The fantasy playoffs are almost here, and this week could be make or break for your chances. Here are some last-minute additions that could make the difference on the edges, whether it be a clutch kicker or defense getting you some extra points, or a backup who might shine this week.
10. Washington Commanders D/ST
Nov 16, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) reacts after a play against the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter during the 2025 NFL Madrid Game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Commanders have not been good this year, and their defense isn’t good. However, they are playing against the Vikings, which could be a recipe for some defensive points. The Vikings simply don’t have a quarterback, and they have scored just 6 points in their last two games. I’m not saying the Commanders are the ’85 Bears, but they could very easily shut down UDFA Max Brosmer and come away with an above-average score for a defense. If you don’t love your current defense’s matchup, this could be a good choice.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST
Sep 21, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) is congratulated by outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) after he forces a fumble against the Tampa Bay Buccaneer against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
A foolproof defense strategy I’ve been using the past few weeks: Who’s playing the Saints? They’re another team with a terrible QB situation, and they’re almost guaranteed to make some mistakes. Last week, the Dolphins netted me an INT and FR for 13 points, and I’d expect the Bucs to deliver something similar. Again, to pick up a few points on the edge, the Bucs could be your ticket to the playoffs.
8. Minnesota Vikings D/ST
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) looks on before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
I know I’m technically taking both sides of this matchup, but I can’t resist betting against bad QBs. Brian Flores is an excellent coach, and despite the Vikings’ struggles, I like his chances to disrupt Marcus Mariota, create sacks and turnovers, and thus score fantasy points. Other people might have given up on the Vikings and sent them to the waiver wire, and they could net you the few extra points you need to push you over the edge.
7. WR Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers
Nov 27, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) catches a pass against Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
It’s always hard to predict which Packers receiver will go off in a given week. But we do know that it’s Toyotathon, and so Jordan Love is rolling. Taking a flier on Watson to be the guy would have paid off last week when he scored 18.3 points. It could pay off again sometime in the next few weeks.
6. RB Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears
Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
If Kyle Monangai’s still on your waiver wire like he was in my league, snap him up NOW. He’s coming off a 19-point game, and the Bears are running the ball at the best clip in the league. Especially as the weather gets colder, they will lean on him even more. Monangai could be the guy who makes the difference for you in your fantasy playoffs.
5. K Matt Prater, Buffalo Bills
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills placekicker Matt Prater (15) kicks a field goal to win the game during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Another team that’s been up and down, but has a nice, easy matchup against the Bengals’ defense. Joe Burrow may be red hot, and the Bills will have to keep up. But McDermott may still be a bit conservative and take some long kicks. Even if the Bills do stack touchdowns, each score a point for Prater as well. Could he be the guy to kick you into the playoffs this year?
4. K Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks
Nov 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) misses a field goal in the final second of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Seahawks have been rolling lately, and the Falcons probably won’t put up too much resistance. But even if they do, that benefits Myers. Darnold should be able to at least move the ball, and the stellar Seahawks defense should give them plenty of opportunities. Myers scored 19 points last week, and while that’s obviously an outlier, he could certainly hit double digits again this week and even in the playoffs.
3. K Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans
Aug 1, 2024; Canton, Ohio, USA; Houston Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (15) kicks the point after try on a hold by punter Tommy Townsend (6) during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
The Texans are red hot on a 4-game win streak, and CJ Stroud is finally back. Their defense has looked incredible and will give them tons of bites at the apple. Obviously, the Chiefs are not an easy opponent, but their defense hasn’t looked as great recently. They’ve had trouble getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and CJ can cook if he’s kept upright. Fairbairn could be a great choice to get double-digit points as a kicker. The Texans also have a lot of easy teams coming up on their schedule, so he could easily be a great playoff kicker as well.
2. Eagles D/ST
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) reacts in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Eagles are on a losing streak, and they’ve gotta be pissed off. This week, they will likely face Trey Lance behind a banged-up Chargers O-Line. It’s an important game for both teams, and in these high-leverage situations, it’s still hard to be confident in the Chargers. I like the Eagles to rack up sacks and turnovers this Sunday. If they’re available in your league as they are in mine, I would grab them up!
1. TE Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
Nov 9, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) runs during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images
Dalton Kincaid is back from injury, and the Bills need him desperately. He’s a security blanket for Josh Allen, especially with the underperformance of Keon Coleman. Josh will lean on him, and if your league dropped him to waivers, grab him right away. I like him to score a touchdown this week and in future weeks, and he could help your team get into the playoffs and beyond.
