For the last few years, I've been enjoying an NFL playoffs fantasy league. Rules seem to differ from league to league, but ours only lets each manager select a maximum of two players from each team. Other than that, it's basically your standard PPR fantasy football scoring. The twist is the strategy around predicting how many games each team will play.

The playoffs bring unique challenges and opportunities for fantasy football players. Unlike the regular season, where the focus is on weekly consistency, playoffs fantasy requires balancing team success probabilities with player performance. Our projections look at how to optimize your fantasy lineup by predicting each player’s total expected points based on their team's probability of advancing through each playoff round.

Note: It should be obvious, but be careful with backup players (especially QBs) with a high point total. Their "average" isn't going to be very accurate if they didn't play in very many games.

PlayerPositionTeamAVG FPPWild Card RoundDivisional RoundConference FinalSuper BowlProj. Fantasy Points
Puka NacuaWRLAR23.423.4020.0610.097.2060.74
Matthew StaffordQBLAR21.121.1018.099.096.4954.77
Drake MayeQBNE21.221.2013.948.294.3347.76
Jaxon Smith-NjigbaWRSEA21.20.0021.2013.898.3143.40
Josh AllenQBBUF2222.0011.914.513.8342.24
Jalen HurtsQBPHI19.119.1013.315.793.3241.52
Davante AdamsWRLAR15.915.9013.636.854.8941.27
Kyren WilliamsRBLAR15.515.5013.296.684.7740.24
Trevor LawrenceQBJAX20.620.6010.405.273.1739.44
Christian McCaffreyRBSF24.524.508.453.631.5338.11
Bo NixQBDEN18.60.0018.6013.475.6437.70
Caleb WilliamsQBCHI19.119.109.925.711.5936.32
Brock PurdyQBSF20.820.807.173.081.3032.35
A.J. BrownWRPHI14.714.7010.254.452.5631.96
Saquon BarkleyRBPHI14.514.5010.114.392.5231.52
C.J. StroudQBHOU15.515.509.963.602.3831.44
Nico CollinsWRHOU15.115.109.713.502.3230.63
Sam DarnoldQBSEA14.70.0014.709.635.7630.09
Justin HerbertQBLAC18.718.707.191.701.3428.93
Rhamondre StevensonRBNE12.812.808.425.002.6128.83
Jordan LoveQBGB16.116.108.512.111.2427.95
Stefon DiggsWRNE12.412.408.154.852.5327.93
Josh JacobsRBGB15.815.808.352.071.2227.43
TreVeyon HendersonRBNE12.112.107.964.732.4727.26
D'Andre SwiftRBCHI14.314.307.434.281.1927.19
Dallas GoedertTEPHI12.312.308.573.732.1426.74
Courtland SuttonWRDEN12.90.0012.909.343.9126.15
DeVonta SmithWRPHI11.911.908.293.612.0725.87
RJ HarveyRBDEN12.20.0012.208.833.7024.73
Hunter HenryTENE10.510.506.904.112.1423.65
Davis MillsQBHOU11.611.607.462.691.7823.53
J.K. DobbinsRBDEN11.60.0011.608.403.5223.51
Omarion HamptonRBLAC15.115.105.811.371.0823.36
Rome OdunzeWRCHI12.212.206.333.651.0223.20
Zach CharbonnetRBSEA11.30.0011.307.404.4323.13
Christian WatsonWRGB13.213.206.971.731.0222.92
George KittleTESF14.714.705.072.180.9222.86
Aaron RodgersQBPIT14.614.605.841.490.7722.70
Colby ParkinsonTELAR8.78.707.463.752.6822.58
Seattle SeahawksDSTSEA10.90.0010.907.144.2722.31
Malik WillisQBGB12.812.806.761.680.9822.22
Parker WashingtonWRJAX11.511.505.812.941.7722.02
Dalton SchultzTEHOU10.510.506.752.441.6221.30
Jaylen WarrenRBPIT13.613.605.441.390.7221.14
Troy FranklinWRDEN10.40.0010.407.533.1521.08
Jakobi MeyersWRJAX1111.005.552.821.6921.06
Houston TexansDSTHOU10.210.206.562.371.5720.69
Kenneth GainwellRBPIT1313.005.201.330.6820.21
Dalton KincaidTEBUF10.510.505.682.151.8320.16
Kayshon BoutteWRNE8.98.905.853.481.8220.05
Khalil ShakirWRBUF10.410.405.632.131.8119.97
Colston LovelandTECHI10.310.305.353.080.8619.59
DK MetcalfWRPIT12.512.505.001.280.6619.43
Mac JonesQBSF12.412.404.281.840.7819.29
Los Angeles RamsDSTLAR7.47.406.343.192.2819.21
Woody MarksRBHOU9.49.406.042.181.4519.07
DJ MooreWRCHI1010.005.192.990.8319.02
Quentin JohnstonWRLAC12.212.204.691.110.8718.87
Brenton StrangeTEJAX9.89.804.952.511.5118.77
Blake CorumRBLAR7.27.206.173.102.2218.69
Tyler HigbeeTELAR7.17.106.093.062.1818.43
Jauan JenningsWRSF11.611.604.001.720.7318.04
Romeo DoubsWRGB10.310.305.441.350.7917.88
Rashid ShaheedWRSEA8.70.008.705.703.4117.81
AJ BarnerTESEA8.70.008.705.703.4117.81
Bryce YoungQBCAR14.314.302.650.460.2217.62
New England PatriotsDSTNE7.87.805.133.051.5917.57
Ladd McConkeyWRLAC11.311.304.351.030.8117.48
Denver BronocosDSTDEN8.50.008.506.152.5817.23
Mack HollinsWRNE7.67.605.002.971.5517.12
Keenan AllenWRLAC10.710.704.120.970.7616.55
Kyle MonangaiRBCHI8.68.604.472.570.7216.35
Philadelphia EaglesDSTPHI7.47.405.162.241.2916.09
Jacksonville JaguarsDSTJAX8.28.204.142.101.2615.70
Rico DowdleRBCAR12.712.702.350.410.1915.65
Jayden HigginsWRHOU7.67.604.891.761.1715.42
Tetairoa McMillanWRCAR12.412.402.300.400.1915.28
Keon ColemanWRBUF7.97.904.281.621.3715.17
Jawhar JordanRBHOU7.47.404.761.721.1415.01
Mitchell TrubiskyQBBUF7.87.804.221.601.3614.98
Cooper KuppWRSEA7.30.007.304.782.8614.94
Kimani VidalRBLAC9.19.103.500.830.6514.08
Ricky PearsallWRSF8.98.903.071.320.5613.84
Buffalo BillsDSTBUF6.96.903.731.411.2013.25
Evan EngramTEDEN6.40.006.404.631.9412.97
Demario DouglasWRNE5.65.603.682.191.1412.61
Jayden ReedWRGB6.96.903.650.900.5311.98
Nick ChubbRBHOU5.95.903.791.370.9111.97
Xavier HutchinsonWRHOU5.85.803.731.350.8911.77
Dawson KnoxTEBUF6.16.103.301.251.0611.71
Ty JohnsonRBBUF5.95.903.191.211.0311.33
Bhayshul TutenRBJAX5.95.902.981.510.9111.30
Los Angeles ChargersDSTLAC77.002.690.640.5010.83
Chicago BearsDSTCHI5.55.502.861.640.4610.46
Pat FreiermuthTEPIT6.76.702.680.680.3510.42
Terrance FergusonTELAR44.003.431.721.2310.38
Chuba HubbardRBCAR8.48.401.560.270.1310.35
Pittsburgh SteelersDSTPIT6.66.602.640.670.3510.26
Pat BryantWRDEN50.005.003.621.5210.14
Jalen CokerWRCAR8.28.201.520.260.1210.11
Olamide ZaccheausWRCHI5.35.302.751.580.4410.08
Gabe DavisWRBUF5.15.102.761.050.899.79
Emanuel WilsonRBGB5.65.602.960.730.439.72
Dontayvion WicksWRGB5.45.402.850.710.429.38
Cole KmetTECHI4.94.902.541.470.419.32
Christian KirkWRHOU4.54.502.891.040.699.13
Kendrick BourneWRSF5.85.802.000.860.369.02
Matthew GoldenWRGB55.002.640.660.388.68
Austin HooperTENE3.73.702.431.450.768.33
Jaylin NoelWRHOU44.002.570.930.628.11
Tutu AtwellWRLAR3.13.102.661.340.958.05
Tanner McKeeQBPHI3.73.702.581.120.648.04
Jaleel McLaughlinRBDEN3.90.003.902.821.187.91
Green Bay PackersDSTGB4.54.502.380.590.357.81
Xavier SmithWRLAR33.002.571.290.927.79
Jonnu SmithTEPIT55.002.000.510.267.77
Xavier LegetteWRCAR66.001.110.190.097.39
Hunter RenfrowWRCAR66.001.110.190.097.39
Tank BigsbyRBPHI3.43.402.371.030.597.39
Ray DavisRBBUF3.83.802.060.780.667.30
Carolina PanthersDSTCAR5.85.801.070.190.097.15
Lil'Jordan HumphreyWRDEN3.50.003.502.531.067.09
Hunter LongTEJAX3.63.601.820.920.556.89
Brandin CooksWRBUF3.53.501.890.720.616.72
Curtis SamuelWRBUF3.53.501.890.720.616.72
Kyle WilliamsWRNE2.92.901.911.130.596.53
Demarcus RobinsonWRSF4.24.201.450.620.266.53
Jahan DotsonWRPHI33.002.090.910.526.52
Tre HarrisWRLAC4.14.101.580.370.296.34
Dyami BrownWRJAX3.33.301.670.840.516.32
Elijah MooreWRBUF3.23.201.730.660.566.14
Tim PatrickWRJAX3.23.201.620.820.496.13
San Francisco 49ersDSTSF3.63.601.240.530.235.60
Adam TrautmanTEDEN2.70.002.701.950.825.47
Jordan WhittingtonWRLAR2.12.101.800.910.655.45
Kyle JuszczykFBSF3.43.401.170.500.215.29
Tyrell ShaversWRBUF2.72.701.460.550.475.18
Luke MusgraveTEGB2.92.901.530.380.225.04
Marquez Valdes-ScantlingWRPIT3.23.201.280.330.174.97
Braxton BerriosWRHOU2.42.401.540.560.374.87
Tommy TrembleTECAR3.83.800.700.120.064.68
Cade StoverTEHOU2.22.201.410.510.344.46
Tyler BadieRBDEN2.20.002.201.590.674.46
Roman WilsonWRPIT2.82.801.120.290.154.35
Justin WatsonWRHOU22.001.290.460.314.06
Konata MumpfieldWRLAR1.51.501.290.650.463.89
Adam ThielenWRPIT2.52.501.000.260.133.89
Savion WilliamsWRGB2.12.101.110.280.163.65
Will DisslyTELAC2.32.300.880.210.163.56
Mitchell EvansTECAR2.82.800.520.090.043.45
Chris BrooksRBGB1.91.901.000.250.153.30
Darius CooperWRPHI1.41.400.980.420.243.04
Dare OgunbowaleRBHOU1.41.400.900.320.222.84
Tyler ConklinTELAC1.71.700.650.150.122.63
Will ShipleyRBPHI1.21.200.840.360.212.61
KeAndre Lambert-SmithWRLAC1.61.600.620.150.112.48
Ronnie RiversRBLAR0.70.700.600.300.221.82
Tyson BagentQBCHI0.90.900.470.270.081.71
Jordan WatkinsWRSF0.90.900.310.130.061.40
Skyy MooreWRSF0.90.900.310.130.061.40
Kaleb JohnsonRBPIT0.90.900.360.090.051.40
Joshua DobbsQBNE0.50.500.330.200.101.13
Trevor EtienneRBCAR0.70.700.130.020.010.86
Jake BoboWRSEA0.40.000.400.260.160.82
Devin DuvernayWRCHI0.30.300.160.090.030.57
Derius DavisWRLAC0.10.100.040.010.010.15
Brian ThomasWRJAX00.000.000.000.000.00
Travis HunterWRJAX00.000.000.000.000.00
Luther BurdenWRCHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Tory HortonWRSEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Marvin MimsWRDEN00.000.000.000.000.00
Calvin AustinWRPIT00.000.000.000.000.00
Josh PalmerWRBUF00.000.000.000.000.00
Jared WayneWRHOU00.000.000.000.000.00
Michael BandyWRDEN00.000.000.000.000.00
Jahdae WalkerWRCHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Bo MeltonWRGB00.000.000.000.000.00
Jimmy HornWRCAR00.000.000.000.000.00
Cody WhiteWRSEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Efton ChismWRNE00.000.000.000.000.00
Brycen TremayneWRCAR00.000.000.000.000.00
Austin TrammellWRJAX00.000.000.000.000.00
Malik HeathWRGB00.000.000.000.000.00
Ben SkowronekWRPIT00.000.000.000.000.00
Dareke YoungWRSEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Scott MillerWRPIT00.000.000.000.000.00
David MooreWRCAR00.000.000.000.000.00
Tim JonesWRJAX00.000.000.000.000.00
Xavier GipsonWRPHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Russell GageWRSF00.000.000.000.000.00
Malik TurnerWRSF00.000.000.000.000.00
Ricky WhiteWRSEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Britain CoveyWRPHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Maurice AlexanderWRCHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Dalevon CampbellWRCAR00.000.000.000.000.00
Dan ChisenaWRCAR00.000.000.000.000.00
Mecole HardmanWRBUF00.000.000.000.000.00
Tucker KraftTEGB00.000.000.000.000.00
Oronde GadsdenTELAC00.000.000.000.000.00
Jake TongesTESF00.000.000.000.000.00
Darnell WashingtonTEPIT00.000.000.000.000.00
Ja'Tavion SandersTECAR00.000.000.000.000.00
Davis AllenTELAR00.000.000.000.000.00
Jackson HawesTEBUF00.000.000.000.000.00
Elijah ArroyoTESEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Nate AdkinsTEDEN00.000.000.000.000.00
Luke FarrellTESF00.000.000.000.000.00
Josh WhyleTEGB00.000.000.000.000.00
John FitzPatrickTEGB00.000.000.000.000.00
James MitchellTECAR00.000.000.000.000.00
Connor HeywardTEPIT00.000.000.000.000.00
Johnny MundtTEJAX00.000.000.000.000.00
Lucas KrullTEDEN00.000.000.000.000.00
Grant CalcaterraTEPHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Quintin MorrisTEJAX00.000.000.000.000.00
Eric SaubertTESEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Tucker FiskTELAC00.000.000.000.000.00
Durham SmytheTECHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Keleki LatuTEBUF00.000.000.000.000.00
Kylen GransonTEPHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Harrison BryantTEHOU00.000.000.000.000.00
Brayden WillisTESF00.000.000.000.000.00
Nick KallerupTESEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Brady RussellTESEA00.000.000.000.000.00
E.J. JenkinsTEPHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Cameron LatuTEPHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Jack WestoverTENE00.000.000.000.000.00
Nick VannettTELAR00.000.000.000.000.00
Marcedes LewisTEDEN00.000.000.000.000.00
Stephen CarlsonTECHI00.000.000.000.000.00
James CookRBBUF00.000.000.000.000.00
Travis EtienneRBJAX00.000.000.000.000.00
Kenneth WalkerRBSEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Brittain BrownRBCHI00.000.000.000.000.00
George HolaniRBSEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Brian RobinsonRBSF00.000.000.000.000.00
Najee HarrisRBLAC00.000.000.000.000.00
Jaret PattersonRBLAC00.000.000.000.000.00
Antonio GibsonRBNE00.000.000.000.000.00
Terrell JenningsRBNE00.000.000.000.000.00
Jacardia WrightRBSEA00.000.000.000.000.00
LeQuint AllenRBJAX00.000.000.000.000.00
AJ DillonRBPHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Dameon PierceRBHOU00.000.000.000.000.00
Hassan HaskinsRBLAC00.000.000.000.000.00
Roschon JohnsonRBCHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Velus JonesRBSEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Amar JohnsonRBLAC00.000.000.000.000.00
DeeJay DallasRBJAX00.000.000.000.000.00
Myles GaskinRBSEA00.000.000.000.000.00
D'Ernest JohnsonRBNE00.000.000.000.000.00
Jordan JamesRBSF00.000.000.000.000.00
Trey SermonRBPIT00.000.000.000.000.00
Deuce VaughnRBDEN00.000.000.000.000.00
Nyheim HinesRBLAC00.000.000.000.000.00
Travis HomerRBCHI00.000.000.000.000.00
Trey LanceQBLAC00.000.000.000.000.00
Adrian MartinezQBSF00.000.000.000.000.00
Mason RudolphQBPIT00.000.000.000.000.00
Jarrett StidhamQBDEN00.000.000.000.000.00
Jalen MilroeQBSEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Drew LockQBSEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Nick MullensQBJAX00.000.000.000.000.00
Andy DaltonQBCAR00.000.000.000.000.00
Adam PrenticeFBDEN00.000.000.000.000.00
Scott MatlockFBLAC00.000.000.000.000.00
British BrooksFBHOU00.000.000.000.000.00
Reggie GilliamFBBUF00.000.000.000.000.00
Robbie OuztsFBSEA00.000.000.000.000.00
Jakob JohnsonFBHOU00.000.000.000.000.00
Jimmy GaroppoloQBLAR-0.2-0.20-0.17-0.09-0.06-0.52

Our Methodology: Probability-Weighted Projections

To create accurate player projections, we analyzed the odds for each team to advance to each round of the playoffs. We could adjust player projections by assigning probabilities to each team’s path. Players on teams likely to make a deep playoff run have higher overall projections, while those on teams with lower probabilities of advancing beyond the Wild Card round see their values decrease.

Key Factors Considered:

  • Team Probabilities: The likelihood of a team advancing to each round based on current betting odds.
  • Player Performance: Season per-game fantasy points for each player.
  • Bye Weeks: Teams with a first-round bye (Denver and Seattle) potentially have fewer games but also a higher probability of advancing past the Divisional Round.
  • Matchup Adjustments: Factoring in potential matchups, which could influence player performance in each round.

The Impact of Bye Weeks

While teams with a first-round bye are more likely to win their first playoff game, they also have one fewer game to accumulate fantasy points. This makes bye-week players both high-risk and high-reward. For example, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle) and Courtland Sutton (Denver) are top-tier options, but their reduced total game count needs to be factored into your strategy.

Strategy for Building Your Playoffs Fantasy Team

  1. Balance High-Probability and Long-Shot Players: While top-tier players from teams like Denver and Seattle are must-haves, adding players from underdog teams can provide a high upside if those teams make unexpected runs.
  2. Stacking Players from the Same Team: In playoffs fantasy, stacking (selecting multiple players from the same team) can be a winning strategy. If your chosen team makes it to the Super Bowl, your lineup will crush. Again, this is a high-risk, high-reward strategy and may not be an option based on your league’s rules.
  3. Diversify Your Roster: Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. Select players from different teams to hedge against early eliminations. This may already be built into your rules if you can’t select more than a certain number of players from each team.
  4. Consider Matchups: Look ahead at potential playoff matchups. Favor players whose teams have favorable paths to the Super Bowl or face a team that struggles against their particular skill set.

Playoffs fantasy football is a way to extend your fantasy football season that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. By leveraging our probability-weighted projections and understanding the impact of bye weeks and potential matchups, you can build a lineup primed for success. Whether targeting top-tier stars or hunting for value among underdogs, the key is to stay flexible.

Good luck, and may your playoff fantasy team go the distance!

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