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The NFL wrapped up Week 7 last night, and we’re now fully into Week 8. If you are busy streaming fantasy football defenses, you’ll need to consider some waiver wire options. If you’ve got the Cowboys or Ravens D/ST, you’ll need a bye week replacement.
We get some quality matchups in Week 8, as we now know a few of the offenses that are worth facing week in and week out. Below are four defenses available on the waiver wire in a majority of ESPN fantasy football leagues either facing a bad opponent, or with a question of their own to consider.
Pittsburgh Steelers (33.3 percent) — vs. Dolphins
If you can get the defense facing the Dolphins each week, do it. The Steelers defense has quietly been one of the better units in the league, ranking fourth in total points. They have tough matchups in the following weeks vs. the Colts and Rams, but for one week of streaming, they’re a strong option.
Seattle Seahawks (46.2 percent) — @ Falcons
It’s been an inconsistent season for the Seahawks defense, but this is a specific matchup of note. Matt Ryan has a sprained ankle, and his status for Week 8 is uncertain. Matt Schaub hasn’t started a game since 2015, so I suppose he could surprise us. But if Schaub is playing, the Seahawks might just be worth a start.
Arizona Cardinals (10.4 percent) — @ Saints
The Cardinals made Daniel Jones’ life miserable in Week 7, to the tune of eight sacks. They likely won’t get to Teddy Bridgewater eight times, but this defense showed some life in Patrick Peterson’s return to action. He offers an instant upgrade to the entire unit. Bridgewater is playing well, but this looks like a potential struggle of a game for both teams. There’s some value.
Kansas City Chiefs (19 percent) — vs. Packers
I realize Aaron Rodgers just scored six touchdowns against a not awful Raiders team. He’s a decidedly better quarterback than Joe Flacco. And yet, color me intrigued by this game at Arrowhead. The Chiefs know Patrick Mahomes will be back sooner than later, and something tells me the Chiefs defense will have a little extra giddyup this weekend. I could be wildly wrong on this, but consider it my gut instinct.