NFL Playoff Fantasy Rankings

Draft Rankings for Your Playoff Tournaments

 
The regular season concluded with Vikings-Lions...

But we're just days away from kicking off Wild Card Weekend with Chargers at Texans. And that means you're in a narrow window to join playoff fantasy contests.

As we've done for over a decade, we've compiled our NFL playoff fantasy rankings below. Use them for home leagues -- or for national, big-money contests found on the FFPC, Underdog Fantasy, and other sites.

Let's get into our macro view of the NFL playoffs, followed by positional and overall rankings:

AFC Playoff Picture

(Numbers in parentheses show the team's chances of reaching the Super Bowl, based on DVOA calculations.)

1. Chiefs (36.4%)
2. Bills (21.0%)
3. Ravens (33.1%)
4. Texans (1.8%)
5. Chargers (5.0%)
6. Steelers (0.9%)
7. Broncos (1.8%)

NFC Playoff Picture

1. Lions (39.8%)
2. Eagles (30.1%)
3. Bucs (5.2%)
4. Rams (8.0%)
5. Vikings (3.6%)
6. Commanders (4.3%)
7. Packers (8.9%)

  

Playoff Rankings: Top 50 Overall

*Italic text designates an injured player.

1. Josh Allen, Bills

Allen was able to rest for Week 18, along with several other key Buffalo contributors. They enter the postseason in good health for an opening-round matchup vs. Denver. The Broncos have the roster to give Buffalo a run, but note that that they’re ultimately 2-2 since a Week 14 bye. Their wins: at home vs. Indy and vs. a Chiefs team that rested starters. Buffalo’s path to the Super Bowl is tough – likely through Baltimore and Kansas City – but Allen’s proven capable of carrying his squad. The 28-year-old has hit 23 fantasy points in 10 of his past 11 games, with spike weeks of 45 and 55.

2. Jalen Hurts, Eagles (concussion)

Hurts should be able to clear concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's matchup vs. Green Bay. The last time we saw him play a full game, he went off vs. Pittsburgh (290-2 passing, plus 45 rushing yards and a score). But recall the concerns about the consistency of this passing game prior to the Steelers matchup. Ultimately, Hurts sticks this high given Philly’s likelihood of playing 3+ games.

3. Lamar Jackson, Ravens

Jackson posted passing lines of 207-1 and 207-3-1 vs. Pittsburgh, his Round 1 opponent. His rushing totals in those games: 13 carries for 68 yards. The Ravens have a strong shot at playing at least two games given the Steelers’ current form. But note that Zay Flowers (knee sprain) is a candidate to miss at least one game. Baltimore will also likely need to beat Buffalo and Kansas City to reach the Super Bowl.

4. Saquon Barkley, Eagles

The Eagles were wise to rest Barkley in Week 18. After all, he exits the regular season with a career-high 378 touches. That includes games of 29 and 33 touches to cap his regular season. The almost 28-year-old will remain a clear workhorse for the road ahead.

5. A.J. Brown, Eagles

In the opening round, Brown will catch the Packers without CB Jaire Alexander (knee). Way back in Week 1, he tallied 5-119-1 against Green Bay. A low volume passing game adds volatility, but with a real shot at the Super Bowl, Brown projects as the overall WR1.

6. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions

There’s a chance David Montgomery (knee) returns at some point this postseason. But as one of the league’s hottest backs, Gibbs will almost certainly retain lead back duties regardless. He’s hit 25 PPR points in four straight, with a peak of 46. Gibbs draws a Round 1 bye, followed by a potential rematch with Minnesota.

7. Derrick Henry, Ravens

We’ve seen no late-season slump for Henry. Over the past month, he’s racked up 85 carries, 514 yards (6.0 YPC), and 3 TDs. That stretch includes a 24-162 line against Pittsburgh – his Round 1 opponent – in Week 16. A coin flip game at Buffalo is likely to surface in the Divisional Round. But a Baltimore Super Bowl run is well within the realm of possability.

8. Travis Kelce, Chiefs

Kelce's TD rate (3%) and yards per catch (8.5) hit rock bottom in 2024. But note: Compared to 2023, his targets per game actually increased slightly. At a thin TE position, you’re rostering Kelce for the possability of another Chiefs Super Bowl appearance.

9. James Cook, Bills

Cook's 2024 showed an elevated ceiling, with four games north of 26 PPR points. The lead back for one of the NFL’s top offenses, Cook brings the potential to play upwards of four games. However, matchups against Denver – and likely Baltimore/Kansas City – shows the road is tough.

10. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions

St. Brown’s targets per game dropped from 10.2 in 2023 to 8.3 in 2024. We can pin a lot of that on the rise of Jameson Williams. But it's not like St. Brown fell off in fantasy, as he finished just behind Justin Jefferson in total PPR points. The Lions are one of a few teams with a legitimate chance at reaching the Super Bowl, boosting St. Brown's outlook.

11. DeVonta Smith, Eagles

Smith's fourth season concluded with 68 grabs, 833 yards, and 8 TDs in 13 games. The scores set a career high. But a hot and cold tendency developed for an Eagles unit that consistently rides the run game. Unless Philadelphia falls behind in a playoff game, we’d expect their pass-rate over expected to remain low. The good news is that Philly carries a good shot at playing at least two games.

12. Justin Jefferson, Vikings

Week 18 snapped Jefferson's five-game streak with at least 17 PPR points. Sam Darnold’s play causes some concern, but we ultimately expect two games from Minnesota. Even if it’s only one, Jefferson has the ceiling to deliver high-end fantasy totals against an underwhelming Rams secondary.

13. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

Mahomes rested for Week 18 and gains the benefit of a Wild Card bye. So his ankle sprain shouldn’t be a major factor ahead of the Divisional Round. What’s most troubling: A down year for Mahomes that included a career-low 3,928 yards and 26 TDs (tied for his career low). While they’ll play at home, the Chiefs will almost certainly need to get past the Bills or Ravens to reach their third straight Super Bowl.

14. Jared Goff, Lions

Goff just set career highs in completion rate (72.4%) and passing TDs (37). The Lions earned the No. 1 seed, so the road to Super Bowl LIX will run through Detroit. They’re currently the betting favorite to represent the NFC in New Orleans.

15. Khalil Shakir, Bills

Shakir runs 73% of his routes from the slot, so he’ll avoid top CB Patrick Surtain for most of the Wild Card Round. Buffalo’s then likely to face Baltimore in the Divisional Round. Shakir tallied 4-62 against them back in a Week 4 blowout loss.

16. Jameson Williams, Lions

Williams enjoyed a breakout season with 58 catches, 1,001 yards, and 7 TDs. He’s hitting the postseason in fine form, with at least a 19% target share in eight of his past nine games. 

17. Xavier Worthy, Chiefs

Worthy wrapped up his rookie year with a promising 59-638-6 line. He added 104-3 rushing. While he sturggled on deep balls (17.6%, per PFF), Worthy showed the run-after-catch chops to rack up fantasy production. The issue for Worthy is a full-strength Chiefs offense – and one that’ll likely be tested against Baltimore or Buffalo in the Divisional Round.

18. Mike Evans, Bucs

Evans might draw Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) in Round 1, although we’ll see about his health. Regardless, Evans exits the regular season with 18 PPR points in three of his past four and retains a high-end upside. We expect Tampa Bay to advance to the Divisional Round.

19. Ladd McConkey, Chargers

McConkey shattered rookie-year expectations with 82-1,149-7. He proved efficient with a 74.5% catch rate and a yards per route run figure of 2.38. McConkey continues to project as Justin Herbert’s go-to target and carries a real shot at playing two games.

20. Jordan Addison, Vikings

Addison hit 13 PPR points in four straight prior to a Week 18 dud at Detroit. We’ll bet on Sam Darnold rebounding this weekend at Los Angeles. But the downside displayed by the QB certainly adds risk to Addison’s postseason outlook. 

21. Puka Nacua, Rams

Nacua rested in Week 18. Even if the Rams go one-and-done, we know the potential remains for a huge game vs. Minnesota. The Vikings have allowed the most fantasy points to WRs, while Nacua ranked third in PPR points per game.

22. Aaron Jones, Vikings

Jones battled several injuries to close out the regular season, but we expect him to play his usual role against the Rams. Roughly 15 touches are likely for that one. Jones’ playoff-long value might be in the hands of Sam Darnold, whose play hit rock-bottom Sunday night at the Lions. If the Vikings move on, there’s a possability that they’ll face Detroit once again.

23. Bucky Irving, Bucs

Irving saw a 60% carry share last week vs. New Orleans -- one of his highest rates of the season. Rachaad White, meanwhile, didn't garner a single carry for the first time all year. The breakout rookie draws a neutral Wild Card matchup vs. Washington, but his chance of playing more than two games is low.

24. Kyren Williams, Rams

Williams should be busy on Wild Card Weekend – especially with Blake Corum sidelined. Meanwhile, Williams should be fresh after resting in Week 18. The issue is a tough opening-round draw vs. the Vikings. As of this writing, L.A. is installed as a small home underdog.

25. J.K. Dobbins, Chargers 

Dobbins has handled 19 and 18 carries in two games back from a knee injury. We like the Chargers’ chance of playing two games, but they open with a tough run D in Houston. The Texans sit third-toughest in fantasy points allowed; fifth in rush defense DVOA.

26. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers

Mayfield finished the season as the QB4 overall and has a decent matchup against the Commanders this week. The Bucs are favored and have a good shot to move onto the Divisional Round, where they likely will have the Eagles. Two pass-heavy games from the Bucs make Mayfield a sneaky QB to grab late if you miss out on the top ones.

27. Sam Darnold, Vikings

Darnold ended the season on a whimper in Detroit, but he ended the season as the QB7 overall. His receivers and TEs still give him an edge over other QBs in the playoffs, and the Vikings certainly can beat the Rams in Los Angeles in the Wildcard Round. If you miss out on the top QBs, Darnold gives good upside of getting at least two games. A 14-win regular season team could certainly make a longer run in the playoffs as well.   

28. Dallas Goedert, Eagles

Goedert returned from his knee injury in Week 18, catching four passes and looking impressive at that. The playoff TE landscape is fairly mediocre, so an Eagles team that could play four total games is worth investing in if Goedert falls in the draft a bit. He was the TE9 in PPR points per game this season and should at least be a red zone target for Jalen Hurts.

29. Sam LaPorta, Lions

LaPorta was the PPR TE4 over the last five weeks of the fantasy season, and was implemented more in the passing game and red zone attack. The Lions should have a Divisional Round game that favors LaPorta for some early points, and they have a shot at three total games. He is locked into this second tier of TEs.   

30. Mark Andrews, Ravens

Andrews bounced back from his early season to woes to be the PPR TE6 overall and TE7 in points per game this fantasy season. He also ended the season with five straight TE1 games. As a prime red zone target, and with Zay Flowers potentially missing a game, Andrews has massive upside. The Ravens have a difficult road to the Super Bowl, but the chance at four total games for Andrews (including a favorable matchup against the Chiefs) is alluring.

31. Justin Herbert, Chargers

Despite being on the road, the Chargers are favored against the Texans in the Wildcard Round. This gives Herbert a good shot at two games in the playoffs including another crack at the division rival Chiefs. Herbert ended the fantasy season as QB13, but was QB7 and QB10 in his final two games. HC Jim Harbaugh may unleash the passing game a bit more in the playoffs making Herbert a sleeper QB option.

32. Jayden Daniels, Commanders

The Commanders are underdogs against the Buccaneers for the Wild Card round, but Daniels is dynamic enough that only one or two games from him may be better than three or four from other QBs. He was the QB6 this season, and the Bucs are a great matchup for him to use his arm and legs for a big fantasy game. If you want to swing for upside at QB, Daniels is a lottery ticket option. 

33. Dalton Kincaid, Bills

Kincaid struggled this season, failing to notch a TE1 performance in his final seven games. He ended the season as the PPR TE21 in points per game. He was second on the team with 5.7 targets per game; however, those targets could finally become fantasy points during the playoffs. With a chance at four games for the Bills, Kincaid is a boom-or-bust TE option.

34. T.J. Hockenson, Vikings

Hockenson ended the season as the PPR TE14 in points per game. Out of the nine games he played, Hockenson had three TE1 performances, but also four TE3 or worse performances. If the Vikings can make a small playoff run and play two or three games, Hockenson can certainly be among the top fantasy TEs. But with a tight spread against the Rams, the risk of a one-and-done keeps him in a lower TE tier. 

35. Marquise Brown, Chiefs

Brown averaged 7.5 targets per game since returning from his shoulder injury. It is a small two-game sample size, but he is integrated into the Chiefs offense moving forward. Of course, he wasn’t able to exceed 46 yards receiving in either of those games. With two additional weeks to rest, Brown should be healthier and has tremendous sleeper potential if the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl again. The downside is more single digit PPR games if Mahomes spreads the ball around.

36. DeAndre Hopkins, Chiefs

Hopkins hasn’t had a WR1 scoring week since joining the Chiefs and has been a WR3 or worse in five of the six games in Kansas City. He does have two nine-target games, but with Hollywood Brown returning, there are plenty of receiving options for Mahomes during this playoff run. The upside for Hopkins is a Chiefs run to the Super Bowl gives you three games for him to score points.

37. Keon Coleman, Bills

Coleman was a WR4 or worse in every game since returning from his wrist injury. He didn’t have a WR1 performance all season, but we’ve seen the Bills wait to deploy their X WRs in the playoffs (see Gabe Davis in the 2021 season playoffs). Coleman has the downside of scoring you minimal points, even if the Bills make it to the Super Bowl, but there is also the upside that Coleman’s potential is finally unleashed.

38. Amari Cooper, Bills

Cooper hasn’t topped 54% of snaps since joining the Bills via trade and has been a WR5 or worse in five of the last six games. The upside for Cooper is that the Bills enter shootouts, similar to Week 14 against the Rams when Cooper had 14 targets. But even with all those targets, he still only caught six passes for 95 yards. A potential four-game run may help, but Cooper will need to see more snaps to have an impact.

39. Nico Collins, Texans

Since returning from his hamstring injury, Collins was a fantasy WR1 in two of six games. He has at least six targets in every game as well. Collins will be a heavy target for QB C.J. Stroud, but the Texans are underdogs against the Chargers for the Wildcard Round. Even if they get the win, facing the Chiefs, Bills or Ravens is likely the end of the Texans playoff run. Collins should put up a solid performance but will be unlikely to net you more than two games.

40. Terry McLaurin, Commanders

McLaurin has three WR1 performances in his last five fantasy games and has been a reliable option for Daniels all season. The bitter taste of a one-catch Week 17 may loom large, though, and shows McLaurin’s downside if the defense can take him away. The Commanders are underdogs against the Buccaneers in the Wildcard Round, but Daniels to McLaurin could be strong against the Bucs weak secondary. Don’t expect more than two games max.

41. Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers

The rookie has come on late in the season, with five straight games as PPR WR20 overall or better (including Week 18). Taking over the Chris Godwin role, McMillan is averaging 6.2 targets per game over that stretch. He’s also found the end zone in all five of those games. With the Buccaneers favored against the Commanders, McMillan could be a solid sleeper for a solid two-game stretch in the playoffs.

42. Rashod Bateman, Ravens

Bateman has a TD in four of the last six games for the Ravens, including one against the Steelers just three weeks ago. Embracing his role as a deep threat for the Ravens, Bateman has upside for deep TDs in any game the Ravens play. With Zay Flowers potentially missing at least one playoff game due to a knee injury, Bateman could become the team's top WR target. He just had eight targets in the game where Flowers got hurt. He is a good upside shot, especially if the Ravens can play three or four games along the way.

43. David Montgomery, Lions (Knee)

Montgomery is trending toward playing in the Divisional Round after suffering an MCL injury in Week 15. There is little known about the extent of Montgomery’s playing time, so there is some baked-in risk to rostering him. He put up top-20 PPR performances in the five games before his injury. Montgomery could still be a goal-line option even if he cedes snaps to Gibbs. Montgomery will be a low-owned contrarian option in most contests if the Lions do make it to the Super Bowl.   

43. Kareem Hunt, Chiefs

Hunt’s snap count has increased in each of the last four weeks, now taking over the primary RB role from Isiah Pacheco. He hasn’t played more than 48% of snaps since Pacheco returned from his broken leg. This nearly even split between the two makes neither a great fantasy option, though they may be worth rostering if the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl.

44. Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs (Ribs)

Pacheco has only played over 37% of snaps in one game since returning from his broken leg. With Hunt’s snap count increasing, Pacheco has taken a backseat, never posting better than an RB3 week. He also is playing through a rib injury sustained on Christmas. The Chiefs could play three playoff games if they make it to the Super Bowl, but Pacheco doesn’t have much in his favor past that.   

46. Joe Mixon, Texans

Mixon ended the season with a whimper, not recording a PPR RB2 game or better since the Texan's bye week. He hasn’t had more than 14 carries in any of those games. The Texans are home underdogs and face the sixth-ranked DVOA run defense in the Chargers. It doesn’t set up well for Mixon unless the Texans can get a lead and lean on the run. The hope would be an upset victory and a second game for Mixon to accumulate some points.

47. George Pickens, Steelers

Pickens hasn’t put up a PPR WR1 game since Week 10 and is only averaging two catches for 25 yards since coming back from his hamstring injury. The disastrous Week 18 performance of only one catch for 0 yards and three drops highlights how checked out Pickens may be. With the Steelers expected to get crushed by the Ravens, the hope will be some garbage time yards for Pickens.

48. Courtland Sutton, Broncos

Sutton was the overall WR2 in PPR in Week 10, but then ended the fantasy season with four straight WR3 or worse performances. With the Broncos being TD underdogs to the Bills though, QB Bo Nix will have to throw to keep pace, and Sutton should benefit. It is unlikely the Broncos will pull off the upset, however, so expect a one-and-done for Sutton in the playoffs. 

49. Josh Jacobs, Packers

The Packers offense runs through Jacobs, who has at least 17 touches in every game after the bye week (except Week 18). The key to pulling the upset against the Eagles will be to get Jacobs going and keep the ball away from Jalen Hurts, so we should see a healthy dose of work for Jacobs. He could be a solid one-and-done performer, and there is always a chance they pull the upset to give Jacobs an extra game.

50. Zay Flowers, Ravens (Knee)

Flowers' position in the rankings is in flux due to sustaining a knee injury during the Ravens Week 18 victory. It isn’t overly serious, as he is day-to-day, but there is potential to miss (or be severely limited) in the Wildcard Round against the Steelers. He hasn’t had a WR1 performance since Week 9, so even if fully healthy, don’t expect huge output. The main hope is for a four game stretch -- and a Ravens Super Bowl appearance.

 

Playoff Rankings: QBs

1. Josh Allen

2. Jalen Hurts

3. Lamar Jackson

4. Patrick Mahomes

5. Jared Goff

6. Baker Mayfield

7. Sam Darnold

8. Justin Herbert

9. Jayden Daniels

10. Matt Stafford

11. C.J. Stroud

12. Jordan Love

13. Bo Nix

14. Russell Wilson

Playoff Rankings: RBs

1. Saquon Barkley

2. Jahmyr Gibbs

3. Derrick Henry

4. James Cook

5. Aaron Jones

6. Bucky Irving

7. Kyren Williams

8. J.K. Dobbins

9. David Montgomery

10. Kareem Hunt

11. Isiah Pacheco

12. Joe Mixon

13. Josh Jacobs

14. Jaylen Warren

15. Justice Hill

16. Najee Harris

17. Brian Robinson

18. Ty Johnson

19. Kenneth Gainwell

20. Austin Ekeler

21. Cam Akers

22. Jaleel McLaughlin

23. Rachaad White

24. Ray Davis

25. Samaje Perine

26. Javonte Williams

27. Gus Edwards

28. Hassan Haskins

29. Craig Reynolds

30. Sean Tucker

31. Audric Estime

32. Chris Brooks

33. Emanuel Wilson

34. Chris Rodriguez

35. Jeremy McNichols

36. Dameon Pierce

Playoff Rankings: WRs

1. A.J. Brown

2. Amon-Ra St. Brown

3. DeVonta Smith

4. Justin Jefferson

5. Khalil Shakir

6. Jameson Williams

7. Xavier Worthy

8. Mike Evans

9. Ladd McConnkey

10. Jordan Addison

11. Puka Nacua

12. Marquise Brown

13. DeAndre Hopkins

14. Keon Coleman

15. Amari Cooper

16. Nico Collins

17. Terry McLaurin

18. Jalen McMillan

19. Rashod Bateman

20. George Pickens

21. Courtland Sutton

22. Zay Flowers

23. Quentin Johnston

24. Cooper Kupp

25. Jayden Reed

26. Romeo Doubs

27. Dontayvion Wicks

28. Tim Patrick

29. Sterling Shepard

30. Olamide Zaccheaus

31. Mack Hollins

32. Curtis Samuel

33. Jalen Nailor

34. Marvin Mims

35. Josh Palmer

36. John Metchie

37. Diontae Johnson

38. Kalif Raymond

39. Nelson Agholor

40. Tylan Wallace

41. Demarcus Robinson

42. Calvin Austin

43. Tutu Atwell

Playoff Rankings: TEs

1. Travis Kelce

2. Dallas Goedert

3. Sam LaPorta

4. Mark Andrews

5. Dalton Kincaid

6. T.J. Hockenson

7. Isaiah Likely

8. Noah Gray

9. Will Dissly

10. Zach Ertz

11. Cade Otton

12. Dalton Schultz

13. Pat Freiermuth

14. Tucker Kraft

15. Dawson Knox

16. Stone Smartt

17. Tyler Higbee

18. Luke Musgrave

Playoff Rankings: Kickers

1. Jake Elliott

2. Jake Bates

3. Tyler Bass

4. Harrison Butker

5. Justin Tucker

6. Will Reichard

7. Cameron Dicker

8. Chase McLaughlin

9. Joshua Karty

10. Zane Gonzalez

11. Ka'imi Fairbairn

12. Brandon McManus

13. Will Lutz

14. Chris Boswell

Playoff Rankings: Defense/Special Teams

1. Eagles

2. Bills

3. Ravens

4. Chiefs

5. Vikings

6. Lions

7. Chargers

8. Bucs

9. Rams

10. Commanders

11. Packers

12. Texans

13. Steelers

14. Broncos

More Playoff Intel

Each round of the postseason, we'll have projections and rankings available to help you tackle any contest format.

Check back each Tuesday as we release the initial rankings, which will be updated right up to kickoff.