10 Sleepers Who Could Be League Winners During the Fantasy Football Playoffs

These players aren’t considered ‘must starts,’ but favorable matchups will make them extremely valuable when it counts the most.

The fantasy football postseason is fast approaching! Whether you’re looking to make a trade before a late deadline or you’re scouring the waiver wire for depth, it’s smart to know who has the best matchups in Weeks 15-17, when we play for all the fantasy football marbles! Here are 10 players who aren’t considered regular fantasy starters (some of whom could be free agents) who have the most favorable postseason matchups.

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Brock Purdy, QB, 49ers

Purdy isn’t a player who was drafted to be a No. 1 fantasy quarterback, but he could be just that during the postseason. The second-year field general gets to face the Cardinals and Commanders among his three playoff matchups, and both of those teams are among the 10 most generous to opposing quarterbacks.

Russell Wilson, QB, Broncos

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Wilson has one of the best postseason schedules among quarterbacks based on Fantasy Points Data, as he’ll face favorable matchups against the Lions, Patriots and Chargers. He’s not a “sleeper” per se, but Wilson isn’t a must-start option at this point, either. The Lions and Chargers are very attractive opponents, in particular.

Jerome Ford, RB, Browns

Ford isn’t the most consistent running back in fantasy land, but he can be a nice option based on the matchups. He faces some favorable opponents in the playoffs, as the Bears, Texans and Jets are on the slate. Chicago and New York are among the 10 most generous teams to runners, and Houston’s defense isn’t impenetrable.

Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers

Warren has emerged as a viable fantasy option even with Najee Harris in the same backfield, and his fantasy playoff slate is a tasty one. He’ll face the Colts, Bengals and Seahawks, with two of those teams (Indianapolis, Seattle) in the top 10 among the most generous defenses against running backs. Warren will have flex appeal.

Tyler Allgeier, RB, Falcons

Allgeier is second on the Falcons depth chart behind Bijan Robinson, but he could get enough work to be a matchup-based flex option. He has favorable games in the fantasy postseason, facing the Panthers, Colts and Bears. All three of those units are among the most generous to backs, with Carolina and Indy among the top five.

Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos

Sutton hasn’t put up huge reception or yardage totals, but he’s been getting into the end zone often. That, plus matchups against the Lions, Patriots and Chargers, will make him a nice option in the fantasy playoffs. All three of these defensive teams have been among the 10 most generous to opposing wide receivers.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks

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Smith-Njigba remains the third option in Seattle’s pass attack, but we’re looking for sleepers, right? He could shine in the fantasy postseason, facing the Eagles, Titans and Steelers. Philadelphia has given it up to wide receivers at the highest rate in the NFL, and Tennessee is sixth in terms of points allowed to the position.

Jayden Reed, WR, Packers

Reed is one of the hottest wide receivers in fantasy football that no one is talking about, and he could be a league winner in the postseason. The rookie has plus matchups against the Buccaneers and Vikings, who are among the 10 most generous defenses to wideouts. He’ll also face Carolina on the playoff slate.

Taysom Hill, TE, Saints

Hill isn’t your typical tight end, but that makes him even more of an asset. He has nice fantasy playoff matchups, facing the Giants, Rams and Buccaneers. The latter two are among the eight most generous teams vs. tight ends, and the Giants are a dud. The Saints are hemorrhaging receivers, too, so Hill’s role could expand.

Jake Ferguson, TE, Cowboys

Ferguson hasn’t been super consistent, but he’s definitely a part of the Dallas pass attack. He could also be very useful in the fantasy postseason, as he goes up against the Bills, Dolphins and Lions. While Buffalo has been decent against tight ends, Miami and Detroit have been generous to the position most of the season.

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