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4 Fantasy Football Playoff Schedules To Target
In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Hims.
Now that I’ve had time to digest the NFL Schedule, I’m finally ready to power rank my favorite schedules for the fantasy playoffs (Weeks 15-17).
My very serious methodology factors in three very scientific inputs:
- Weather: Does the team mostly play in a dome or warm-weather locations.
- Game totals: Is the team projected to be in shootouts or not?
- Vibes: Do I think this could be the offense you had to have in 2026?
No. 1: Dallas Cowboys: @LAR (52.5), JAX (51.5), NYG (49.5)
It doesn’t get more perfect than this. Three games in a dome. Three totals hovering around 50. Yes, the premium pieces are expensive, but Dak Prescott, Jake Ferguson, Ryan Flournoy, and whoever we end up identifying as the RB2 will be screaming buys for that late-season hammer.
No. 2: Detroit Lions: @MIN (46.5), NYG (48.5), @CHI (49.5)
Two dome matchups followed by the Ben Johnson Bowl in Chicago—a matchup that should feature two of the best offenses in football. Year after year, this Lions offense has demonstrated a propensity for not taking the foot off the gas in big games. This should be no different, even if it’s chilly.
No. 3: Los Angeles Rams: DAL (52.5), @SEA (47.5), @TB (48.5)
The Week 16 outdoor divisional matchup vs. a tough defense is scary, but it’s hard not to love the Week 15 fireworks show with Dallas and a sunny date in Tampa Bay.
No. 4: Cincinnati Bengals: CAR (47.5), @IND (52.5), BAL (51.5)
Two outdoor games isn’t ideal, but the high totals, a Week 16 dome game vs. the Colts, and an epic divisional tilt with the Ravens in Week 17 makes the Bengals one of the most attractive teams to target for playoff purposes.
These four are in a clear tier of their own, but I want to shout out some honorable mentions:
- Las Vegas Raiders: The projected totals are awful (42.5 is the highest), but three dome games are nice.
- Chicago Bears: Three outdoor cold-weather games are tough, but the totals are juicy (51.5, 47.5 and 49.5)
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Two dome games and a warm-weather tilt vs. the Commanders in Week 17. If not for a tough road matchup with Houston, they’d crack the top 4.
- Atlanta Falcons: Average totals, but back-to-back home dome games vs. the Bucs and Saints have major fantasy upside.
Who are your favorites? Who did I overlook?
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Around the Watercooler
Our merry band of football nerds is back and bringing you the latest news, content and memes from the NFL universe …
🤦 Again, Rashee Rice? Seriously dude??
💪 The Rams are running it back with the same skill group. Should they still be Super Bowl favorites?
🤑 Some offenses are getting pricey in fantasy drafts. There’s a reason why.
🙌 WR6 may be too low for this alpha WR. Who gets bumped down?
🤞 Already looking forward to Broncos-Chiefs Week 1. Mahomes and Nix, please be healthy.
🤔 The latest on Alvin Kamara. This could really go either way.
🤷 The Cardinals announce their starting QB? But how long will it last.
📆 Mark your calendars. The NFL Draft is heading to Minnesota & the Super Bowl to Nashville.
🏈 In a class by himself atop the ranks. Who else could it be?
🎯 He could be the ideal last pick in best ball drafts. Throw a dart.
OTA Storylines: Malik Nabers, Travis Hunter and More
It’s that time of year. Football players in helmets and shorts, running routes, catching passes. No tackling allowed. It “looks” like football, but we all know the truth. But after three months without the real deal, we’ll take anything with a pigskin we can get. And with that are the storylines that we want to follow and get answers to both now and in training camp so we can be informed drafters come August (and even September). Adam Pfeifer broke down five storylines as OTAs are firing up, including how the Travis Hunter playing-time situation is shaping up:
“There have been all sorts of conflicting reports regarding where Hunter will play this season, but it appears the answer isn’t as confusing. Hunter will play corner and wide receiver in 2026, but how much will be the real question. Given the current makeup of the Jaguars roster, cornerback is the more pressing need. But you don’t trade up to select Hunter second overall, only to not maximize his potential. And while his route rate is unlikely to be insanely high, I’d be willing to bet that when he’s on the field, he’s getting the ball. Liam Coen is one of the best screen designers in the NFL right now, and during Hunter’s first seven games of last year, 13% of his targets came off screens.”
Stash These Players On Your Dynasty Taxi Squad?
Are you really going to play the Puka Nacua card? Think about it. Fifth-round WR going to a team with an elite QB—some might say beyond elite. If that player is available late in your draft, how fast are you hitting the draft button? Jake Trowbridge identified one player who fits that exact mold, plus four others who just might be worth a spot on your roster even after rookie drafts are done. ⤵️
NFC North Is Plenty Frosty
Is the NFC North the most competitive division in the NFL? All four teams have reasonable-to-great playoff expectations. All “should” have bona fide starting QBs—looking at you in the Twin Cities! All are down-to-the-bone rivals with one another. Kendall, Ian and Dwain preview the division. Make sure to subscribe to the Fantasy Life Show, so you don’t miss an episode. ⤵️
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