As the playoffs approach, every fantasy manager seeks players who will carry their team to glory when it matters most. The season’s final stretch is all about making the right moves, and with league titles on the line, there’s no time for underperforming stars or risky plays. In this article, I’ll break down five key players primed for a strong finish with the potential to carry fantasy teams to victory. Instead of pointing out the apparent league winners like Josh Allen or Saquon Barkley, I’ll focus more on under-the-radar players who can make a huge impact in the season’s final weeks. I’ll show you why these players deserve the spotlight as you prepare for your championship run by digging into recent stats, upcoming matchups, and their role in the offense. Whether aiming to hoist your league trophy or fighting to avoid the bottom of the standings, having these players on your roster could set you up for success down the stretch.
Coming into this fantasy season, experts rarely highlight Sam Darnold as a quarterback with a fantasy upside. However, he has completely flipped the script this season. No longer being referred to as a “bust, ” Darnold has quickly established himself as one of the league’s more efficient and reliable signal callers. In week 14, Darnold delivered a jaw-dropping performance, completing 22 out of his 28 passes for a career-high 347 yards and five passing touchdowns. The journeyman quarterback faced consistent pressure, getting sacked 4 times, but didn’t turn the ball over a single time, showing poise and accuracy under duress. This marks Darnold’s 4th consecutive game with multiple touchdown passes and zero interceptions. He’s posted a passer rating of over 100 in 11 of 13 starts, showcasing a safe floor in addition to his upside. It looks pretty likely that Darnold’s consistency will be here to stay for the rest of the season as he faces the Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers. His impressive production also boosts pass catchers in the Vikings offense, such as Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.
Tight end is historically the most volatile position in fantasy football, and it has been as tricky as ever this season to find consistent production from them. A reliable tight end will give teams a significant positional advantage in the fantasy playoffs. At such an unpredictable position, few tight ends have been as consistently productive as Raiders’ rookie tight end, Brock Bowers. Averaging 15.8 points per game in PPR leagues, Bowers has been an underrated star for fantasy owners. Despite playing in an underwhelming offense that caps his touchdown upside, the rookie still gets plenty of volume in the receiving game, having the second-most receptions in the entire league. Bowers has a convenient upcoming schedule for fantasy, as he faces the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New Orleans Saints. Fantasy pros highlighted the Falcons and Jaguars as favorable matchups where Bowers can shine.
It’s no secret that the San Francisco 49ers are star-studded, but this offense has taken a next-man-up approach in a season where many of these players have gone down with injuries. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings had already established himself as a sure-handed pass catcher, but with an increased role this season, he’s experiencing a breakout year for fantasy football. In week 14, during the Niners’ offensive explosion against the Bears, Jennings led the team in targets, catching seven passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns. He’s averaging a steady 15.5 points per game in PPR formats and remains a must-start player this upcoming week as the 49ers take on a Los Angeles Rams defense that has surrendered the 9th most passing yards per game. Beyond this week, Jennings will face the Dolphins and Lions in games that have the potential to be shootouts, giving this reliable receiver plenty of opportunities to showcase his upside.
In the playoffs, consistency is key, especially at a position as crucial as running back. Since week 10, few players have been more productive than Bengals running back Chase Brown. Ever since Zack Moss went down and Brown took over the backfield, he’s been a fantasy machine, averaging around 23 points per game through the last 5 weeks. Brown’s consistent involvement in the passing game gives him an extra boost in PPR leagues in addition to a stable floor if the Bengals are struggling to establish their run game. Brown will play the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Denver Broncos to wrap up the fantasy season. His midseason surge has already elevated him to the 12th highest-scoring running back in ESPN PPR leagues, and if this momentum continues throughout the playoffs, Brown could easily work his way into the top 10 at his position.
Speaking of consistency at the running back position, Arizona Cardinals’ ball carrier, James Conner, has provided steady production throughout the season. According to Pro Football Network, Conner has had 17 or more carries in 5 of his past seven games; he’s cleared over 100 yards in Arizona’s last two wins. As he gears up to play the New England Patriots in week 15, likely, the Cardinals might finally see themselves operating in a positive game script that maximizes Conner’s fantasy potential. The following week, the Cardinals will face a Carolina Panthers defense that struggles against the run. On fantasy championship weekend, Conner will get a divisional rematch against the Rams, who he rushed 122 yards and a touchdown against in week 2. In these pivotal weeks, one of game’s most consistent running backs will have plenty of opportunities to shine for fantasy teams.
As you know, the fantasy playoffs are about finding those hidden gems who can deliver when it counts. These players may not be the typical household names, but they’re ready to step up and guide your fantasy team to glory. Keep an eye on them, make the right moves, and you may celebrate a championship victory come season’s end!
