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As Week 8 approaches, fantasy managers searching for streaming defenses on the waiver wire will find limited options with favorable matchups. However, a deeper dive reveals several defenses that could provide a significant edge in the positional battle this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST
Coming off a bye, the Jacksonville Jaguars defense is presented with an ideal matchup. The Jaguars will host the Indianapolis Colts, a divisional rival in the midst of a fire sale. On Tuesday, the Colts traded away guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and additional moves could be on the horizon before the divisional showdown. With the Colts in free fall, the Jaguars defense is poised to capitalize and secure another top-ten weekly finish.
Beyond the Colts' current state, the Jaguars have historically dominated their AFC South rival at home, with the defense playing a pivotal role. Jacksonville has defeated Indianapolis 11 consecutive times in Jacksonville. The last time the Colts won in the Sunshine State, Andrew Luck was under center. In nine of those 11 victories, the Jaguars held the Colts to 20 points or fewer, a trend that is expected to continue on Sunday. The Colts have surpassed 24 points only once this season, back in Week 2, and with the team's uncertainty, it's hard to envision that changing this week. Now missing an All-Pro guard and potentially more, the Colts' offensive production should decline, much to the delight of fantasy managers who pick up the Jaguars defense.
Atlanta Falcons D/ST
The Atlanta Falcons defense is coming off a D/ST2 finish after upsetting the San Francisco 49ers. The NFC South squad looks to carry that momentum into Week 8 against a divisional rival. The Falcons travel to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers, who just scored 43 points against the Carolina Panthers. Despite the Buccaneers' recent offensive outburst, the Falcons defense matches up well against their divisional foe. Tampa Bay did all its damage on the ground last week, rushing for 258 yards while attempting just 11 passes. The Falcons have excelled in run defense, allowing 88.9 rushing yards per game, the fourth-lowest in the NFL. If Atlanta can stuff the run as it has all season, Baker Mayfield will be forced to throw. In two of his four starts this season, Mayfield has thrown an interception, which bodes well for the Falcons D/ST's fantasy outlook.
Cincinnati Bengals D/ST
The Cincinnati Bengals defense shined in the second half of their win over the Baltimore Ravens last week, shutting out their divisional rivals. The Bengals have an opportunity to replicate that defensive effort against a weak Tennessee Titans offense. The Titans' 15.4 points per game average is the second-worst in the NFL. In addition to their scoring struggles, the Titans have been careless with the football, turning it over 10 times this season, tied for the tenth-most in the league. The combination of low scoring and giveaways makes the Titans a vulnerable opponent for the Bengals D/ST to exploit.
Key Analysis
For fantasy managers in need of a streaming defense, these three options present the best available choices for Week 8. The Jaguars have the most favorable matchup against a Colts team in disarray, while the Falcons and Bengals offer solid alternatives with their own advantageous matchups. Each defense has the potential to deliver a top-ten weekly finish, making them worthy considerations for the upcoming slate.