Fantasy Football Week 8 Rankings: D/ST

Fantasy Football Week 8 Rankings: Defense

Hold on to your hats folks, as this announcement might just blow your mind. For the first time in our ranking history, the top two selections for D/ST starts are playing against one another. The premier defensive start this week goes to the Titans versus the Chargers. Frankly, I would pick Tennessee against anyone right now, as its pass rush looks utterly dominant, especially over the last two weeks. At this point, the Titans lead the league in both sacks and interceptions with 25 and 12 respectively; quarterbacks hardly stand a chance against this pass rush.

On the flip side, the Chargers don't look half bad themselves. San Diego reps 25 sacks on its resume as well and stacks up fourth-best in the league against the run. The Chargers will need that type of play with Chris Johnson likely to get a particularly heavy load, given both Vince Young and Kerry Collins are nursing injuries. Young looks likely to play, but it's not clear if he'll be full-speed. Nevertheless, the Chargers look tough on the defensive end, so expect some big plays from them.

Week 8 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST | Sleepers | Popular Adds/Drops

Finally, the Steelers earn the third-best selection this week at the defensive position, as they are another team you should start against anyone. The Steelers have allowed just 64 yards per game on the ground thus far this season and wreak havoc on everyone they face They also continue to lead the league in points allowed at just under 14 per game. Normally, we'd shy away from anybody playing at New Orleans, but the Saints are in collapse mode, so this could be a big one.

1. Titans (TEN at SD)
2. Chargers (SD vs. TEN)
3. Steelers (PIT at NO)
4. Jets (NYJ vs. GB)
5. Packers (GB at NYJ)
6. Cowboys (DAL vs. JAC)
7. Rams (STL vs. CAR)
8. Buccaneers (TB at ARI)
9. Patriots (NE vs. MIN)
10. Dolphins (MIA at CIN)
11. Broncos (DEN at SF)
12. Chiefs (KC vs. BUF)
13. Cardinals (ARI vs. TB)
14. Seahawks (SEA at OAK)
15. Lions (DET vs. WAS)
16. Panthers (CAR at STL)
17. 49ers (SF vs. DEN)
18. Raiders (OAK vs. SEA)
19. Bengals (CIN vs. MIA)
20. Saints (NO vs. PIT)
21. Vikings (MIN at NE)
22. Redskins (WAS at DET)
23. Texans (HOU at IND)
24. Colts (IND vs. HOU)
25. Jaguars (JAC at DAL)
26. Bills (BUF at KC)

• A lot of fantasy owners have been chomping at the bit to pick up the Redskins defense after its mammoth outing last weekend that included four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown, but I'm looking the other way and picking the Lions here. Easily the best 1-5 team in football, the Lions see the return of Matt Stafford and should take this game from Washington. I'd look elsewhere if this was to be your crafty spot start this week.

• Instead, consider the Rams at home versus Carolina. Fantasy owners ran for the hills -- rightfully so -- after Detroit torched St. Louis 44-6 in Week 5 (like I said, the Lions are good), but other than that, the Rams haven't given up over 20 points in a game. Furthermore, they have forced 11 fumbles and have 20 sacks. Carolina, on the other hand, has the worst offense in football.

• Finally, the other safe bet this week for a spot start goes to the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay doesn't wield anything lethal defensively, but Arizona's offense is terrible, averaging just 238 yards per game. Any middle-of-the-road unit should have no trouble putting up some decent fantasy points against the Cardinals at this point.