Every NFL season is tumultuous, heaving unexpected plot twists at fans on a weekly basis. Predicting how Week 1 will play out in the middle of May can be difficult, never mind looking all the way to the fantasy playoffs. The 2025 season will present us with unexpected injuries, breakouts, and everything in between, but there is still an edge to be gained by attempting to identify teams with schedules to target during the defining weeks of the fantasy season.

To find this edge, I’ll look at the playoff schedules of each team and the personnel moves their opponents have made this offseason, along with how their defenses performed against the run last season from both a quality and quantity perspective. Weather could also play a factor in each team’s offensive game plan, potentially driving rushing volume up in the event of inclement weather.

The players we should consider upgrading are not limited to the running back position, as five of the teams listed in this article could realistically have a rushing quarterback leading their offense by the time the fantasy playoffs roll around. The featured teams are not listed in any particular order, with all of them offering league-winning upside if the cards play out right.