By – Anthony Fishwick @FFootballFish

In week seven, many of us got burned by the Raiders – who finished outside the top 15 in most formats. We also had a poor performance by the Buffalo Bills, scoring only three fantasy points against the New England Patriots. Topping the defense category in most formats were the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears, both of which benefited from defensive touchdowns. Lucky for us, there are no byes in week eight so we have a nice pool of options! Here are my defensive streamers for week eight.

Detroit Lions (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)

ESPN Rostered: 46% Sleeper Rostered: 49%

The Detroit Lions face off against the Las Vegas Raiders who (may or may not) have Jimmy G back at quarterback. I like the Lions this week regardless of the quarterback. The Lions have 15 sacks on the year with three forced fumbles and recoveries. The Lions are currently the 17th defense this year with six interceptions and a defensive touchdown. If Jimmy G plays, we can likely count on an interception (he has a seven-to-eight ratio of touchdowns to interceptions). Either way, the Raiders have not scored more than 21 points on the season. Prepare for Detroit to take advantage and finish the week in the top 10.

Atlanta Falcons (vs. Tennessee Titans)

ESPN Rostered: 26% Sleeper Rostered: 31%

As a Saints fan, I never want to admit when I’m favoring the Falcons, but this week it’s unfortunately true. Facing the Tennessee Titans (who will play a backup quarterback or quarterback by committee) Atlanta looks primed for a big week. The Titans have started making trades which signals they may be playing for next year and beyond. While the Titans do average just above 21 points per game, the lack of a quarterback should prove to be advantageous for my rival team. Atlanta comes into the week with five interceptions and 13 sacks so far this year, tacking on four forced fumbles while recovering two. I anticipate this to be a run-heavy, low-scoring, matchup with Atlanta on the more favorable side. I expect Atlanta to finish the week within the top 12. 

Houston Texans (vs. Carolina Panthers)

The Texans will go into Carolina in a matchup of rookie quarterbacks. This year Houston has eight sacks and four interceptions. The Texans have also forced seven fumbles recovering seven. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young has only thrown four interceptions on the year. While that is a good number for a rookie, he has also only thrown six touchdowns. Carolina also struggles on the ground as their leading rusher has one touchdown and two fumbles. The Panthers have not won all season and the most they have scored is 27 points. That 27-point game was the only game they surpassed 21 on the year. I am expecting Houston to finish as a top-12 defense on the year.

*All stats are from Sleeper, ESPN, and Pro Football Focus