Top Week 8 Fantasy Football Defense Streamers: Falcons and Bills D/ST Aim for a Comeback

As Week 8 of the NFL season approaches, fantasy football managers are looking for effective defense/special teams (D/ST) streamers. This week, the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills are among the top teams aiming for a comeback.
Top Week 8 Fantasy Football Defense Streamers
Atlanta Falcons (9% Rostered)
The Atlanta Falcons are currently 3-3, looking to surpass the .500 mark as they face the Miami Dolphins. After a tough loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Falcons aim to capitalize on a favorable matchup this week. They’ve scored double-digit fantasy points in two games this season, including a recent victory over the Buffalo Bills.
In those standout performances, Atlanta recorded ten sacks and five turnovers. However, they struggled with consistency, tallying just five sacks and two turnovers in their other games. Currently, the Falcons rank second in total defense, first in pass defense, and eighth in scoring, allowing an average of only 20 points per game.
The Dolphins, by contrast, have been allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, averaging over nine points per game. Tua Tagovailoa’s high interception count further positions the Falcons for potential success.
Buffalo Bills (40% Rostered)
The Buffalo Bills are set to return from their Week 7 bye to face the Carolina Panthers. After enduring two consecutive losses to the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, the Bills hope to bounce back. However, injury concerns continue to impact their defensive squad.
Despite recent setbacks, the Bills have averaged six fantasy points per game in Weeks 5 and 6, alongside six sacks and one turnover. They will likely welcome back key players like DaQuan Jones and Matt Milano for this crucial matchup. The Panthers have struggled offensively this season, averaging fewer than 21 points per game this year.
With Andy Dalton potentially stepping in as quarterback due to Bryce Young’s doubtful status, the Bills’ defense must focus on containing Carolina’s run game, which has improved recently. Given their injury challenges, this matchup presents an opportunity for the Bills to regain their defensive footing.
Teams to Avoid in Week 8
- Pittsburgh Steelers (91% Rostered): Despite their strong overall performance, the Steelers have faced recent challenges, managing just two sacks and no turnovers against the Bengals. They are scheduled to play against the Green Bay Packers, who have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses this season.
- Denver Broncos (97% Rostered): Although currently ranked as a top defense, the Broncos have shown vulnerabilities. They face a tough matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, a team that restricts points against defensive units effectively. Their struggles highlight potential risks for fantasy managers this week.
Additional Fantasy Defense Considerations
Other teams receiving attention for potential streaming options include:
- Los Angeles Chargers (18% Rostered): Despite recent losses, they have a chance to turn things around against the Minnesota Vikings.
- San Francisco 49ers (27% Rostered): After recent struggles, the 49ers aim to bounce back against the Houston Texans.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14% Rostered): Looking to stabilize their defensive performance against the New Orleans Saints.
- Cincinnati Bengals (2% Rostered): Coming off a win, the Bengals could perform well at home against the New York Jets.
As the fantasy landscape shifts entering Week 8, keeping an eye on player matchups and performance statistics will be crucial in optimizing your defensive lineup for the best outcomes.