The fantasy football playoffs are here, and it’s hard to believe how quickly it's arrived. It feels like just yesterday we were prepping our draft boards under the summer sun, yet now the snow’s falling, and the stakes are higher than ever. If you’ve made the playoffs, congratulations! Time flies when you’re having fun, and this season has certainly provided its fair share of excitement. Week 15 brought another high-scoring showdown, with 10 teams putting up 30 or more points. Hopefully, these high-scoring games continue to roll deep into the fantasy postseason, giving us even more thrilling matchups.
Now it’s time to lock in, fine-tune those rosters, and set your lineups for the crucial playoff push. Every decision counts as we chase the ultimate goal—getting to the promised land and claiming that championship. Stay focused, and let’s make sure your team is primed for success.
Starts
QB - Mac Jones - Jacksonville Jaguars (@LV)
Jacksonville QB Mac Jones may not be the first quarterback you think of when considering a playoff starter, but he could be the surprise player who helps guide you to a championship. After all, his recent performance shows that he’s more than capable of stepping up in big moments. In his most recent game against the tough Jets defense, Jones completed 31 passes for 294 yards and 2 touchdowns, despite throwing 2 interceptions. While the picks are concerning, his ability to move the ball and score against a top-tier defense is impressive. In fact, in two of his last three games, he’s thrown for over 200 yards with at least 2 touchdowns, showing that he's been more productive lately.
This week, Jones faces the Raiders, who have been struggling against quarterbacks, ranking 25th in the league in pass defense. With a favorable matchup on the horizon, Jones has the potential for another sneaky, solid performance. If you’re not feeling great about your current quarterback's matchup or you're looking for a more reliable option, Jones could be a smart pivot. With his recent form and the Raiders' defensive struggles, he could provide the stability you need to make a deep run.
RB - Jerome Ford - Cleveland Browns (@Cin)
Cleveland RB Jerome Ford is likely the top waiver pickup of the week, and for good reason. With teammate Nick Chubb now sidelined due to a season-ending injury, Ford steps back in as the lead back for the Cleveland Browns. In his most recent game, he showcased his potential, rushing 7 times for 84 yards and a touchdown. On the season, Ford has been a highly productive change-of-pace back, averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry. His ability to consistently gain yards makes him a valuable asset, especially with his expanded role moving forward.
This week, Ford has a solid matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have struggled defensively against the run. Cincinnati is giving up 127 rushing yards per game and has allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs on the year. Given the favorable matchup and Ford’s recent performance, don’t overthink it—if you need an RB2 or flex option this is the perfect opportunity to use your waiver claim and add him to your roster. He’s primed for a productive game and could provide the boost you need.
WR - Khalil Shakir - Buffalo Bills (NE)
Buffalo WR Khalil Shakir has quietly put together a sneaky good season, one that might have flown under the radar for many, myself included. If he were a bigger name, his impressive numbers would likely be getting more attention. Shakir has now logged 8 consecutive games with 7 or more targets—a clear sign that he’s becoming a reliable part of the Buffalo offense. When QB Josh Allen is targeting someone that frequently, that player deserves to be in your lineup. Over this stretch, Shakir has averaged 65 yards per game and caught fewer than 5 passes just once, showcasing his consistent production.
Adding to his appeal, Shakir has now scored in back-to-back games, which only boosts his fantasy ceiling. This week, he has another favorable matchup against the New England Patriots, who have allowed the 10th most fantasy points to wide receivers. With his consistent target share and opportunity for more production, Shakir is a strong start. If you're looking for a reliable option at wide receiver, don’t overlook him—he’s a solid choice with upside.
TE - Pat Freiermuth - Pittsburgh Steelers (@Bal)
Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth may be the most efficient tight end in the NFL over the past month. While his target share hasn’t been massive—just 20 targets over his last 4 games—he’s made the most of every opportunity. When the ball comes his way, he’s consistently racking up yards or finding the end zone. Freiermuth is currently riding a 3-game touchdown streak and has hauled in 16 of those 20 targets for 197 yards. With an impressive 84% catch rate, he’s proving to be incredibly reliable when called upon.
Despite his efficiency, Freiermuth is still only owned in 50% of leagues, mainly due to his relatively low target share. However, his ability to catch nearly everything thrown his way makes him a valuable fantasy asset. This week, he faces a favorable matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, who rank in the bottom 10 against tight ends. Given his recent form and the opportunity in this big divisional game, Freiermuth should once again be heavily involved and is a solid lineup option.
Defense - Arizona Cardinals (@Car)
At this point in the year, matchups with defenses are everything, and the Arizona Cardinals are a perfect example of this philosophy. They've been consistently inconsistent, having three games in the negative fantasy points scored category and four in positive double digits. After this week, we should see them add another solid performance to their record. While the Panthers have made some improvements, they remain a favorable matchup for opposing defenses.
Carolina currently ranks dead last in offensive yards and has scored the fourth fewest points overall. With these struggles, it’s hard not to like the Cardinals as a top-ten defensive play, as they’re poised to take advantage of a struggling offense. This makes them a strong fantasy start for Week 16.
Sits
QB - Justin Herbert - Los Angeles Chargers (Den)
Chargers QB Justin Herbert has unfortunately been trending in the wrong direction at the worst possible time. Over his last four games, he’s averaged just 193 passing yards and has thrown only 3 passing touchdowns. Additionally, with another lackluster performance in Week 15, Herbert now has 7 games on the year where he’s failed to reach the 200-yard passing mark. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance, his recent struggles make him a risky choice for your playoff matchup.
In addition to his struggles, things don’t get any easier for Herbert in Week 16 as he faces the Denver Broncos, one of the better defenses in the league. The Broncos have allowed fewer than 220 passing yards per game and consistently give up a league-low 17.6 points per game. Given Herbert’s recent decline and the tough matchup, it’s hard to trust him as a starter in crunch time.
RB - Najee Harris - Pittsburgh Steelers (@Bal)
In the playoffs, it’s crucial to ride the hot hand, and right now, Pittsburgh RB Najee Harris isn’t that player. He’s coming off his worst performance of the year, with just 6 carries for 14 yards in Week 15 against the Eagles. While this hasn’t been a regular occurrence, when the Steelers fall behind their run game tends to get abandoned. Additionally, on occasion Harris has been neglected in the team's passing attack, sporting a whopping 9 games where he's caught two or fewer passes.
This week, things won’t get any easier, as the Ravens have been by far the best run defense in the league, allowing just 80 rushing yards per game. Also, with the potential for this matchup to turn into a shootout, Harris may not see many touches once again. Given his recent struggles, it’s best to avoid starting him in Week 16 of your fantasy playoffs.
WR - Deebo Samuel - San Francisco 49ers (@Mia)
It’s rare to see a player make the sit list in consecutive weeks, but here we are with San Fran's Deebo Samuel. Despite being on the sit list last week, I still saw him in some lineups, and quite frankly, he just can’t be trusted. Since the Week 9 bye, his production has plummeted. He’s caught more than 4 passes in a game just once to go with surpassing 22 yards one time as well. Additionally, over his last 5 games, Samuel has been averaging just 20 yards with under 4 catches per game.
If his name weren’t Deebo Samuel, he would likely be a permanent fixture on many fantasy benches. Yet some still hold out hope for this 49ers offense. I’m telling you to jump ship, as his recent decline in production combined with the lack of trust in his role, makes him way too risky of a start for this time of the year.
TE - Jake Ferguson - Dallas Cowboys (TB)
This week, the Cowboys and Buccaneers face off, and with both defenses struggling recently, it has the makings of a shootout. However, despite the potential for a high-scoring game, I’d still avoid Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson. After missing some time due to injury, he’s been largely uninvolved in the last two games with backup QB Cooper Rush under center. Over that stretch, he’s managed just 5 catches for 55 yards.
Ferguson has now been held to under 40 receiving yards in 7 games this year, showing a consistent lack of production. Even though this matchup could lead to a high-scoring affair, Ferguson’s limited role in the offense and recent lack of production make him too risky to trust this week.
Defense - Detroit Lions (@ Chi)
A few weeks ago, this defense might have been a great start, especially with a favorable matchup against a rookie QB. However, the Lions' defense has been hit hard by injuries, and evidence is showing this unit has struggled. Over their last two games, they’ve allowed 79 points—an alarming drop from the 9 games they held opponents to 20 or fewer. In addition, the defense has managed just 1 takeaway with 6 sacks over the past 4 games.
While this matchup may seem initially appealing, a closer look reveals it’s not as promising as one would think. Given the Lions' recent struggles and injuries, it’s best to avoid starting them this week. Look for a stronger, healthier defense with more upside to give you a better chance at success.
The fantasy football playoffs are here, and every decision counts as you make your push toward the championship. Whether you’re looking to start a sleeper pick like Mac Jones or Jerome Ford or avoid players like Deebo Samuel or Najee Harris, the right moves can make all the difference. Matchups are key, and with teams like the Cardinals in favorable positions, you’ll want to capitalize on those opportunities. Stay focused, trust your instincts, and keep your eye on the prize as you aim for that fantasy crown!
