ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 31: Ed Oliver #91 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates a first quarter sack during a game against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
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At this time of the year, each and every single win matters. It’s not talked about a ton, but adding the right defense can be the difference between a win and a loss in your fantasy football matchup.
That’s why today we’ll be going over three defenses to add from your waiver wire ahead of Sunday for Week 8 of the fantasy football season. To make this article applicable to as many people as possible, all defenses must be under 50% rostered on ESPN.
1. Cincinnati Bengals Vs. New York Jets
(13.6% Rostered)
The Cincinnati Bengals are the defense that was selected for my must-start defense of the week. You can find the full start or sit article below.
When looking at defenses, we take other factors into account, such as how well they’ve played so far, but one thing is even more important. The current matchup.
In Week 8, the Bengals get a fantastic matchup against the New York Jets, who have allowed the third most PPG to opposing defenses in 2025 (per FantasyPros).
You’d like to see the Bengals have more sacks, but they’ve had at least three in two games this year. They’re also coming off a Week 7 performance with two interceptions, which has actually happened three times this year.
Regardless, you’re adding the Bengals because of their matchup with the Jets, who are allowing 10.1 PPG to defenses this year. Not their past production.
2. Buffalo Bills @ Carolina Panthers
(43.1% Rostered)
While the Bengals are my favorite add of the week and they’re also available in most leagues, the Bills are a good option as well. The Buffalo Bills have a strong matchup, and they’ve scored at least six points in three games this year.
The most important part, though, is their matchup. In Week 8, the Bills take on the Carolina Panthers, who have really struggled this year.
Now their starting quarterback, Bryce Young, may not play, and if he does, he’ll be banged up with an ankle injury. If Young doesn’t start, that job would be given to Andy Dalton.
So far this year, the Panthers have allowed the 9th most PPG to opposing defenses with 7.6. It’s nothing crazy, but it’s hard to see a world where the Panthers don’t score at least six points with how their Week 8 matchup looks right now.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 21: Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
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3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints
(49% Rostered)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are right on the edge, but they’re a fine option if available. Regardless of roster percentages, they’re my least favorite defense of the three.
What makes them interesting, though, is that they’re currently averaging the most PPG (5.4) of these three options, and their matchup is still good. In Week 8, the Buccaneers take on the New Orleans Saints, who have allowed the 11th most PPG to opposing defenses on the year.
Now that’s two spots lower than the Panthers, but the actual difference is almost nothing. The Panthers have allowed 7.6 PPG, and the Saints have allowed 7.3 PPG.
We’ve also seen the Buccaneers have a 16-point game, and they’ve gone over seven points in both of the past two weeks. If none of the other two options are available, you can start the Buccaneers in fantasy football this week and feel good about it.
