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

Week 8 Defense (DEF) Streamers, Starters And Rankings: 2023 Fantasy Tiers, Rankings

Dolphins Defense D/ST Streamers, Rankings, Waiver Wire - Bradley Chubb Fantasy Football IDP

Scott Rinear breaks down all 2023 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.

With seven weeks of the NFL season in the books, it is now time to focus our attention on Week 8 and determine what fantasy defenses are best to play this week. We go from six teams on bye in Week 7 to the rare mid-season week with no byes, so there are plenty of streaming options this week. Week 7 ended up being a solid week for fantasy defenses with eight scoring double-digits and 11 with at least nine points. But it lacked a week-winning performance (20+ points).

The biggest surprise was the Bears finishing as the highest-scoring unit. The Bears have been better as of late. After scoring three total fantasy points over the first four games, they scored 37 points over the last three. Most of the other double-digit DSTs were not surprising in name, but multiple top-tier defenses came through in tough matchups. The Ravens were the DST3 against the Lions (sixth-toughest matchup). The Dolphins were the DST5 against the Eagles, and the Eagles and Chiefs tied as the DST7 against the Dolphins and Chargers, respectively. This provides confidence in all of these DSTs moving forward.

We also saw multiple disappointing outcomes for some of last week’s popular streamers. I fielded a lot of questions about the Raiders' defense, with many thinking they should have been ranked higher for Week 7 with a matchup against the Bears. But one of my general concerns with streaming defenses came to fruition. Too much confidence in a mediocre defense due to a matchup can get us in trouble, and that happened with the Raiders in Week 7. Equally as surprising as the Bears leading the week were the Bills who tied for the second-lowest fantasy points in what looked like a smash matchup with the Patriots. It does support the notion that divisional games can be volatile and unpredictable. We just have to accept that risk going into it. Multiple other lesser-rostered streamers had solid weeks, including the Falcons, Commanders, Seahawks, and Jaguars.

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

 

How To Determine What Defenses To Start 

When it comes to determining the top fantasy football defenses each week, you should look at which units have the most upside and can change the trajectory of your matchup. Defenses are often overlooked in fantasy, but as stated above, the top ones from each week can outscore some of your opponent's key starters.

We also need to pay attention to matchup strength. In determining DST matchup strength, I use an adjusted fantasy points-allowed system. I include the raw fantasy points allowed per game to the DST position. I then factor in how that PPG allowed compares to the opponent's average DST PPG. For instance, let’s say Team A allows 10 fantasy points to the Bills' DST. Team B allows five fantasy points to the Raiders' DST. If looking only at raw fantasy points allowed, Team B is ranked as a tougher matchup having given up half as many points.

But if the Bills’ DST is averaging 16 PPG while the Raiders' DST is averaging only one PPG, that needs to be factored into the overall matchup strength. Team A’s Points Allowed Over Average (POA) is negative seven. Team B’s POA is plus four. I assign a weight to POA which is factored into the overall rank. Each opponent will include their current rank, with lower numbers representing tougher matchups and higher numbers representing easier matchups.

Matchup strength is important, but it typically shouldn’t outweigh the strength of the DST in making a decision. That is why I had the Browns and Eagles ranked higher than the Raiders in Week 7, even though on paper, the Raiders had a softer opponent. To maximize the upside of your fantasy defense each week, you need to target units that can get to the quarterback constantly and cause several turnovers. Sacks, turnovers, and defensive touchdowns are what create high ceilings for these fantasy defenses. To determine a somewhat safe start at defense, you should look at low point totals and teams that can hold their opponent to less than 20 points.

 

Tier 1 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 8

Baltimore Ravens DST @ ARI

Yahoo Rostership%: 85%
Vegas Odds:
BAL -8.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 44
Implied points against: 17.8

The Ravens' defense turned in an impressive fantasy outing in Week 7 against one of the tougher DST matchups. The Lions enter Week 8 as the sixth-ranked (sixth-toughest) matchup for opposing fantasy defenses. Allowing only six points while piling up five sacks and one interception secured the third-highest DST score of the week.

Baltimore has at least four sacks in five of seven games and is Top 10 in sack rate (sacks per dropback). In Week 8 they get a great matchup with the Cardinals. Arizona is a bottom-10 team in points scored per game and has an offensive line ranked 20th according to PFF. The Ravens' defense should have a field day in the desert this week.

Philadelphia Eagles DST @ WAS

Yahoo Rostership%: 92%
Vegas Odds:
PHI -6.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 43.5
Implied points against: 18.5

The Eagles were one of multiple top-level defenses that came through for the fantasy managers who stuck with them, even in a tough matchup with the high-powered Dolphins. This was mostly due to the Eagles holding Miami to only 17 points, which was one of the more impressive defensive feats of Week 7. The Dolphins are currently tops in the league averaging 34.3 points per game, almost four more PPG than second place (49ers). The Dolphins have held opposing DSTs to a POA of -1.7 PPG, making the Eagles' solid day instill confidence in starting them most weeks.

Kansas City Chiefs DST @ DEN

Yahoo Rostership%: 69%
Vegas Odds:
KC -7.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 46
Implied points against: 19.3

The Chiefs were another topic of discussion leading into Week 7 as a good fantasy defense with a tough matchup against the third-ranked Chargers. With this Week 8 matchup with the 24th-ranked (ninth-easiest) Broncos, the options included holding them through Week 7 while streaming a DST with a better matchup, dropping them hoping to get them back, or just taking your lumps and starting them. Those who chose the latter were rewarded with the sixth-highest DST score of the week.

And now Chiefs DST managers get an ideal matchup with the Broncos, a team they played two weeks ago, allowing only eight points while securing three turnovers and four sacks. With the third-highest pressure rate in the NFL, the Chiefs defense should be able to rack up another multi-turnover, multi-sack game in Denver.

Buffalo Bills DST vs. TB

Yahoo Rostership%: 100%
Vegas Odds:
BUF -8.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 42.5
Implied points against: 17

The Bills defense stumbled in Week 7 against the Patriots. After averaging four sacks per game in Weeks 1 through 6, the Bills only got to Mac Jones once while allowing the Patriots to score 29 points, their highest points allowed on the season. I’m chalking that up to an off day against a division rival and jumping right back on the “thou shalt start the Bills DST” in Week 8.

Tampa Bay has been a middle-of-the-pack matchup for opposing DSTs (14th), but their implied total of 17 points is the second-lowest of Week 8 and the Bills are a big home favorite. The Bills remain an elite unit as they have the second-highest pressure rate and highest turnover rate in the NFL (percentage of drives ending in a turnover). The DST4 rank might be too low for this team in Week 8.

 

Tier 2 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 8

 

New York Jets DST @ NYG

Yahoo Rostership%: 62%
Vegas Odds:
NYJ -3
Over/Under (Total Points): 36.5
Implied points against: 16.8

The Jets are coming off a bye in Week 7 and get a matchup with the 28th-ranked Giants in one of the least “road” away games possible. In the two games before the bye the Jets averaged three sacks, 3.5 turnovers, and 17.5 points against, including holding the Eagles to only 14 points in their upset win.

Although the Giants have been a slightly worse matchup for DSTs with Tyrod Taylor at QB, they have still allowed a POA of +7.9 PPG to opposing fantasy defenses on the season. The Giants have the lowest implied total of the week (16.8), and this smells like an ugly, low-scoring game in the teams’ shared stadium, which is what we want for our DST.

Miami Dolphins DST vs. NE

Yahoo Rostership%: 48%
Vegas Odds:
MIA -9.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 47
Implied points against: 18.8

Make sure to check your waiver wires for the Dolphins. At less than 50% rostered, Miami qualifies as a streamer, and they are easily one of the best streamers of Week 8. Similar to the Chiefs, the Dolphins put fantasy managers in the precarious position of deciding whether to start them in a tough matchup against the Eagles or drop them. They were dropped in over 40% of Yahoo leagues as their rostership was 93% a week ago. The Patriots may have pulled the upset against the Bills in their house, but the Dolphins get them in Miami with the opportunity to add to their increasing lead atop the NFC East. When the Dolphins did play in New England in Week 2, they recorded four sacks and forced two turnovers while holding New England to 17 points. The Dolphins are my dark horse to be the top-scoring DST in Week 8.

San Francisco 49ers DST vs. CIN

Yahoo Rostership%: 100%
Vegas Odds:
SF -5.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 45.5
Implied points against: 20

Although rather quantitative, this defense will likely be hungry and pissed off, returning home after two straight tough road losses. The Bengals are not the most ideal matchup (13th) and Burrow will be even healthier coming off the Week 7 bye. But the 49ers are an elite defense and we just saw multiple good DSTs come through in tough matchups in Week 7. San Francisco has a good chance to join that club in Week 8.

On the flip side, DST7 might seem like too high of a rank if you look at fantasy PPG. The 49ers have had one of the softer DST schedules thus far and have only two double-digit games on the season. That is why I have them in Tier 2 instead of Tier 1.

Dallas Cowboys DST vs. LAR

Yahoo Rostership%: 93%
Vegas Odds:
DAL -6.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 45.5
Implied points against: 19.5

The Rams have been a surprisingly bad matchup for opposing DSTs, ranking as the fourth-toughest opponent in adjusted fantasy points allowed. The Cowboys had a bye in Week 7 but before that held the Chargers (third-toughest DST matchup) to 17 points on the road. Playing at home off of the bye week means this defense will be fresh while the Rams are coming off a tough, physical loss to the Steelers.

 

Tier 3 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 8

Houston Texans DST @ CAR

Yahoo Rostership%: 4%
Vegas Odds:
HOU -3
Over/Under (Total Points): 43
Implied points against: 20

The Texans check in as another decent streaming option in Week 8, and they are widely available. Houston faces the 25th-ranked Panthers as a road favorite. The Texans haven’t been a dominant defense or a consistent fantasy DST with multiple zero-sack games and only two double-digit outputs on the season. But there have been positives over the last month. In the last four games, they’ve forced at least one turnover in each and have allowed a league-low 14.3 points per game in that stretch. They should be able to keep the score low and their fantasy day could be great if they can get some sacks or score on defense.

Seattle Seahawks DST vs. CLE

Yahoo Rostership%: 69%
Vegas Odds:
SEA -3
Over/Under (Total Points): 40.5
Implied points against: 18.8

The Seahawks have seven sacks in the last two games and have averaged 13.5 points against. They have not allowed more than 17 points in a game since Week 3. It’s been the typical “bend, not break” style of defense for Pete Carroll’s team, as they continue to give up chunks of yardage, but not a lot of points. They get another home game in Week 8 against the 27th-ranked Browns, and with that home-field advantage, the Seahawks should find a lot of success stopping whoever is under center for the Browns.

Cleveland Brown DST @ SEA

Yahoo Rostership%: 81%
Vegas Odds:
SEA f-3
Over/Under (Total Points): 40.5
Implied points against: 21.8

Jacksonville Jaguars DST @ PIT

Yahoo Rostership%: 26%
Vegas Odds:
JAX -2.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 41.5
Implied points against: 19.5

 

Tier 4 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 8

The Tier 4 defenses are mostly available and there are a few decent streaming options if you’re stuck. All the defenses in the previous tiers should be prioritized over these teams, and unless you play in a league with more than 12 teams or have league mates carrying multiple DSTs, one of them should be. If not, my top choices from Tier 4 are the Lions, Falcons, and Giants.

 

Tier 5 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 8

These are the defenses that I would not be playing in Week 8 unless you absolutely have to. These units are either going up against a top offense in the league, aren’t a good defense in general, or both. They offer low ceilings and significantly low floors that can hurt your chances of winning your fantasy matchup. Avoid all these choices entirely and try to get a defense in the top two to three tiers for Week 7.

 

Rest-of-Season Look-Ahead

The following chart shows each fantasy defense’s remaining schedule with each opponent color-coded based on rank in adjusted fantasy points allowed to DSTs. Red and orange indicate tougher matchups while green represents easier matchups. Each opponent’s corresponding number rank can be found on the right side of the chart. Also included are the strength of schedule scores for the rest of the fantasy regular season (Weeks 8-14) and the fantasy playoffs (Weeks 15-17).

One of my favorite DSTs for both the rest of the season and the playoffs is the Chiefs. The Texans also have a decent rest-of-season schedule and a great playoff schedule. I will be updating and including it in this article each week so we can keep an eye on those DST playoff schedules.

The other strategy this visual depiction assists with is developing what I like to call a Streaming Action Plan. This is also something I’ll be updating or adding to each week where I present potential action plans for DST streamers over multiple future weeks. Of course, a lot can change (and quickly) in the NFL, but I am constantly utilizing this look-ahead “puzzle piece” strategy so I want to share it with you. Unless otherwise noted, this will always feature DST options that are below 50% ownership during the current week.

I like to look four to five weeks ahead when strategizing these action plans. Looking at Weeks 8-11, here is a potential DST action plan:

  • Week 8: Stream the Dolphins if available. If not, stream the Texans or Jaguars.
  • Week 9: Stream the Raiders against the 28th-ranked Giants. Another option: Patriots against the 30th-ranked Commanders.
  • Week 10: Stream the Falcons against the 18th-ranked Cardinals.
  • Week 11: Stream the Dolphins versus the 29th-ranked Raiders. The Dolphins will jump above 50% ownership in Week 8, but between Week 8 and 11, they face the Chiefs and have a bye. I will be looking to scoop them up during their bye week if my roster allows it.

Keep an eye on the Seahawks for Week 10. Seattle is above 50% ownership right now, but they are at the Ravens in Week 9 so I expect that to dip below 50% next week. The Seahawks against the 32nd-ranked Commanders would be a better Week 10 option than the Falcons.

Thank you so much for reading! I love diving deep into the data in search of statistics and combinations of statistics that can help you make the best decisions possible in the maze of fantasy football decisions. If you have any questions about this article or general questions about fantasy football, reach out to me on Twitter (@MunderDifflinFF).



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


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




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

JJ Yeley

Too Few Crashes at Talladega Recently for JJ Yeley to Hold DFS Value
Jake Sanderson

Keeps Senators Alive With Overtime Winner
Mackenzie Blackwood

Records First Postseason Shutout
Gabriel Landeskog

Scores First Goal In Nearly Three Years
Ivan Barbashev

Gives Vegas Vital Win
Nikita Kucherov

Records Three Assists In Game 3 Win
Troy Stecher

Cleared For Sunday
Ryan Blaney

the Favorite to Win at Talladega
William Byron

Looking for Another Drafting Track Win This Weekend
Brad Keselowski

Entering Must-Win Territory As We Head to Talladega
Ross Chastain

a Strong Place Differential Option at Talladega This Weekend
NASCAR

Ricky Stenhouse a Chalk DFS Pick this Weekend at Talladega
Zane Smith

on the Pole and Should Be Avoided at Talladega
Erik Jones

Is Always a Solid Pick at Talladega
Todd Gilliland

a Sleeper at Talladega
John Hunter Nemechek

Can Move Up From 29th at Talladega
Riley Herbst

Qualifies 23rd at Talladega
Anthony Alfredo

Don't Be Afraid of Picking Anthony Alfredo at Talladega
AJ Allmendinger

Is There Upside for AJ Allmendinger at Talladega?
BJ McLeod

a Viable Fantasy Pick This Weekend
Cole Custer

Is Cole Custer Worth Rostering For Talladega Lineups?
Ty Dillon

Is A Solid Value Option For Talladega DFS Lineups
Cody Ware

Is One Of The Safest Value DFS Options For Talladega Lineups
Hunter Greene

Lights Up Rockies For Eight Strikeouts Saturday
Adael Amador

Collects Three Hits And Home Run No. 1
Jarren Duran

Steals Home And Racks Up Three Hits
Framber Valdez

Tosses Complete Game In A Loss To The Royals
Michael Wacha

Spins Six Shutout Innings
Alan Trejo

Traded To The Rockies
Jackson Chourio

Nearly Hits For The Cycle
Robbie Ray

Records Eight Strikeouts
Jesús Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo Continues To Pitch Well
Seiya Suzuki

Drives In Three Runs
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Strikes Out The Side
Clay Holmes

Tosses Five Scoreless Innings
Jimmy Butler III

Ruled Out On Saturday
Isaiah Stewart

Questionable For Sunday's Game
Nolan Schanuel

Makes Early Exit On Saturday
Cam Smith

Heading To The Bench
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 4
Logan Evans

To Make MLB Debut On Sunday
Jarred Kelenic

Takes A Seat On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Won't Play On Sunday

Dolphins Select Quinn Ewers In Seventh Round
Logan Gilbert

Heading To 15-Day Injured List
Emmanuel Clase

Available As Closer For Game 2
Brenden Dillon

Out On Sunday
Mitchell Robinson

Questionable For Game 4 Versus Detroit
Luke Hughes

To Remain Out On Sunday
Michael Porter Jr.

Available On Saturday Night
Aliaksei Protas

Practices Fully On Saturday
Russell Westbrook

Won't Suit Up For Game 4
Gabriel Vilardi

A Game-Time Decision For Sunday
Oskar Bäck

Oskar Back A Game-Time Call On Saturday
Ross Colton

Unavailable Saturday
Miro Heiskanen

Remains Out Saturday
Riley Leonard

Drafted By Colts Saturday

Steelers Select Will Howard In Sixth Round Of NFL Draft

Eagles Add Kyle McCord To Quarterback Room

Miami Adds Ollie Gordon II To Backfield

Chargers Add KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Oronde Gadsden II To Offense

Colts Add DJ Giddens To Backfield
Michael Busch

Sitting On Saturday Versus Southpaw
Brandon Woodruff

"Really Tired" After Latest Rehab Start
Tyler Fitzgerald

Scratched On Saturday

Dallas Cowboys Draft Jaydon Blue In Fifth Round

49ers Add Jordan Watkins To Offense

Browns Trade Up To Select Shedeur Sanders In The Fifth Round
Sam Howell

Seahawks Trade Sam Howell To Vikings

Titans Continue To Address Offense, Select Elic Ayomanor

Chiefs Bolster Receiver Room With Jalen Royals

Commanders Add Jaylin Lane To Wide Receiver Room

Browns Select Dylan Sampson With 126th Pick

Titans Use Fourth-Round Pick On Gunnar Helm
Jarquez Hunter

Rams Select Jarquez Hunter In Fourth Round

Texans Trade Up For Woody Marks

Jets Select Arian Smith In Fourth Round

Panthers Select Trevor Etienne 114th Overall

Giants Take CFP Darling Cam Skattebo
Darius Garland

Won't Suit Up For Game 3
Darius Garland

Unavailable For Pregame Warmup
Jrue Holiday

Classified As "Day-To-Day"
Jacob Markstrom

Ends Losing Spell Friday
Cole Caufield

Collects Two Points In Friday's Win
Connor McDavid

Totals Three Points In Game 3 Win
Johnathan Kovacevic

Exits Early Friday
Sam Montembeault

Suffers Lower-Body Injury Friday
Logan Thompson

Exits Loss With Injury
Brandon Hagel

Suspended For Game 3
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF