DraftKings NFL Picks, Week 8: Best bargains in DFS play

Defense/Special Teams

The top-shelf defense in terms of price this week is once again the vaunted New England Patriots defense, who appear on the surface to sit in a smash spot against a struggling Cleveland Browns offense. Contrary to wildly popular belief, their iron-fisted reign as the top-performing defense will be tested, perhaps as soon as this week:

Paying top dollar here is advisable if you disagree, but there are lower-cost options for those who’d rather spend coin on other positions. For example, an emerging Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. MIA, $4,000) pass defense is never shy about getting to the quarterback; they should have no problems forcing Ryan Fitzpatrick to make his share of mistakes.

Save $300 and spend it on that wide receiver or running back that you just missed getting into your lineup with the Patriots clogging up the DST spot. Or, read on for a few lower-priced options.

Los Angeles Rams (vs. CIN, $3,900): The Bengals’ offense looked like it might be a high-octane sleeper out of the gate, but injuries and other ailments caused the engine to run out of gas not long after the car pulled out of the driveway. The Rams have too much talent on defense to *not* rack up sacks and turnovers against a struggling squad in London.

New Orleans Saints (vs. ARI, $3,500): The Saints have stepped up their defensive game of late, and they should have few problems keeping an underwhelming Kliff Kingsbury offense in check. A defense firing on all cylinders that faces a rookie quarterback at home in a domed stadium? Yes, please.

Tennessee Titans (vs. TB, $3,200): The Titans have quietly emerged as one of the better, more consistent fantasy defenses in the league. A matchup against the turnover-prone Jameis Winston and his bumbling Buccaneers is too juicy to pass up, especially given the $1,100 savings reaped from passing on the Patriots.