportunities.
Also, don't be the person who starts the Washington Commanders against Patrick Mahomes. It doesn't matter how good the Commanders' front four looks. Kansas City has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to defenses all year. You’re basically praying for a fluke fumble.
Performance Stats Through Week 7
| Team | Sacks | Interceptions | Rush Yds Allowed (Avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos | 68 | 10 | 91.1 |
| Browns | 53 | 11 | 116.4 |
| Falcons | 57 | 16 | 126.2 |
| Colts | 39 | 14 | 101.9 |
| Bills | 36 | 13 | 136.2 |
Strategies for a Shorthanded Week
Since so many teams are on a bye, you might be tempted to carry two defenses. Don't do it. Unless you have the Broncos or the Chargers (who have a great playoff schedule), you should be churning that roster spot for a high-upside wide receiver or a backup running back.
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Defense is the most volatile position in fantasy. You play the matchup.
If you're looking at the Chicago Bears, be careful. They’ve been great at forcing turnovers, but they're heading into Baltimore. Lamar Jackson is a nightmare for fantasy defenses. Even if he’s a little banged up, the Ravens' offense is too explosive to bet against unless you're truly desperate.
Actionable Advice for Your Waiver Wire
- Priority 1: Claim the Colts if they were dropped by a manager who didn't look at the schedule.
- Priority 2: Grab the Falcons if you need a high-ceiling play and don't mind a little risk.
- The "Safety" Play: The Bills have the highest floor this week because of their prep time and Carolina's lack of explosive playmakers.
- The "Long Shot": The Cincinnati Bengals against Tyrod Taylor and the Jets. The Jets are in total disarray, and a home game for Cincy could result in a lot of "garbage time" sacks.
The biggest mistake people make with fantasy football rankings week 8 defense is overvaluing "talent" over "context." A mediocre defense against a bad quarterback is almost always better than an elite defense against a Hall of Famer. Trust the targets, not the names on the front of the jersey.
If you're still undecided, check the late-week injury reports for the Miami and Baltimore offensive lines. If those units are down a starter, those matchups become even more lucrative for streaming. Go get those points.