Fantasy Football D/ST Rankings: Week 8 2026

The Week 8 fantasy defense and special teams outlook for the 2026 NFL season is shaped by multiple bye weeks, including the Texans, 49ers, Saints and Giants. With those teams off, the article spotlights the Bengals as a potential waiver-to-starter option. Cincinnati faces the Titans, who lost to the Browns 27–24 in Week 7. The Bengals’ defense is backed by a strong stretch: they held Baltimore to 13 first-half points before shutting it down the rest of the way, totaling four sacks and an interception. Edge rusher Boye Mafe’s 90.2 PFF grade in that game is highlighted. The Bengals also rank No. 3 in red-zone defense, allowing TDs on just 35% of chances.