ClutchPoints
At this point in the season, some fantasy football managers are worrying about their bad beats. Others are scouring the waiver wire for hopeful help. But for now, it’s Week 8 of the 2025 season, and here is start ‘em, sit ‘em advice for defense and special teams.
Like last week, the best place to visit for defense and special teams is the opponent of the Tennessee Titans. That team is truly awful on offense, and quarterback Cam Ward seems to invent new ways to make mistakes.
This week, the Colts are front and center. They’ve had three monster weeks this season, and one of them was at the Titans. Now they get them at home.
Feast!
Head Coach Shane Steichen knows what his team has on the offensive side of the ball. But he’s getting fond of the defense, too, according to AP News.
“[The Chargers have] got a great quarterback and we knew they were going to make some plays,” Steichen said. “But I thought our defense did a great job with the takeaways. Holding that team to 24 points, I thought, was good by our defense.”
The stats back up the Colts’ effectiveness. They are third in the NFL in takeaways, and only four teams have more sacks than the Colts (19). Also, the Colts rank No. 8 in scoring defense at 20 points per game.
Safety Nick Cross said the defense wants to mesh with the offense.
“The offense kept scoring and we sort of kept doing our job good and get a key stop and we’re able to get that after 21 plays,” said Cross, who had an interception Sunday. “It was just one of those things that shows the resilience, the mental fortitude, the competitiveness in our defense.”
The players support and believe in each other. Included in the mix is Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin, who shouted out Cross’ effort, according to Colts.com.
“That’s the type of play our defense needed,” linebacker Zaire Franklin said. “Nick’s having a great year. He made a big play in a big-time moment, like we expect him to.”
And turnovers matter.
“Just being able to turn the ball over, first and foremost, that’s always going to lead us closer to wins,” safety Cam Bynum said. “Also, us not having the greatest game leading up to it — but when we need it, the best players (play) well and (make) plays.”
It should be another long day for Ward and the Titans’ offense. And it could be one of those games where the Colts’ defense produces a touchdown. It would be their second of the season.
There aren’t a great deal of good matchups this week. So the Falcons get a bump despite only one super good week this season.
They should be able to get pressure on Tua Tagovailoa. And that means sacks. Plus, Tua has hoisted an NFL-worst 10 interceptions...
