Football
Fantasy Football: Semifinals? Here's Your Playoff Guide
2024-12-17
As the fantasy football season reaches its climax, it's time to focus on keeping that momentum going. Whether you're coming off a bye or emerged victorious in Week 15, we've got the advice you need to secure that championship.

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Teams in the Hunt for a Playoff Spot

Baltimore, Denver, LA Chargers, Tampa Bay, LA Rams, Green Bay, Washington, Seattle, Atlanta are all teams with a lot at stake. These squads are fighting tooth and nail to make it to the playoffs and will likely have their star players motivated to perform.

Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp and Kyren Williams for the Rams are obvious must-starts. The Chargers have a solid offense with players like Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen. Tampa Bay's Tom Brady and his supporting cast are always a force to be reckoned with. The Rams "big three" are on fire and the Chargers' passing game is clicking.

Teams in the Playoffs, Motivated by Seeding

Kansas City, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Houston, Detroit, Philadelphia and Minnesota are teams focused on securing the best possible seeding. These teams know that every game counts and will be giving it their all.

The Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes and the Bills' Josh Allen are two of the top quarterbacks in the league and will be looking to lead their teams to victory. Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett and Houston's C.J. Stroud are young guns with a lot to prove. Detroit's Jared Goff and Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts are both capable of leading their teams to the promised land.

Interesting Games to Target for Week 16

Rams at Jets

The Rams have a great chance of making it to the playoffs with a win here. The Jets have been struggling defensively, giving up almost 28 points per game over the last three. Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp and Kyren Williams are must-starts for the Rams, while Davante Adams, Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson are key for the Jets. The game has a 46.5 point over/under, making it an exciting matchup.

The Rams' offense is clicking and the Jets' defense is giving up points. This could be a high-scoring game with both teams looking to come out on top.

Eagles at Commanders

This is a big game for the NFC East. The Eagles need a win to clinch the division. Their defense has been shutting opponents down, allowing the second-fewest points over the last three games. Zach Ertz is out with a concussion, so the Commanders may have to rely on rookie Ben Sinnott. The Eagles are favored by 3.5 points with a 45.5 point over/under.

The Eagles' offense is led by Jalen Hurts and their defense is playing well. The Commanders will need to step up their game to have a chance against the Eagles.

Cardinals at Panthers

This game could be a timely boost for your team's playoff hopes. James Conner should continue to carry fantasy managers into the finals. Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best bet for the Cardinals' wide receivers, despite a disappointing season. Trey McBride is the real hero of the passing offense. Arizona is favored by four points and the over/under is 47 points.

The Cardinals need a win and their offense is capable of putting up points. The Panthers will need to defend well to have a chance.

Vikings at Seahawks

The Vikings are averaging 31.7 points per game over the last three and are in great form. Seattle has been struggling at home, averaging just 19.1 points per game. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have been disappointing, but Minnesota gives up a lot of points to opposing wide receivers. If your decision comes down to game script and DvP, start any Seahawk receiver this week. The Vikings are 3.5-point favorites with a 43.5-point over/under.

The Vikings' offense is clicking and the Seahawks' defense is giving up points. This could be a high-scoring game with both teams looking to score.

49ers at Dolphins

Both teams need a win, but it's unlikely they'll both get it. Miami is the 1.5-point favorite with a 46-point over/under. Tua, Hill and Jalen Waddle have been inconsistent, but Hill should bounce back and Jonnu Smith should continue to feast. The 49ers were forgettable in Week 15, but they get a few extra days to rest. Isaac Guerendo, Jauan Jennings and George Kittle should stay in starting lineups.

This is a close game with both teams having a chance to win. The 49ers' offense needs to step up and the Dolphins' defense needs to play better.

Bucs at Cowboys

This is another big NFC matchup. The Bucs are favored by four points with a 49-point over/under. Dallas has a big home/road scoring differential, averaging only 16.6 points at home. Cooper Rush has been effective in his last two games, throwing five touchdowns. CeeDee Lamb and Rico Dowdle are the only players to trust for the Cowboys. On the other side, Mike Evans is obvious, but Jalen McMillan is startable. The Bucs are using three running backs, so it's hard to trust Rachaad White or Bucky Irving.

This is a high-scoring game with both teams having a lot to play for. The Bucs' offense is capable of putting up points and the Cowboys' defense will need to step up.

Teams without as much on the Line in Week 16

NY Jets, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Tennessee, New England, Las Vegas, Chicago, Carolina and NY Giants are teams that don't have as much at stake. These teams may rest their starters or give younger players a chance to play.

Most of us will have to start Jerome Ford, Tony Pollard, Jerry Jeudy, Keenan Allen and maybe Jakobi Meyers. It's important to keep an eye on these teams to see if any players are getting more playing time.

In Week 16, it's the tried-and-true fantasy players who are poised to carry you to the championship round. Don't overthink your roster and stick to the players that have been performing.

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