With the fantasy playoffs just two weeks away for most leagues, it's about time to start configuring your playoff roster. Trade targets and waiver claims are all in play at this point as we look at what guys you want on your team for that championship run.
Playoff Schedule Notes (weeks 14-16):
- Easiest quarterback and running back schedule belongs to Denver (@HOU, @KC, vs.DET)
- Easiest wide receiver schedule belongs to Indianapolis (vs.TEN, @TB, @NO)
- Easiest tight end schedule belongs to Detroit (@MIN, vs.TB, @DEN)
- Denver has the easiest schedule
- Cleveland (@PIT, vs.CIN, @ARI) has the second easiest schedule as each position is a top 12 play for the fantasy playoffs
- Buffalo (vs.BAL, @PIT, @NE) players face a top 4 toughest schedule at each position
- Kansas City (@NE, vs.DEN, @CHI) has the toughest schedule against quarterbacks and wide receivers
- Detroit (@MIN, vs.TB, @DEN) faces the toughest running back schedule
PLAYERS TO TARGET:
Phillip Lindsay, RB Denver Broncos: Facing the easiest schedule of any running back in fantasy, Lindsay figures to be a quality play each week despite giving up some touches to Royce Freeman, who could prove valuable as well.
Cleveland skill players: Baker Mayfield faces very easy opponents in weeks 14-16 which could boost the performances of guys like Odell Beckham JR, who you can buy low for, and Jarvis Landry, who's been a top 15 play recently.
Dalvin Cook, RB Minnesota Vikings: While you probably won't be able to get him, Cook faces the second easiest schedule of any running back going forward. Alexander Mattison could be of value as well.
Greg Olsen, TE Carolina Panthers and Ryan Griffin, TE New York Jets: These two tight ends have seen an uptick in not just targets, but production as well in recent weeks. With the tight end market as slim as it is, these guys have upside with favorable schedules down the stretch.
OTHERS: Deebo Samuel, Kareem Hunt, TJ Hockenson
*It's also worth noting that despite the extremely difficult schedule, Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill remain must starts if healthy, obviously.
PLAYERS TO AVOID:
Buffalo skill players: With a playoff schedule of Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and New England, players who have been solid plays this year like Josh Allen, Devin Singletary, and John Brown may not be the best guys to put your championship hopes in.
Allen Robinson, WR Chicago Bears: This is an easy trade-away candidate. Nobody knows what's going on with Mitch Trubisky and that pass attack this year. Robinson has been the lone bright spot so far, but don't bank on much production with that schedule coming up.
Tyler Boyd, WR Cincinnati Bengals: Another guy with unstable quarterback play, Boyd will continue to get all the attention from the opposing defense the rest of the way with matchups against Denzel Ward and Stephon Gillmore should AJ Green remain out.
OTHERS: Bo Scarbrough, Brandin Cooks, Latavius Murray