It's Week 12. And because all of our fantasy teams are super powerful, we are likely already looking to the fantasy playoffs.
Right?
Or maybe all we need to do is limp into the playoffs and let our team go on that magic run.
It's not magic if you plan it out. Using the Footballguys Strength of Schedule, here's a look at the backfields with the best and worst matchups in this year's fantasy playoffs.
Backfields With the Best Playoff Matchups
Miami Dolphins - PIT | CIN | TB
Pittsburgh to start the playoffs is merely okay, but the Cincinnati matchup could not be better. Getting Tampa Bay for the championships looks better now than it did to start the season, plus, by Week 17, it's not out of the question that the Buccaneers could already be thinking about resting up for the postseason. Of course, everyone is playing De'Von Achane, but Ollie Gordon II could help out, too.
Arizona Cardinals - HOU | ATL | CIN
Similar to the above, starting the playoffs against Houston isn't ideal. However, if you advance, facing an Atlanta team that appears to be falling apart and then closing against the Bengals is as good as it gets. If you've been holding Trey Benson, you should reap the rewards.
Washington Commanders - NYG | PHI | DAL
It's hard to be completely confident in assessing divisional games, but the NFC East has been kind to fantasy running backs. If Chris Rodriguez Jr. stays on top of this backfield, he could be an every-week starter in the playoffs.
New England Patriots - BUF | BAL | NYJ
In September, this trio would have been a tough group to handle. But things can look different in December. Buffalo has been terrible against running backs, and the Ravens and Jets have been average against the position. Plus, the Jets might be looking to the offseason by Week 17. While everyone wants to keep watching the TreVeyon Henderson show, a split backfield with him and Rhamondre Stevenson could allow both to succeed.
Cleveland Browns - CHI | BUF | PIT
It's not a great fantasy Super Bowl against the Steelers, but facing Chicago and Buffalo should help a lot of teams get to the championships. Quinshon Judkins will be an every-week starter in your championship run.