Looking Ahead: RB Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Using Footballguys Strength of Schedule to look ahead to Weeks 15 through 17 and find backs with good matchups.

Clayton Gray's Looking Ahead: RB Fantasy Playoff Schedules Clayton Gray Published 12/03/2025

© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images strength of schedule

Quick Links: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends

It's Week 14. 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 matchups in this year's fantasy playoffs.

RBs With the Best Playoff Matchups

Miami Dolphins - PIT | CIN | TB

This playoff schedule consists of one team that makes it easy to run a ball-control game plan (Pittsburgh) and two that require your best players to excel. De'Von Achane checks all of those boxes. He can be the focal point for a steady ground attack, and he can produce electric game-changing plays.

Washington Commanders - NYG | PHI | DAL

In a perfect world, Jayden Daniels will return to action and lift the entire Washington offense. On the ground, that would benefit Chris Rodriguez Jr., as he has been the team's primary rusher over the last few weeks. If you're desperate for options, though, Jacory Croskey-Merritt has big-play ability, while Jeremy McNichols has flashed as a receiver. These are not players who inspire confidence, but the schedule is open for them to exceed their season averages.

Philadelphia Eagles - LV | WAS | BUF

When you have Saquon Barkley and a schedule that allows running backs to have big games, nothing could be easier as an offensive play-caller.

Right?

Yeah, the Eagles' offense has been a head-scratcher quite often this season. Let's hope this easy, championship-winning schedule isn't wasted.

Arizona Cardinals - HOU | ATL | CIN

Note that the Week 14 opponent is a rough one. You're never confident starting a player against the Texans, but after that, the schedule is ripe for running back success.

Lately, Bam Knight and Michael Carter have done well. Assuming Trey Benson doesn't return, Knight and Carter could be great flex plays in your championship lineups.

New England Patriots - BUF | BAL | NYJ

Going into the season, one wouldn't have targeted these three rush defenses, but the season often turns. In 2025, the turn means we aren't afraid of starting running backs against the Bills, Ravens, and Jets.

While the Patriots have seemingly returned to a near 50/50 split with TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson, there is room for both backs to excel during your championship run.

Where All 32 Teams Rank at Running Back

Already a subscriber?

Continue reading this content with a PRO subscription.

Photos provided by Imagn Images
Share This Article

More by Clayton Gray

 

Looking Ahead: QB Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Clayton Gray

Using Footballguys Strength of Schedule to look ahead to Weeks 15 through 17 and find quarterbacks with good matchups.

12/03/25 Read More
 

Looking Ahead: WR Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Clayton Gray

Using Footballguys Strength of Schedule to look ahead to Weeks 15 through 17 and find receivers with good matchups.

12/03/25 Read More
 

Looking Ahead: TE Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Clayton Gray

Using Footballguys Strength of Schedule to look ahead to Weeks 15 through 17 and find tight ends with good matchups.

12/03/25 Read More
 

Game Predictor: Week 13

Clayton Gray

Blending our expert projections with Vegas lines to create game-by-game predictions for this week's NFL games.

11/26/25 Read More
 

Game Predictor: Week 12

Clayton Gray

Blending our expert projections with Vegas lines to create game-by-game predictions for this week's NFL games.

11/19/25 Read More
 

Looking Ahead: RB Fantasy Playoff Schedules

Clayton Gray

Using Footballguys Strength of Schedule to look ahead to Weeks 15 through 17 and find backs with good and bad matchups.

11/19/25 Read More