Week 8 fantasy football defenses: Bengals, Jaguars and other top streaming options
Analyst Gary Davenport highlights the Cincinnati Bengals and Jacksonville Jaguars as the most reliable fantasy defenses for Week 8, while noting several other units that could be streamed based on matchups.
Gary Davenport evaluated the defensive landscape for Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season, focusing on fantasy football implications. He identified the Cincinnati Bengals as the most dependable option, citing their league-leading 21 sacks, a tie for fifth-most takeaways, and sixth-best fantasy point total among defenses. The Bengals face the Tennessee Titans, who rank last in total offense and near the bottom in points per game, suggesting a favorable matchup.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are another strong candidate, having led the league in run defense for a second consecutive year. After a recent decline, the Jaguars return from a bye week to play the Indianapolis Colts, whose offense has been weakened by injuries and potential roster moves. Davenport notes that the Colts rely heavily on running back Jonathan Taylor, assuming he remains on the roster.
Other defenses highlighted for streaming include the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank third in fantasy points and are tied for third in sacks, and the Denver Broncos, who have improved pass-rush production with the return of edge-rusher Jonathon Cooper. The Green Bay Packers, despite recent injuries, maintained the sixth-most fantasy points and continue to generate turnovers.
Davenport also warned against starting the Los Angeles Rams defense, describing it as a disappointment relative to its draft expectations, and suggested the New England Patriots as a potential play against the Miami Dolphins, who have struggled offensively.
He concluded that the Seattle Seahawks remain a solid, if unspectacular, option, while the Minnesota Vikings continue to rank at the top of fantasy defenses due to an aggressive blitzing scheme.