Fantasy Football and the NFL Schedule
So, like, we’ve chatted a bunch on our Fantasy Football Today podcast about how the NFL schedule totally impacts our fantasy teams. Some of my buddies don’t really see the big deal, thinking defenses change all the time and whatnot. Like, a defense that rocks in Week 1 might totally flop by Week 4, you know? Or a new defense might pop up in Week 8 and crush it for the rest of the season. But my take is, if matchups mean anything in Fantasy (which, duh, they totally do), then the schedule is a big deal because it sets up those matchups. I’m not saying you should base your entire draft strategy on the schedule, but wouldn’t you rather pick players on a team that goes up against the Colts, Jaguars, and Titans defenses twice each than, let’s say, the Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs twice each? It just makes sense, right?
Bye Weeks and Fantasy Strategy
When I draft my fantasy team, I always keep an eye on when my players have their bye weeks. I won’t let bye weeks stop me from snagging a great player, but it might come into play if I’m torn between two players who are pretty similar. Like, if I’m debating between Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Ladd McConkey, and I already have Brian Thomas Jr. on my squad, I might use their bye weeks as a tiebreaker. Plus, this year the NFL has this crazy “byenado” week where six teams are on bye at once. If you load up on players with a Week 8 bye, you’re just asking for a headache before Halloween. Rule number five of Fantasy Football: avoid drafting headaches. Also, the NFL decided to have four teams on bye in Week 14, which lines up with most fantasy playoffs. If your league hasn’t adjusted to start playoffs in Week 14, then tell your commish to get with the program. And if they have adjusted, well, get ready for some fun navigating that Week 14 lineup.
The Fantasy Playoffs and Team Schedules
I get it, you’re really here to find out who has the best and worst schedules for the final stretch of the fantasy season, right? Generally, Week 15 through 17 is where things get real interesting. Now, I’m not a huge fan of relying on late-season schedules because what looks good in May might be a total bust come December. But hey, if late-season matchups are your jam, then let’s dive in. The 49ers are looking at facing the Titans, Colts, and Bears in the final weeks after a Week 14 bye. The Bills have a tough stretch with games against the Patriots, Browns, and Eagles. And don’t forget about the Buccaneers, who wrap up the season against the Falcons, Panthers, and Dolphins. It’s gonna be a wild ride, folks!
So, like, when it comes to Fantasy Football and navigating the NFL schedule, there’s a lot to consider. From bye weeks to tough road stretches to the fantasy playoffs, every detail matters. Whether you’re using the schedule as a tiebreaker or just looking for some extra insight, paying attention to these factors can make a real difference in your fantasy season. And hey, if you’re not really sure why any of this matters, well, maybe it’s just me, but I feel like a little extra knowledge never hurt anyone. Just saying.
