Playoffs either started or are about to start in most leagues. Week 15 and 16 are two key weeks in deciding who takes home the bacon in most leagues. I want to take a look at which teams boast the best playoff matchups heading into those key weeks. Maybe you can snag them early. Let’s take a look at what is in store for each team in those key matchups for week 15 and 16. If a team is 32nd against a QB, that’s a bad matchup, as they allow the 32 least amount of points. 1st is a good matchup.

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills Playoff Matchups

@DEN(16 vs QB, 15 vs RB, 25 vs WR, 24 vs TE)
@NE(30 vs QB, 17 vs RB, 26 vs WR, 30 vs TE)

Josh Allen does not have it easy these next two weeks, especially week 16. The RB matchups are average, but neither Devin Singletary nor Zack Moss has seized that gig yet. Stefon Diggs is a play regardless of matchup, but no favors for the WRs either. This offense is humming, so matchups be damned for the next two weeks.

Miami Dolphins Playoff Matchups

Vs NE(30 vs QB, 17 vs RB, 26 vs WR, 30 vs TE)
@ LV(10 vs QB, 3 vs RB, 11 vs WR, 19 vs TE)

Tua Tagovailoa faces a tough test week 15 against the Pats, but his week 16 matchup is a bit easier. If Myles Gaskin is the back, you gotta love the matchups. Same for Salvon Ahmed. The rest of the backs are to be avoided. The WR matchups aren’t great, and DeVante Parker has been banged up. Not a lot of juicy matchup opportunities for this team outside the backfield, which is damaged.

NE Patriots Playoff Matchups

@MIA(24 vs QB, 22 vs RB, 13 vs WR, 26 vs TE)
Vs BUF(8 vs QB, 13 vs RB, 23 vs WR, 7 vs TE)

Two divisional games where I don’t like starting Cam Newton. That’s kinda every game these days. The Miami defense is tough, and the Bills are likely to stomp the Pats into submission. But that Bills game should be higher scoring, sadly this offense lacks the weapons to take advantage of that in fantasy. You likely aren’t in the playoffs if you had too many Pats on your roster.

NY Jets Playoff Matchups

@LAR(32 vs QB, 30 vs RB, 32 vs WR, 20 vs TE)
Vs CLE(6 vs QB, 24 vs RB, 10 vs WR, 3 vs TE)

In case you didn’t know, these Jets are terrible. A nightmare matchup awaits this week, and week 16, despite offering upside, is not one I am overly excited about either. It is the Jets, and Adam Gase is still their coach. That being said, Denzel Mims and Breshad Perriman offer upside because the Jets will be trailing for 50+ minutes of both games.

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens Playoff Matchups

Vs JAX(3 vs QB, 5 vs RB, 6 vs WR, 6 vs TE)
Vs NYG(28 vs QB, 10 vs RB, 27 vs WR, 25 vs TE)

Week 15 has get right for Lamar Jackson written all over it, but week 16 does not look as pretty. The only upside there is the Giants struggle against the run, and Jackson is essentially a running back. You gotta love the upside for the ground game, but between J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, you never know who will start. Mark Andrews is loving this matchup this week as well. Baltimore is in must-win mode moving forward, so matchups mean less, considering this team must win out. Marquise Brown always has big-[;ay potential but is reliant on an unreliable passing attack.

Cincinnati Bengals Playoff Matchups

Vs PIT(31 vs QB, 31 vs RB, 14 vs WR, 32 vs TE)
@ HOU(11 vs QB, 2 vs RB, 9 vs WR, 14 vs TE)

Since Joe Burrow went down, this is not a fantasy hot spot. A matchup with Pittsburgh reiterates this, but a matchup with Houston could pay dividends in week 16 for Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd owners. Unless Mixon returns, that backfield is a filthy mess.

Cleveland Browns Playoff Matchups

@NYG(28 vs QB, 10 vs RB, 27 vs WR, 25 vs TE)
@NYJ(2 vs QB, 16 vs RB, 7 vs WR, 1 vs TE)

New York, New York! The Giants’ weakness defensively is the ground game, so fire up Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt this week. And week 16 provides a cure-all. And anyone playing the Jets during fantasy playoffs is under consideration, from Baker Mayfield to Austin Hooper. Jarvis Landry has been on fire lately as well. The Giants won’t have Bradberry, so fire up this offense both weeks.

Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Matchups

@CIN(18 vs QB, 8 vsRB, 17 vs WR, 2 vs TE)
Vs IND(27 vs QB, 23 vs RB, 22 vs WR, 29 vs TE)

A Cincy matchup should be huge for Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers to right the ship. If James Conner can go, fire him up, if not, the backfield is not desirable. But Chase Claypool, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Diontae Johnson are all goes. Indy has not been quite the same defensively in recent weeks, so feel confident going back to the Steelers in week 16 in what could wind up being a high-scoring week 16 showdown.

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans Playoff Matchups

@IND(27 vs QB, 23 vs RB, 22 vs WR, 29 vs TE)
Vs CIN(18 vs QB, 8 vsRB, 17 vs WR, 2 vs TE)

Indy was just touched up by Deshaun Watson, and have struggled recently. I like both matchups for Watson, and despite the matchups not being plus in other categories, Think Watson elevates his teammates. Look for Jordan Akins to emerge as the season ends, especially against Cincinnati.

Indianapolis Colts Playoff Matchups

Vs HOU(11 vs QB, 2 vs RB, 9 vs WR, 14 vs TE)
@PIT(31 vs QB, 31 vs RB, 14 vs WR, 32 vs TE)

Houston is a gift, Pittsburgh is not. But Philip Rivers seems to have reversed his career trends and is playing his best football late. That Pittsburgh game could be massive, and they could score in bunches. Fire up T.Y. Hilton in everything, he remembered how to play football. Jonathan Taylor is a must-play this week, but could be avoided the following.

Jacksonville Jaguars Playoff Matchups

@BAL(14 vs QB, 18 vs RB, 28 vs WR, 17 vs TE)
Vs CHI(25 vs QB, 25 vs RB, 29 vs WR, 4 vs TE)

Woe are the Jags, who face two crap matchups. Gardner Minshew is playing for his Jags career, so i expect good games from the gunslinger. James Robinson has also been virtually matchup-proof with Minshew under center, so despite the matchups he can be fired up also. Outside them, there are no plus matchups to have, as TE is not a position of strength for Jacksonville.

Tennessee Titans Playoff Matchups

Vs DET(7 vs QB, 1 vs RB, 5 vs WR, 23 vs TE)
@GB(26 vs QB, 4 vs RB, 24 vs WR, 27 vs TE)

Derrick Henry fans rejoice. Neither of these teams can stop RBs. The Detroit matchup is a plus for Ryan Tannehill, A.J. Brown, and Corey Davis. The following week will be a high scoring slugfest with two teams jostling for playoff positioning. All systems go for Tennessee moving forward. The offense opens up when Henry eats. Jonnu Smith does not have nice matchups either week, but he is one big play away from a good week every week.

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos Playoff Matchups

Vs BUF(8 vs QB, 13 vs RB, 23 vs WR, 7 vs TE)
@LAC(9 vs QB, 19 vs RB, 18 vs WR, 13 vs TE)

Drew Lock is looking like a very interesting playoff play with these matchups. Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay hurt each other’s ceilings, as does Denver being behind which happens with this team. Noah Fant, when healthy, will also be an intriguing option for the next two weeks. Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick, and even K.J. Hamler are not bad options, but these are not exactly plus matchups for them.

KC Chiefs Playoff Matchups

@NO(29 vs QB, 32 vs RB, 20 vs WR, 21 vs TE)
Vs ATL(1 vs QB, 28 vs RB, 3 vs WR, 5 vs TE)

The Saints have an excellent defense. Patrick Mahomes doesn’t care. Neither does Tyreek Hill nor Travis Kelce. They are always must-starts. But a week 16 matchup against Atlanta is unfair. Neither matchup looks sexy for RB, but these are the Chiefs we are talking about, and their offense is as matchup-proof as they get. Watch for a big week from Mecole Hardman and/or Demarcus Robinson as well as KC preps for playoffs.

LA Chargers Playoff Matchups

@LV(10 vs QB, 3 vs RB, 11 vs WR, 19 vs TE)
Vs DEN(16 vs QB, 15 vs RB, 25 vs WR, 24 vs TE)

Justin Herbert is a go for both matchups, neither are elite but Herbert is. Austin Ekeler has two solid matchups as well, and will be integral to their offense as the season ends. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are banged up, but Jalen Guyton is a sneaky play these two weeks with the guys above him struggling with health. Hunter Henry doesn’t get the best matchups, but the WR health could create more volume heading his way moving forward as well.

LV Raiders Playoff Matchups

Vs LAC(9 vs QB, 19 vs RB, 18 vs WR, 13 vs TE)
Vs MIA(24 vs QB, 22 vs RB, 13 vs WR, 26 vs TE)

You gotta love this matchup tonight for the Raiders. You gotta hate next week. Derek Carr is likely a go, he is having an underrated year. Josh Jacobs is not a lock either week, his health is concerning this week, and Miami looms next week. I’m avoiding. The WR corps has average matchups, but both games could be interesting, and the Raiders have to win, so fire up Nelson Agholor, and Henry Ruggs next week if he plays. Watch Bryan Edwards moving forward if Ruggs can’t get healthy, and Hunter Renfrow is always an option in PPR. Oh, let’s not forget about Darren Waller, who is a lock every week, and as matchup-proof as a TE can be with his size-speed combo.

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys Playoff Matchups

Vs SF(23 vs QB, 27 vs RB, 21 vs WR, 31 vs TE)
Vs PHI(21 vs QB, 21 vs RB, 15 vs WR, 10 vs TE)

Both these matchups kinda suck in almost every way. The Eagles are getting it going defensively, and pushing for playoffs. But Andy Dalton will get the Cowboys on the board regardless. Amari Cooper remains an intriguing option because of his recent performances. CeeDee Lamb is getting the volume you want to see, but Michael Gallup‘s inconsistencies make him a tough sell against these teams. I am off TE due to the WR weapons in this offense. Ezekiel Elliott is no lock the next two weeks either, as the Cowboys run game still looks off.

NY Giants Playoff Matchups

Vs CLE(6 vs QB, 24 vs RB, 10 vs WR, 3 vs TE)
@BAL(14 vs QB, 18 vs RB, 28 vs WR, 17 vs TE)

If Daniel Jones is healthy, I love the matchup this week for Jones, Darius Slayton, and Evan Engram. This game could be high scoring. Next week against Baltimore could be huge for playoff implications, and again if Jones is healthy, I dip back into the same well. This offense was figuring things out before Jones’ injury. Sterling Shephard is the guy you want if Colt McCoy starts either week.

Philadelphia Eagles Playoff Matchups

@ARI(20 vs QB, 12 vs RB, 19 vs WR, 28 vs TE)
@DAL(12 vs QB, 6 vs RB, 2 vs WR, 18 vs TE)

Jalen Hurts is an intriguing fantasy play because of his legs. Both matchups are plus for this offense as they find themselves. Miles Sanders has fantastic matchups and is a lock in any lineup both weeks. As for WR, Jalen Reagor is the most intriguing due to his big-play ability, but inconsistencies in this WR corps make me hesitant regardless of the plus matchup. How much chemistry has Hurts built with these guys?

Washington Football Team Playoff Matchups

Vs SEA(4 vs QB, 14 vs RB, 4 vs WR, 22 vs TE)
Vs CAR(13 vs QB, 9 vs RB, 16 vs WR, 11 vs TE)

If Alex Smith starts, you gotta love his matchups, along with Terry McLaurin. If Antonio Gibson plays, lock him in also. The other backs are not that intriguing, although J.D. McKissic offers PPR intrigue if Gibson does not play. Logan Thomas depends on Smith. If Dwayne Haskins plays, bench everyone!

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears Playoff Matchups

@MIN(19 vs QB, 20 vs RB, 1 vs WR, 16 vs TE)
@JAX(3 vs QB, 5 vs RB, 6 vs WR, 6 vs TE)

Mitchell Trubisky is heating up. As is David Montgomery. Both are startable in what should be winnable matchups. Allen Robinson is a lock both weeks and should be a top performer during playoffs weeks. The other WRs lack consistency, although both Mooney and Miller offer upside. Cole Kmet seems to have taken over as TE1, but lacks a ceiling to get excited about regardless. Stick with the bigger names. Enjoy a prolific playoff performance from Chicago.

Detroit Lions Playoff Matchups

@TEN(5 vs QB, 7 vs RB, 8 vs WR, 12 vs TE)
Vs TB(15 vs QB, 29 vs RB, 12 vs WR, 9 vs TE)

If Matthew Stafford plays in either matchup, Marvin Jones is a great play both weeks. D’Andre Swift would be lovely this week if healthy, but if not, avoid the backfield. T.J. Hockenson is elite both weeks and QB proof, so play him with confidence. This offense relies solely on Stafford’s health.

GB Packers Playoff Matchups

Vs CAR(13 vs QB, 9 vs RB, 16 vs WR, 11 vs TE)
Vs TEN(5 vs QB, 7 vs RB, 8 vs WR, 12 vs TE)

Start everyone all the time. Aaron Rodgers gets juicy matchups, Aaron Jones gets juicy matchups. Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling all are great plays, with Adams being a WR1 overall favorite these two weeks. Robert Tonayn will also benefit from two plus matchups. Green Bay is trying to lock up the 1 seed, and week 16 is gonna be a high-scoring game with playoff seeding implications. Green Bay is gonna win some leagues for people.

Minnesota Vikings Playoff Matchups

Vs CHI(25 vs QB, 25 vs RB, 29 vs WR, 4 vs TE)
Vs NO(29 vs QB, 32 vs RB, 20 vs WR, 21 vs TE)

These matchups are not pretty, but Minnesota has tons of talent. I am avoiding Kirk Cousins both weeks, and Dalvin Cook is a must-start regardless of matchups, but temper expectations. Similarly, fire up Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, but realize, both matchups are not pretty. They should produce regardless. Dont fiddle with the TE position for Minnesota, it will burn ya.

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons Playoff Matchups

Vs TB(15 vs QB, 29 vs RB, 12 vs WR, 9 vs TE)
@KC(17 vs QB, 11 vs RB, 31 vs WR, 8 vs TE)

Hello, high-scoring games! I want to avoid Todd Gurley and the backfield as a whole, but Matt Ryan has no matchup concerns, and Calvin Ridley should have huge games while Atlanta plays keep up. Julio Jones if healthy is a great play against the Bucs. Hayden Hurst is streamable both weeks,

Carolina Panthers Playoff Matchups

@GB(26 vs QB, 4 vs RB, 24 vs WR, 27 vs TE)
@WAS(22 vs QB, 26 vs RB, 30 vs WR, 15 vs TE)

I do not like Carolina these two weeks. They are gonna have to try to keep up with the Packers, and outside Mike Davis (or less likely, Christian McCaffrey), the matchups aren’t pretty. Expect Robby Anderson to be a target when Carolina is trailing. But I dislike Teddy Bridgewater both weeks and think this offense struggles for two consecutive weeks.

NO Saints Playoff Matchups

Vs KC(17 vs QB, 11 vs RB, 31 vs WR, 8 vs TE)
Vs MIN(19 vs QB, 20 vs RB, 1 vs WR, 16 vs TE)

Does Drew Brees return? Can Taysom Hill recover from an ugly loss? Lots of question marks here. Alvin Kamara seems a safe start both weeks, and Michael Thomas is gonna be huge in week 16. Likely week 15 too despite the matchup. Jared Cook offers intrigue especially if Brees comes back, but with Hill, this offense is less dangerous in fantasy. Emmanuel Sanders and Tre’Quan Smith both are flex options with or without Brees in week 16.

TB Buccaneers Playoff Matchups

@ATL(1 vs QB, 28 vs RB, 3 vs WR, 5 vs TE)
@DET(7 vs QB, 1 vs RB, 5 vs WR, 23 vs TE)

Tom Brady gets two dreamy matchups. Tompa Bay will run over both teams. Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette are options week 16, and Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are locks both weeks. Rob Gronkowski is a plus week 15 and fadeable week 16. Antonio Brown hasn’t done enough with his touches to get excited about his prospects despite the plus matchups.

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals Playoff Matchups

Vs PHI(21 vs QB, 21 vs RB, 15 vs WR, 10 vs TE)
Vs SF(23 vs QB, 27 vs RB, 21 vs WR, 31 vs TE)

Kyler Murray doesn’t get the best matchups to finish the season, and he hasn’t exactly been on fire lately. Kenyan Drake doesn’t either. Outside DeAndre Hopkins, this offense looks questionable these two weeks. There are better options. Dan Arnold could intrigue this week, but next week he is virtually unplayable. Christian Kirk needs to remember how to play football before I trust him.

LA Rams Playoff Matchups

Vs NYJ(2 vs QB, 16 vs RB, 7 vs WR, 1 vs TE)
@SEA(4 vs QB, 14 vs RB, 4 vs WR, 22 vs TE)

Jared Goff fantasy playoffs MVP? The matchups say it could happen. Cam Akers has taken that backfield over, and his matchups do not look problematic in any way. Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, and even Josh Reynolds are all potential plays, especially week 16 in what could be a close game. Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett are both flex-possible this week. But the big boys are gonna eat for you if you got em.

SF 49ers Playoff Matchups

@DAL(12 vs QB, 6 vs RB, 2 vs WR, 18 vs TE)
@ARI(20 vs QB, 12 vs RB, 19 vs WR, 28 vs TE)

Nick Mullens, Jimmy Garoppolo, C.J. Beathard, it doesn’t make much of a difference really. Dallas offers upside, but the matchups aren’t any better than the QBs themselves. If Raheem Mostert plays at all, he is going to be a lock for me. Jeff Wilson is intriguing as well. I am not excited about Jerick McKinnon nor Tevin Coleman. Brandon Aiyuk is a start both weeks and looks virtually matchup-proof. Deebo Samuel is a play if healthy both weeks too. George Kittle healthy will be on 0 benches, regardless of matchup. If they would only address QB, this team could be fantasy scary, as it is, being scary is just a fantasy.

Seattle Seahawks Playoff Matchups

@WAS(22 vs QB, 26 vs RB, 30 vs WR, 15 vs TE)
Vs LAR(32 vs QB, 30 vs RB, 32 vs WR, 20 vs TE)

These are two tough matchups. That being said, Chris Carson unlocks this offense, and I will play him both weeks confidently. Russell Wilson benefits, D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett too. This team has to get right before playoffs, and a healthy Carson will make it happen. Expecting huge games might be unrealistic, but confidently start them all in both as talent will ultimately trump matchups. David Moore is streamable as well, simply because he is the WR3 in what will be a potent two-week offense. That being said, they all have lower floors than usual due to matchups.

Thank you for reading Week 15/16 Playoff Matchups! Good luck moving forward in your respective leagues. Follow me on Twitter @realryanhicks for all of my work, and follow @BellyUpFantasy for all your fantasy needs. Also check out Belly Up Fantasy Live, a weekly podcast that covers every matchup from every game that week. You can find us on Twitter also.