Best/Worst Fantasy Football Playoff Schedules and Matchups for Weeks 15-17 (2024)

December 9, 2024

The best/worst fantasy football playoff schedules and matchups for Weeks 15, 16, 17 (2024). Dave identifies soft schedules for the fantasy football playoffs.

The holiday season is officially here and, more importantly, the fantasy football playoffs are about to begin. It's the time of ultimate judgment that allows only one man or woman to raise their hands in victory and hoist their league trophy.

While your immediate attention is focused on either locking up a playoff berth or securing a bye week, it's okay to take a peek down the road at the fantasy playoffs. Perhaps you're wondering how your team might fare should you get into the dance or you're wondering what kind of matchups await your studs. Luckily for you, that's exactly what we are here to do. Which teams have the best schedules for Weeks 15 through 17? Which players currently rostered have the best and worst playoff schedules? Let's dive in and find out.

Make sure you follow RotoBaller on X and check out RotoBaller.com for all your fantasy football needs. Here are the players with the best and worst schedules for the 2024 fantasy football playoffs.

A Few Things To Note

Here are some important notes about my methodology and how I set up the rest of the article:

• Rankings are based on full PPR (point-per-reception) leagues.
• Composite strength of schedule (SOS) rankings are determined by combining the average PPR points per game allowed to each position by opponents, and other data points.
• Each metric was put into a weighted category to spit out a final aggregate number.
• Data was compiled before the start of Week 13 (Nov. 28).
• This article focuses on players currently rostered across most fantasy leagues. All players listed here are rostered in at least 70% of Yahoo leagues.
• I have listed the top three and bottom three options at each position that fit this criteria. Therefore players like Will Levis, who have a strong playoff SOS, will not be mentioned because they are not rostered in enough leagues.

Let's take a look and see what we've got!

Best Quarterback Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Most Favorable QB Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Best Fantasy Playoffs QBs

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

• W15: Patriots
• W16: Panthers
• W17: Rams

Arizona's signal caller gets a trio of tasty matchups in the fantasy playoffs. Murray is currently the overall QB11 and is 12th in fantasy points per game, but his schedule opens up at the end of the year. He could lead the Cardinals to an NFC West title while simultaneously carrying fantasy gamers to championships everywhere.

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• W15: Chargers
• W16: Cowboys
• W17: Panthers

Mike Evans returned for the Buccaneers in Week 12, and it's good timing for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Once Tampa Bay gets past the Chargers in Week 15, they have two cake matchups waiting for them in Weeks 16 and 17. Mayfield has been fantastic all season and is currently the QB5 this year. He should keep things rolling and deliver a few strong performances in the fantasy playoffs.

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

• W15: Colts
• W16: Chargers
• W17: Bengals

Nix's name has been surging in the second half of the season. His play has put him right in the middle of the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation, and he is also carrying fantasy gamers to weekly victories. He offers a nice floor thanks to his legs and has shown steady improvement in the air. That's traditionally been a formula for fantasy success over the years.

Many experts, pundits, and gamers laughed when the Broncos selected Nix 12th overall in April's draft, but he has quieted a lot of doubters. With a relatively easy close to the season, Nix could be this year's league-winning quarterback. Who would have thought we'd be making such statements back in the summer?

Worst Quarterback Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Least Favorable QB Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Worst Fantasy Playoffs QBs

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

• W15: Bills
• W16: Bears
• W17: 49ers

Outside of a terrible game against the Houston Texans, Goff has played very well this year and has been mentioned as a possible MVP candidate. Fantasy-wise, he currently sits as the overall QB12 and has had some strong performances.

Things get difficult as we head into the fantasy playoffs, though, as he faces several defenses that have excelled at limiting quarterback scoring. Goff also plays outdoors twice during the fantasy playoffs (including a game in Chicago in Week 16) so that is also less than ideal.

Week 17 might not wind up being too bad if the 49ers season continues down its current trajectory, but that is another game where Detroit could lean on its running backs.

Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

• W15: Rams
• W16: Dolphins
• W17: Lions

Purdy was nursing a right shoulder injury that kept him out of action in Week 12. It's not believed to be a long-term issue, but is something to note. Even if he's fully healthy, Purdy has a tough road in the fantasy playoffs. The Rams only rank 22nd in defensive passing metrics, but they have been surprisingly good at limiting quarterback scoring in terms of fantasy points.

Miami and Detroit have also done well limiting quarterback scoring and both rank in the top six in terms of fewest fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. Purdy has enjoyed another strong season and is the QB7 in fantasy points per game, but he could be in store for a rough close to the season.

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

• W15: Texans
• W16: 49ers
• W17: Browns

It's great to see Tagovailoa back on the field following his latest concussion. He has delivered some strong performances in recent weeks, but Miami's schedule is brutal in the fantasy playoffs.

An opener against the Texans in Week 15 is a tough draw right out of the gates. San Francisco is a wildcard right now, but if they are still in the NFC West race that will also be difficult. The Browns in Week 17 look easy based on their record, but they've been surprisingly strong at limiting quarterback scoring. This all makes Tagovailoa the easiest name on our list to fade once the playoffs begin.

Best Running Back Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Most Favorable RB Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Best Fantasy Playoffs RBs

James Conner, Arizona Cardinals

• W15: Patriots
• W16: Panthers
• W17: Rams

The eighth-year back draws the top spot on our list, and it's sure to make Conner's owners smile. His matchups in Weeks 15 and 16 will have owners salivating at the possibilities. Games against New England and Carolina are very winnable and projected as games that Arizona should be playing from ahead for the majority of those games.

The Rams in Week 17 is the toughest opponent of the three but even they rank in the bottom half of the league in defensive rushing metrics and PPR points per game allowed to running backs. The only worry with Conner is that he's started to cede some playing time to rookie Trey Benson. However, that should be of little concern in these matchups. Unless Conner completely faceplants in the run-up to the playoffs and loses the starting job, then he has the potential to deliver some huge performances.

It's also worth noting that Benson should be viewed as a priority bench stash given the Cardinals' playoff schedule.

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• W15: Chargers
• W16: Cowboys
• W17: Panthers

Man, Irving has taken off in the second half of his rookie season.

Bucky Irving gets his TD!

📺: #TBvsNYG on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/j2wq4LgrfZ

— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024

He gets a chance to finish the season in style as he gets some cake matchups to close the year. The Chargers in Week 15 are without a doubt the toughest matchup in the playoffs. That one has the potential to go sideways.

If managers can survive Week 15, or they have a first-round bye, they could be rewarded in a big way in Weeks 16 and 17. The Cowboys and Panthers are among the league's worst rush defenses. Irving could post some crooked numbers these weeks.

With the way he's been playing, I'd be willing to bet we see Irving's name on quite a few championship rosters.

Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, Detroit Lions

• W15: Bills
• W16: Bears
• W17: 49ers

The Lions duo has been great all season, and they could really pay off for gamers when it matters most.

While some of the teams they face might look daunting, the reality is that they haven't been very good against opposing rushers. Given that quarterback Jared Goff has one of the toughest remaining schedules in terms of pass defenses, Detroit will likely lean on their talented running back tandem in all three of these games to get the job done. That would certainly make all Gibbs and Montgomery managers very happy.

Worst Running Back Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Least Favorable RB Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Worst Fantasy Playoff RBs

Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals

• W15: Titans
• W16: Browns
• W17: Broncos

Brown has produced some massive games in recent weeks and is earning a ton of volume. It's made him one of the top producers at the position of late. However, things will get much more difficult for him once the playoffs roll around.

Cincinnati faces three of the best run defenses in the league during the fantasy playoffs. They could be forced to lean on Joe Burrow and their passing game in these matchups. Brown has gotten plenty of work as a receiver since taking over, so this wouldn't mean he could completely bust. We can't recommend sitting Brown given the volume he's been getting, but these poor playoff matchups could limit his ceiling at the wrong time.

Joe Mixon, Houston Texans

• W15: Dolphins
• W16: Chiefs
• W17: Ravens

Mixon has thrived in his first season in Houston. The fantasy playoffs could be a bit of an issue though. Miami ranks 26th in defensive rushing metrics, so Mixon should have a strong start to the fantasy playoffs. From there, things get much more difficult as he faces the Chiefs and Ravens in the semi-final and championship weeks.

The good news for Mixon is that Houston has been stubbornly committed to the run game this year. Unless the Texans are getting completely blown out, he should still receive plenty of volume in these games. Just know that after Week 15, the playoff schedule is not great. If your league trade deadline hasn't passed, it might not be the worst idea to trade Mixon to an innocent, unsuspecting manager provided you get an appropriate return.

Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

• W15: Giants
• W16: Steelers
• W17: Texans

Henry should run all over the Giants in Week 15 and will single-handedly carry teams into the next round. Things are a little tougher in Weeks 16 and 17 with dates against the Steelers and Texans.

But look. Let's be real. You're not sitting Derrick Henry in the fantasy playoffs. He's a great player and is capable of overcoming a bad matchup. Is this the ideal draw down the homestretch? No, but he can pop off a 70-yarder at any time and is always a threat around the goal line.

If Henry busts when it matters most after an all-world season, then so be it.

Best Wide Receiver Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Most Favorable WR Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Best Fantasy Playoffs WRs

Nico Collins and Tank Dell, Houston Texans

• W15: Dolphins
• W16: Chiefs
• W17: Ravens

The Texan's duo gets a fairly favorable draw here. Miami is towards the bottom of the league in defensive metrics against WRs but allows the fewest PPR points per game to the position. That is a tougher opening draw than people suspect, and they will likely lean on Joe Mixon. Still, Dell and Collins have big play potential and could pop during that game.

Kansas City has struggled guarding receivers at times throughout the year, and the Texans' receivers can produce there. If gamers can survive Weeks 15 and 16, they will be handsomely rewarded with a Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Baltimore allows the most PPR points per game to receivers, so this is a spot where Collins can go nuclear. It would be hard-earned for Collins managers as they were forced to survive without their star WR1 for five games earlier this year.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals

• W15: Patriots
• W16: Panthers
• W17: Rams

So far, Harrison has been one of the biggest busts of the year relative to his draft cost this summer. He currently sits as the overall WR29 after being selected in the second round of drafts.

The rookie will get a chance to close the season out on a high note as he draws one of the best playoff schedules for receivers. Week 15 against New England is the easiest of Arizona's three playoff opponents. It might be shocking to some, but Carolina is the toughest opponent they face in the playoffs. Carolina's defense has been terrible, but the data shows they have some had success slowing down receivers in terms of fantasy points.

Harrison torched the Rams' secondary for 130 yards and two touchdowns on eight targets back in Week 2. He'll get another shot to do so in Week 17. Seeing as that's the championship week for most leagues, gamers will be hoping to see a repeat performance from Harrison.

Drake London and Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons

• W15: Raiders
• W16: Giants
• W17: Commanders

While Kirk Cousins hasn't been super productive from a fantasy standpoint, Atlanta's receivers are a different story. Both London and Mooney are currently inside the top-12 PPR wide receivers this year. Both have been great options for gamers and should continue to be during the fantasy playoffs.

It's worth noting that Atlanta just missed the cutoff for our top running back playoff schedule (They were fourth behind the top three teams listed). They could end up relying on Bijan Robinson. However, the schedule is favorable enough that we could see the Atlanta offense as a whole hit their stride. Keep riding London and Mooney in those pivotal playoff matchups.

Worst Wide Receiver Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Least Favorable WR Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Worst Fantasy Playoffs WRs

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

• W15: Bears
• W16: Seahawks
• W17: Packers

There's no good way to put it. Jefferson has a tough draw in the fantasy playoffs. All three teams he faces rank inside the top 10 in defensive metrics against receivers and have done well limiting opposing receivers in terms of PPR points per game.

He gets a rematch against the Bears in Week 15. Chicago held Jefferson to 2-27-0 line on 5 targets when they met in Week 12. Seattle is the easiest opponent in terms of PPR points allowed to receivers, so this could be a sneaky spot for a Jefferson spike game.

You can't bench Jefferson but just know we may not see the typical big statistical performances we have grown accustomed to seeing. He's a great player and is capable of overcoming bad matchups as evidenced by his WR12 finish in Week 4 against the Packers where he posted a 6-85-1 line on 12 targets.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions

• W15: Bills
• W16: Bears
• W17: 49ers

We listed Jared Goff as having one of the toughest schedules for quarterbacks, so it shouldn't be too surprising to see St. Brown listed here as well.

Like Jefferson, St. Brown can overcome any poor matchup. This just isn't the ideal setup for a championship run. His role in Detroit's offense is relatively secure, so he should still offer games a safe floor.

Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams

• W15: 49ers
• W16: Jets
• W17: Cardinals

The Ram's duo rounds out our list. As we previously mentioned, the San Francisco defense is a true wildcard in the playoffs. They have been effective in limiting opposing receivers, but if they fall out of contention in the NFC West, they could mail it in for the year and become an easier opponent.

The Jets' defense has been a mess since firing Robert Saleh, but they have still been effective in terms of PPR points against opposing receivers. New York has allowed the second-fewest PPR points per game to the position. The Cardinals in Week 17 will be Nacua and Kupp's best shot for spike games. Their defense ranked high in defensive metrics against receivers, but they have allowed some big games to receivers this year.

It's not the most ideal string of games for the Nacua and Kupp, but gamers should still start them and hope for the best. It's never a bad idea to trust a Sean McVay offense.

Best Tight End Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Most Favorable TE Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Best Fantasy Playoffs TEs

David Njoku, Cleveland Browns

• W15: Chiefs
• W16: Bengals
• W17: Dolphins

Njoku has one of the best remaining schedules for tight ends. The Browns' passing game has come to life since Jameis Winston took over. That could mean we see some big performances from Njoku down the home stretch.

Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

• W15: Patriots
• W16: Panthers
• W17: Rams

Have you noticed a theme in this column? The Arizona Cardinals have a fantastic schedule during the fantasy playoffs. Keep that in mind in a few weeks.

McBride has been an absolute beast this year. The only thing missing has been touchdowns. Maybe that poor touchdown luck will turn around when it matters most because he has some fantastic matchups in the playoffs. A semi-final date with a Carolina defense that has been dreadful defending tight ends is particularly salivating for gamers.

Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

• W15: Raiders
• W16: Giants
• W17: Commanders

I'll wait for the collective groans and eye rolls to subside. Okay, got that out of the way? Let's proceed.

Look, there are multiple data points to be concerned about with Pitts, and they are all fair. But he has a good closing stretch of games. If you've stuck with the fourth-year pro this long, the playoffs might not be a good time to bail.

Atlanta as a whole has some great matchups to close the year. If you're in the playoffs, start your Falcons. They could be key to a championship run.

Worst Tight End Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Least Favorable TE Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Worst Fantasy Playoff TEs

Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins

• W15: Texans
• W16: 49ers
• W17: Browns

Smith has really taken off in recent weeks, but his playoff schedule is downright brutal. Houston and San Francisco are extremely difficult matchups, and it would be advisable to look for other options in those games. Cleveland in Week 17 would be the best spot to deploy Smith, but gamers would need to survive Weeks 15 and 16 to do so.

Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens

• W15: Giants
• W16: Steelers
• W17: Texans

Andrews has not been the same fantasy stud in 2024 as in years past. Limited playing time has led to frustratingly inconsistent results.

He has a trio of tough matchups in the playoffs and all three teams have fared very well guarding opposing tight ends. Gamers should look at other tight end options because it is an extremely risky proposition to trust Andrews during the playoffs.

Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills

• W15: Lions
• W16: Patriots
• W17: Jets

Kincaid was a popular breakout pick before the year, but things just haven't panned out. Like Andrews, he has not been given consistent playing time and has been sidelined with a knee injury since Week 10. Kincaid is talented, but the high-end fantasy production needed to justify starting him in the playoffs just hasn't been there. Combine that with a tough schedule, and Kincaid becomes an easy fade, assuming he's healthy.

Best D/ST Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Best Fantasy Playoffs D/ST Waiver Wire Pickups

Kansas City Chiefs

• W15: Browns
• W16: Texans
• W17: Steelers

A blitzing Steve Spagnuolo defense against Jameis Winston sounds like the perfect opportunity to get a crooked number from your DST in the opening round of the playoffs. The Texans in Week 16 isn't an ideal spot to deploy Kansas City, but they could have success against the Steelers in Week 17 provided they shut down Pittsburgh's running game.

Baltimore Ravens

• W15: Giants
• W16: Steelers
• W17: Texans

The Ravens' defense has been far from spectacular this year, but they have a great draw in the opening round of the playoffs. A date with either Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock should fetch a nice return for fantasy managers. Baltimore sacked Russell Wilson four times in Week 11, so they are viable play against Pittsburgh in Week 16.

The Ravens DST should be avoided in Week 17 though. Yes, C.J. Stroud has struggled as of late, but the Ravens' secondary has been very bad against receivers this year. It's easy to envision Nico Collins and Tank Dell exposing this unit, and the Texans putting up 30+ points as a result.

Buffalo Bills

• W15: Lions
• W16: Patriots
• W17: Jets

So Buffalo doesn't have a great draw in the opening week of the playoffs. But after that, they get the lowly Patriots in the semi-finals and then take on the struggling Jets in the finals. The Bills might be the best unit to stash for the fantasy playoffs, especially if you lock up a bye.

Worst D/ST Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Least Favorable DST Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Pittsburgh Steelers

• W15: Eagles
• W16: Ravens
• W17: Chiefs

Pittsburgh has been one of the best DST options all year, but man they face some really good offenses in the playoffs. They play Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes in Weeks 15-17. With that said, starting the Steelers DST doesn't seem like the best way to secure a fantasy football title.

Houston Texans

• W15: Dolphins
• W16: Chiefs
• W17: Ravens

The best spot to potentially deploy the Texans would be in Week 15 against the Dolphins. Miami has notoriously struggled against good teams the last few years, and this could be a spot where the Houston defense gets after quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After that, there's no way you can justify starting this unit against Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson.

Detroit Lions

• W15: Bills
• W16: Bears
• W17: 49ers

Depending on what happens with the 49ers, Detroit could become a better option for the playoffs. Still, you really shouldn't start any defense facing a Josh Allen-led offense.

Caleb Williams and the Bears' offense has shown signs of life since Thomas Brown took over as play-caller so that matchup isn't quite as appealing as it was a few weeks ago. Detroit's defense also continues to lose key players to injury which hurts their viability as a top DST.

If I am being honest, the playoff schedules for most of the highest-rostered DSTs are not great. If anything, my takeaway from this exercise is that we might be better off streaming defenses from week to week than relying on some of the highest-rostered options.

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