PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 29: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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The fantasy football playoffs have arrived. As we help fantasy managers prepare for what will hopefully be a championship victory, it’s important to look at the schedule for the next three weeks. Some players could see their fantasy values rise or fall based on their respective matchups. Here are the top fantasy football playoffs risers and fallers to keep in mind for your waiver wire claims, lineup decisions, and playoff roster strategy.
Fantasy Football Playoffs Risers
Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
In a loss to the Chargers last week, Barkley ran 20 times for 122 yards and one touchdown. While he only has two games with at least 100 rushing yards in what has been a disappointing season, he could make up for it during the fantasy playoffs. His next three opponents are the Raiders, Commanders, and Bills. The Bills have allowed the most rushing touchdowns in the league (19), while the Raiders are tied for the second-most allowed (18). The Commanders have given up the fourth-most rushing yards per game.
Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants
The Giants are fresh coming out of their Week 14 bye. They have had a brutal schedule this season, but things lighten up down the stretch with them set to face the Commanders, Vikings, and Raiders. Two of those will also be home games. The Commanders and Raiders rank inside the bottom-10 in the league in points allowed per game, giving Dart an opportunity to finish his rookie campaign on a high note.
Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints
Olave has been targeted 33 times over his last four games. He turned them into 21 receptions for 251 yards and two touchdowns. The Saints play the Panthers, Jets, and Titans the next three weeks. The Panthers and Titans rank inside the bottom-half of the league in passing yards allowed per game, while the Jets weakened their defense by moving Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline. Olave could be a viable WR3 or flex option down the stretch.
Fantasy Football Playoffs Fallers
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Before a favorable Week 17 matchup versus the Giants, the Raiders play the Eagles and Texans the next two weeks. Those two are both inside the top-10 teams in terms of fewest points allowed per game. Jeanty, who hasn’t rushed for more than 60 yards since Week 6, shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a flex option in fantasy for the next two weeks.
Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Allen hasn’t topped 53 receiving yards in a game since Week 7. He should be anchored to fantasy benches for his Week 15 matchup with the Chiefs and Week 17 battle with the Texans. The Texans have given up the second-fewest passing yards per game, and they have combined with the Chiefs to allow a total of 26 passing touchdowns all season.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are a mess at quarterback without Daniel Jones (Achilles). It’s so bad that they signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to the practice squad Tuesday. Their next three opponents are the Seahawks, 49ers, and Jaguars, each of which rank inside the top-11 in the league in fewest points allowed per game. Pittman, who already has fewer than 30 receiving yards in three of his last four games, doesn’t come with much fantasy potential moving forward.
Takeaway
Barkley, Dart, and Olave are all on the rise heading into the fantasy football playoffs. The same can’t be said for Jeanty, Allen, and Pittman, who have brutal matchups down the stretch. Staying ahead of these trends is key to winning matchups — check out our Week 15 Fantasy Football Sleepers article for more fantasy football insights.
