ClutchPoints
With NFL Week 8 on deck, the 2025 fantasy football season is quickly approaching its midway point. As the most-streamed position in fantasy football, knowing which defense and special teams units (D/ST) is crucial to winning weekly matchups.
Depending on league settings, the Cleveland Browns were likely the top fantasy football defense in Week 7. Jim Schwartz’s unit had Tua Tagovailoa in handcuffs all night, picking off the southpaw three times, including one that was returned for a touchdown. The Browns also recovered a Dee Eskridge fumble while holding the Miami Dolphins to just six points.
The New England Patriots were also a successful play in Mike Vrabel’s triumphant return to Nashville. The Patriots’ big week continued the trend of utilizing defenses that face the Tennessee Titans’ hopeless offense.
New England has been one of the best fantasy football D/ST units all season, entering Week 8 as a top-three team in most leagues. However, the Seattle Seahawks currently top the standard rankings for the year, according to Fantasy Pros. Mike Macdonald’s squad had another successful outing in Week 7, shredding the Houston Texans’ porous offensive line.
Unfortunately, Seahawks owners will have to look elsewhere in Week 8. Seattle is one of six teams on a bye, joining the Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders. Few managers were relying on either the Jaguars, Cardinals or Raiders, but the Rams and Lions have been among the top-rated fantasy football defenses this season.
There are not many go-to matchups in Week 8, but several defenses still find themselves in lucrative positions. There are still multiple teams worth submitting a waiver claim for to get an edge.
The Seahawks and Rams are off the board, but the Patriots are primed for another league-leading performance in Week 8. New England takes on the Browns’ dysfunctional offense in Week 8 with all the momentum on its side.
Dillon Gabriel managed to get his first win in Week 7, but he still did not do much offensively. Cleveland has heavily relied on running back Quinshon Judkins, who now faces a stiff Week 8 test against the Patriots, who allow just 77.1 rushing yards per game, third-fewest in the NFL.
However, the Indianapolis Colts are the best fantasy football defense of the week. Credit to Daniel Jones for his career resurgence, but Lou Anarumo’s work with the defense does not get enough recognition for the Colts’ success. They now find themselves in an advantageous matchup with the Titans, who have ceded the most fantasy football points to opposing defenses.
Do not overlook the Buffalo Bills either, who have not been their typical stifling selves, but get the fortuitous Week 8 matchup with Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers. The Bills have struggled against the run, but should benefit from their bye week and have star linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard back in their Week 8 lineup.
Also consider targeting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against...
