Evaluating fantasy football playoff schedules for Saquon Barkley, Kyren Williams, and all running backs on the teams

December is here, and fantasy football playoffs are just around the corner for most leagues. Its time to examine the upcoming schedules, starting with running backs. Passing schedules will be reviewed separately.

Each year, this ranking comes with some important notes. The following list evaluates running back playoff schedules for Weeks 15 through 17 from easiest to hardest. These rankings combine recent performance data, observations, and expert adjustments. They do not account for home/away games, potential weather, or unusual team strategies, such as resting starters. If your team has a first-round bye, Week 15 is irrelevant. Likewise, a favorable Week 17 matchup matters only if you reach the finals. Importantly, this analysis ranks schedules only, not players; it doesnt suggest picking one player over another solely due to matchups.

Team Playoff Schedules

• Dolphins: @Steelers, Bengals, Buccaneers
• Buccaneers: Falcons, @Panthers, @Dolphins

Player Insights

Saquon Barkley has struggled this season but faces a manageable playoff schedule that could improve his fantasy outlook. Despite being held out of the end zone in most recent starts and the Eagles offensive line dealing with injuries, the schedule may provide an opportunity for points.

Devin Singletary is a worthwhile pickup in Week 14, even with the Giants on a bye. He has outperformed Tyrone Tracy Jr., who is also dealing with injuries, and his closing schedule appears favorable.

DeVon Achane has been a consistent performer amid Miamis challenging season. The opening playoff matchups suggest he could finish strong.

Bijan Robinson should remain a reliable option, with his toughest matchup potentially occurring in the finals. Early playoff games against Tampa Bay and Arizona should be productive for him.

Quinshon Judkins could make a notable impact in December. He faces a Chicago defense weakened by injuries, a Buffalo front seven that struggles against the run, and a Pittsburgh unit recently overpowered by Buffalo.

Chase Brown performed well in his first matchup against Baltimore. If Joe Burrow plays efficiently, the Bengals could be competitive in Weeks 16 and 17.

The Minnesota schedule may be promising, but inconsistent quarterback play limits the ceiling for Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason. The team will likely seek a new QB solution next season, possibly Mac Jones.

Injuries and Returns

Chargers rookie Omarion Hampton is expected to return in Week 14 from an ankle injury. Kyren Williams has seen a slight downgrade in value recently as Blake Corum has gained more opportunities and Davante Adams continues to dominate in the red zone.

Kimani Vidal made an impression in Week 13, and if your leagues trade window is open, RJ Harveys performance could be leveraged for a favorable deal. Jonathan Taylor faces challenges from Daniel Jones slump and injuries, but his heavy workload provides a solid floor despite reduced upside.

Author: Sophia Brooks