Fantasy Baseball Forecaster for Week 25: Playoffs Week 3, Sept. 15-21

As the MLB season approaches its conclusion, fantasy baseball enthusiasts are gearing up for the critical Week 25, which spans from September 15 to September 21, 2025. This week marks the first of two weeks dedicated to championship matchups in ESPN standard head-to-head leagues, making it a pivotal moment for fantasy players aiming for league titles.

Championship Matchups and Game Count

Week 25 is particularly busy, featuring a total of 96 games with 12 teams scheduled to play seven times. This contrasts with Week 26, where all 30 teams will participate in just 90 games, each playing six. Consequently, Week 25 presents an opportunity for fantasy managers to establish a significant lead in their matchups, especially since many MLB teams may rest their star players in the final week of the regular season.

Playoff Picture

Several teams have already secured their spots in the postseason. The Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies have clinched their entries into October’s playoffs. As the week progresses, more teams are expected to confirm their playoff positions, home-field advantages, and specific seeds. Notably, the Phillies could clinch the National League East title as early as Monday, while the Detroit Tigers are in a strong position to secure the American League Central title, alongside the Brewers potentially locking down the National League Central.

The significance of these clinching scenarios cannot be overstated, as teams often opt to rest their regulars after securing their playoff spots, which can impact fantasy lineups.

Doubleheaders and Scheduling Details

The increase in games this week is partly due to doubleheaders. The Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals will face off in a Tuesday doubleheader at Nationals Park, compensating for a postponed game from May 21. Similarly, the Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins are scheduled for a Saturday doubleheader at Target Field, making up for an earlier postponement from May 20. These doubleheaders contribute to the higher number of teams playing seven games this week.

Key Matchups to Watch

The AL West race is heating up, with the Houston Astros hosting the Texas Rangers, who are two games behind the Astros, for a three-game series from Monday to Wednesday. Following that, the Astros will face the Seattle Mariners, who currently lead the division by a single game, from Friday through Sunday.

In the National League, a significant series will unfold between the Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaders of the NL East and NL West respectively. This matchup, taking place at Dodger Stadium from Monday to Wednesday, could serve as a preview for a potential Division Series and will likely influence home-field advantage in the postseason.

Lineup Lock Times

For fantasy players, it’s crucial to be aware of lineup lock times as the MLB season approaches its end. Here are the key times for Week 25:

– **Monday, Sept. 15:** 96 games (First game at 6:40 PM ET)
– **Tuesday, Sept. 16:** 61 games (First game at 1:05 PM ET)
– **Wednesday, Sept. 17:** 51 games (First game at 12:35 PM ET)
– **Thursday, Sept. 18:** 10 games (First game at 1:10 PM ET)
– **Friday, Sept. 19:** 56 games (First game at 6:40 PM ET)
– **Saturday, Sept. 20:** 61 games (First game at 1:10 PM ET)
– **Sunday, Sept. 21:** 51 games (First game at 1:35 PM ET)

Teams with Most Games

The following teams are set to play the most games this week, offering fantasy players a chance to maximize their lineups:

– **Atlanta Braves:** 7 games
– **Los Angeles Dodgers:** 7 games
– **Cleveland Guardians:** 7 games
– **Minnesota Twins:** 7 games
– **Detroit Tigers:** 7 games
– **Toronto Blue Jays:** 7 games
– **Baltimore Orioles:** 7 games
– **Chicago Cubs:** 7 games
– **Chicago White Sox:** 6 games
– **New York Yankees:** 7 games
– **Washington Nationals:** 7 games
– **St. Louis Cardinals:** 6 games

Starting Pitchers to Consider

As fantasy managers finalize their lineups for the week, starting pitcher matchups are critical. Here are some notable pitchers and their scheduled starts:

1. **Michael King (SD)** – Tuesday vs. NYM and Sunday vs. CWS
2. **Carlos Rodon (NYY)** – Monday vs. MIN and Saturday vs. BAL
3. **Logan Gilbert (SEA)** – Tuesday vs. KC and Sunday vs. HOU
4. **Freddy Peralta (MIL)** – Tuesday vs. LAA and Sunday vs. STL
5. **Emmet Sheehan (LAD)** – Monday vs. PHI and Sunday vs. SF

These pitchers could play crucial roles in determining the outcomes of fantasy matchups.

Conclusion

As Week 25 unfolds, fantasy baseball managers must stay vigilant, making strategic decisions based on player matchups, potential rest days following playoff clinches, and maximizing their lineups with players from teams playing the most games. The stakes are high, and every decision could be the difference between victory and defeat in the chase for a fantasy championship.

Key Facts

– **Week 25 Dates:** September 15-21, 2025
– **Total Games:** 96
– **Teams Playing 7 Games:** 12 teams including Braves, Dodgers, and Blue Jays
– **Clinched Playoff Teams:** Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies
– **Notable Matchups:** Phillies vs. Dodgers; Astros vs. Rangers and Mariners
– **Important Lineup Lock Times:** Varies by day, starting as early as 1:05 PM ET on Tuesday.

Source: www.espn.com