Fantasy defenses are getting pretty tight in Week 8, with the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans all on bye (you could even throw in the Indianapolis Colts with how their defense has been playing lately).
With all those out this week, which defenses present the best option in fantasy this week?
1. San Francisco 49ers
The Jaguars factor strikes again this week, putting the 49ers in the top spot. This game is taking place in London, so it’s not likely to be an offensive show to begin with, let alone factoring in how bad Jacksonville’s offense is. After struggling in the first three weeks of the season, San Francisco’s defense has scored 13, 22, 12 and 14 fantasy points in the next four games. This will be a big one for San Fran, going up against Chad Henne and company.
Projected Statistics: Seven points allowed, four sacks, one interception
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Speaking of terrible offenses, the Cleveland Browns haven’t been able to get anything going on offense since Brian Hoyer went down with an injury, and Brandon Weeden took over again at quarterback. Put that together with Kansas City’s dominant defense as of late. Prior to their Week 7game against the Texans, Kansas City had been on a streak of four games of 16 fantasy points or more. The Browns will be trying to catch up all game, so they should be able to put up some points, but nothing major.
Projected Statistics: 16 points allowed, five sacks, two interceptions
3. Carolina Panthers
One of the unsung defenses of this season, the Panthers have been surprisingly good from a fantasy perspective. They’re in the Thursday night game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Thursday games have consistently been lower scoring than Sunday games with less time for rest. Mike Glennon will be playing only his fourth NFL game. In his first three games, Glennon has thrown three interceptions, and hasn’t broken 300 yards. Doug Martin could also miss this game, so the Bucs won’t have a ground game to fall back on.
Projected Statistics: 10 points allowed, two sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincy is coming off a two-point game against the Detroit Lions, but don’t get discouraged just yet. Against good offenses this season, the Bengals defense has produced, scoring 15 in Week 5 against the New England Patriots, and 18 against eh Green Bay Packers in Week 3. They certainly won’t be facing a Patriots-esque offense in Week 8 against the New York Jets. New York has had point totals this year of 10, 13 and six in the first seven games, and they shouldn’t fair much better this week.
Projected Statistics: 14 points allowed, three sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery
5. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have been one of the most underrated defenses this season, and have been strongly consistent in fantasy. Even when they’ve been bad, they at least produced some fantasy value. This should be one of their better games, facing Thaddeus Lewis and the Buffalo Bills. Lewis has only played two games this season, throwing for 216 and 202 yards, respectively. C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson are both slumping as well, so the Saints shouldn’t give up any more than 16 points or so.
Projected Statistics: 16 points allowed, three sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery