Best/Worst Fantasy Football Playoff Schedules and Matchups for Weeks 15-17 (2025)

The best/worst fantasy football playoff schedules and matchups for Weeks 15, 16, 17 (2025). Frank identifies soft schedules for the fantasy football playoffs.

We're officially into the holiday season, so it's time to start thinking about the fantasy football playoffs. That means you're diving into the strength of schedule to help set your team up for success.

While the trade deadline has passed in most formats, that doesn't mean that there won't be viable waiver wire pickups with exploitable matchups when it matters most. Using this guide will not only help you uncover those gems but also guide you in deciding who makes your starting lineup.

In this article, you'll read about the best and worst schedules by position for the 2025 fantasy football playoffs.

Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule Methodology

Here are some notes about my fantasy football strength of schedule methodology:

• 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.
• Data was gathered before the start of Week 12 (Nov. 19).
• This article will include a top three ranking for teams and players for the best and worst schedules.

Best Quarterback Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Most Favorable QB Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Best Fantasy Playoffs QBs

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

• W15: at Steelers
• W16: vs Bengals
• W17: vs Buccaneers

Tua Tagovailoa hasn't been fantasy-relevant all year, but if you're in a tight spot, it's not a bad idea to stream him against the Bengals, who have the worst defense in the NFL. However, temper your expectations, as we just saw Tagovailoa disappoint in a smash spot against the Commanders. The Dolphins prefer to lean on the running game.

J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

• W15: at Cowboys
• W16: at Giants
• W17: vs Lions

J.J. McCarthy has been a massive disappointment for the Vikings. Hopefully, he can start to find his groove in time for this terrific schedule against the Cowboys, Giants, and Lions. McCarthy's ability to add production on the ground can make him a viable streamer for these matchups, which could be three consecutive shootouts.

Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts

• W15: at Seahawks
• W16: vs 49ers
• W17: vs Jaguars

Daniel Jones has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 NFL season. While the first matchup here against the Seahawks is tough, at least they're a pass-funnel defense. After that, Jones has a depleted 49ers defense and an exploitable Jaguars group as his remaining two games. There's a good chance that he finishes strong.

Worst Quarterback Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Least Favorable QB Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Worst Fantasy Playoffs QBs

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

• W15: vs Chargers
• W16: at Titans
• W17: vs Broncos

Patrick Mahomes has returned to being an elite fantasy quarterback, but the matchups against the Chargers and Broncos are going to be tough, especially the latter. There's also a chance that the Chiefs cruise to victory vs the Titans, resulting in an unfavorable game environment that suppresses fantasy production. It's hard to bench Mahomes, but this is worth noting.

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

• W15: at Patriots
• W16: at Browns
• W17: vs Eagles

Like Mahomes, Josh Allen is virtually impossible to bench. But as we saw against the Texans, Allen can be slowed down by elite defenses. He'll face one in the fantasy championship when they take on the Eagles. I'm not advocating for sitting Allen, but it's worth noting that the playoff schedule is daunting.

C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

• W15: vs Cardinals
• W16: vs Raiders
• W17: at Chargers

C.J. Stroud is likely to be back in the lineup by the time the fantasy playoffs roll around. He hasn't been fantasy-relevant all year, and it's unlikely to see that change when the games matter most. With that said, the matchup against the Raiders is a good one, so there's some streamer appeal there. Don't even consider him against the Cardinals or Chargers, though.

Best Running Back Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Most Favorable RB Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Best Fantasy Playoffs RBs

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals

• W15: at Texans
• W16: vs Falcons
• W17: at Bengals

Trey Benson should be back in action as the Cardinals' bellcow in time for a fantastic playoff schedule, especially the matchups against the Falcons and Bengals. With Bam Knight and Emari Demarcado underwhelming, Benson could provide upside RB2 production during this stretch. We'll monitor how he looks when he returns, but you have to feel confident about these matchups.

De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins

• W15: at Steelers
• W16: vs Bengals
• W17: vs Buccaneers

De’Von Achane’s speed was on full display in Week 10 🏎️ pic.twitter.com/1fwj5NsgNh

— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2025

De'Von Achane has had a spectacular season as the focal point of the Dolphins' offense. It doesn't look like he's going to disappoint during the fantasy playoffs, as he's got a dream matchup against the Bengals in the semifinals. After that, there's a chance that we see a shootout against the Bucs.

Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders

• W15: at Giants
• W16: vs Eagles
• W17: vs Cowboys

Chris Rodriguez has taken over as the lead back in a committee with Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the Commanders' backfield. There's a chance that Jayden Daniels will be able to return by the time the fantasy playoffs roll around. That would be huge news for Rodriguez, especially for the matchups against the Giants and Cowboys.

Worst Running Back Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Least Favorable RB Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Worst Fantasy Playoff RBs

RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos

• W15: vs Packers
• W16: at Jaguars
• W17: at Rams

RJ Harvey has been thrust into a larger role due to J.K. Dobbins' injury. However, the dynamic rookie has three tough matchups against the Packers, Jaguars, and Rams during the fantasy playoffs. The good news is that Harvey makes an impact in the passing game, which can outweigh the inefficiency that may come on the ground.

Breece Hall, New York Jets

• W15: at Jaguars
• W16: at Saints
• W17: vs Patriots

Breece Hall has had a good year when you consider how much of a dumpster fire this Jets offense has been. With that said, you can't feel confident starting him against two elite run defenses like the Jaguars and Patriots. Plan to have an alternative option available for those pivotal playoff matchups.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

• W15: at Rams
• W16: vs Steelers
• W17: at Vikings

Jahmyr Gibbs is an elite running back who you never even consider benching. However, it's still worth noting that the fantasy playoffs schedule is tough, especially against the Rams. The good news is that the game can turn into a shootout. Plus, Gibbs makes a major impact in the passing game. On the other hand, his running mate, David Montgomery, looks less appealing as a FLEX play here.

Best Wide Receiver Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Most Favorable WR Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Best Fantasy Playoffs WRs

Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings

• W15: at Cowboys
• W16: at Giants
• W17: vs Lions

The Vikings' passing game has been completely dysfunctional with McCarthy. However, perhaps the first-year starter can make improvements in time for this terrific schedule, allowing Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to reach their potential in these exploitable matchups. You have to love the spots against the Cowboys and Giants.

Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers

• W15: vs Titans
• W16: at Colts
• W17: vs Bears

With how much the 49ers' defense has struggled lately, you have to love their chances of shootouts against the Colts and Bears. Look for Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings to have a chance to make an impact in those games. At this point, it's hard to see a scenario where Brandon Aiyuk makes a meaningful impact, given that the team is looking to void his contract, so he's not included in this group.

A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles

• W15: vs Raiders
• W16: at Commanders
• W17: at Bills

It's been a frustrating year for the Eagles' wideouts, particularly A.J. Brown. However, we could see him have at least one spike week against the Raiders and Commanders to kick off the fantasy playoffs. However, the matchup vs the Bills is a tougher one, especially since they allow the fewest completions in the NFL.

Worst Wide Receiver Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Least Favorable WR Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Worst Fantasy Playoffs WRs

Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals

• W15: at Texans
• W16: vs Falcons
• W17: at Bengals

Cardinals' wideouts are in tough to start the fantasy playoffs, as you can argue that the Texans have the best defense in the NFL. Arizona will likely be forced to rely on the ground in that matchup, since the Texans are tough to move the ball on through the air. The good news is that the matchups with the Falcons and Bengals offer intrigue.

Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• W15: vs Falcons
• W16: at Panthers
• W17: at Dolphins

The Bucs face a pair of run-funnel defenses to round out the fantasy playoffs when they take on the Panthers and Dolphins. The Falcons have shown some vulnerabilities in the passing game lately, so this schedule may not look as tough in a few weeks. I'm not including Mike Evans (collarbone) here because his return is unclear.

DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers

• W15: vs Dolphins
• W16: at Lions
• W17: at Browns

The Steelers passing game has been underwhelming all year, with DK Metcalf as a volatile option. That means there's no way you can trust him in a tough fantasy playoff schedule highlighted by challenging matchups against the Dolphins and Browns. The Steelers are simply too slow-paced with Aaron Rodgers under center.

Best Tight End Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Most Favorable TE Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Best Fantasy Playoffs TEs

Greg Dulcich and Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins

• W15: at Steelers
• W16: vs Bengals
• W17: vs Buccaneers

Greg Dulcich has shown flashes since joining the Dolphins. You have to be excited for his chance to make an impact as a streamer vs the Bengals, who rank 32nd against tight ends. If Darren Waller is able to return in time for the playoffs, then he can resume making an impact as well. He was injured in Week 7, but is expected to return this year and will be first eligible in Week 13.

Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

• W15: at Seahawks
• W16: vs 49ers
• W17: vs Jaguars

Tyler Warren has had a terrific rookie season. He'll have a chance to keep it going in the fantasy playoffs. The Seahawks are weaker against tight ends but strong on the perimeter. We could see Warren make a significant impact in that game.

Daniel Jones to Tyler Warren on fourth down!🔥

This pass had just a 21.6% completion probability according to @NextGenStats

ATLvsIND on @NFLNetwork
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ZfX4PraiqZ

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) November 9, 2025

Brock Wright, Detroit Lions

• W15: at Rams
• W16: vs Steelers
• W17: at Vikings

It's a shame that Sam LaPorta (back) is out for the season because he would have had a chance to do damage in the fantasy playoffs. Brock Wright is irrelevant in fantasy, but he's worth mentioning here for those in deeper leagues.

Worst Tight End Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Least Favorable TE Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Worst Fantasy Playoff TEs

Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders

• W15: at Eagles
• W16: at Texans
• W17: vs Giants

Brock Bowers is a generational player, but he has a pair of tough matchups against the Eagles and Texans to start the fantasy playoffs. Make sure to temper your expectations for those games.

Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles

• W15: vs Raiders
• W16: at Ravens
• W17: at Jets

Dallas Goedert has been quite solid for the Eagles this season. However, I would recommend aiming higher at the tight end position given these matchups.

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots

• W15: vs Bills
• W16: at Ravens
• W17: at Jets

Hunter Henry has been inconsistent all year, making him hard to trust when the matchup isn't there. Look for another streamer if you're scouring the wire for tight ends during the fantasy playoffs.

Best D/ST Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Best Fantasy Playoffs D/ST Waiver Wire Pickups

Houston Texans

• W15: vs Cardinals
• W16: vs Raiders
• W17: at Chargers

The Texans look like the best defense in the NFL right now. They should feast on the Geno Smith in the fantasy semifinals. Expect a boatload of sacks in that game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• W15: vs Falcons
• W16: at Panthers
• W17: at Dolphins

Perhaps the Bucs defense will get healthy enough to make an impact in time for this appealing schedule against mediocre offenses like the Falcons, Panthers, and Dolphins.

New Orleans Saints

• W15: vs Panthers
• W16: vs Jets
• W17: at Titans

The Saints don't exactly have an impressive defense, but matchups against the Panthers, Jets, and Titans absolutely put them on the radar as a streaming possibility.

Worst D/ST Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Least Favorable DST Matchups: Weeks 15-17

Los Angeles Rams

• W15: vs Lions
• W16: at Seahawks
• W17: at Falcons

The Rams have a great defense, but I'd be looking to stream another team when they face the Lions and Seahawks. You can pick the Rams back up against the Falcons.

New England Patriots

• W15: vs Bills
• W16: at Ravens
• W17: at Jets

It's hard to feel excited about the Patriots DST when they have to face Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson to start the fantasy playoffs. You can pick them back up for the smash spot against the Jets in the finals.

Buffalo Bills

• W15: at Patriots
• W16: at Browns
• W17: vs Eagles

I don't trust this Bills defense at all, especially in matchups against the Bills and Eagles. However, they're definitely worth a stream vs the Browns.

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