Fantasy Football Strategy, Midseason Report: How To Get to the Playoffs and Win

Is there a Jerome Harrison-type impact player waiting to win leagues for fantasy owners in 2011?

What teams have the easiest schedules during the final weeks of the fantasy football regular season? 

Which teams have the easiest schedules during the fantasy football playoffs? 

Should you stick to your guns, or make a deal for the second half? 

Which players should you target, which players should you deal? 

It's important to know which teams are facing buzz-saw schedules in the final 8 weeks, and which teams will have a fantasy feast at the expense of the trash-bag teams of the NFL.  So while the finer points of management depend on your league set-ups and prize system, the broad-strokes are covered here for your benefit.

Detroit Lions

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - AUGUST 22: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws to a reciever against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter of their NFL game in Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 22, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Gett

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 9 out of 10 (NYJ, @BUF, @DAL, NE, CHI)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 7 out of 10 (GB, @TB, @MIA)

Composite Ease: 8 out of 10

Trade Target: Jahvid Best

Waiver Wire Guys: Matthew Stafford, Nate Burleson, Brandon Pettigrew, Kevin Smith

NOTE: Best's value is slumping now.  Take advantage.  Either one of these waiver wire options could provide help at their positions if they are still available.

Kansas City Chiefs

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after passing to Dwayne Bowe #82 for a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 24, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Miss

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 9 out of 10 (@OAK, @DEN, ARI, @SEA, DEN)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 6 out of 10 (@SD, @STL, TEN)

Composite Ease: 7.5 out of 10

Trade Target: Jamaal Charles

Waiver Wire Guys: Matt Cassel, Chris Chambers, Dexter Mccluster

NOTE: If your fantasy squad is on the verge of the playoffs, acquiring a couple Chiefs could definitely get you there.  Cream-puff city.  Chris Chambers makes for a sneaky little pickup these next two weeks especially while Dexter McCluster deals with an ankle issue.  Chambers could get some serious run as Dwayne Bowe will be locked up with Nnamdi Asomugha and Champ Bailey in successive weeks.

Tennessee Titans

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 10: Wide receiver Kenny Britt #18 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans won 34-27. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 8 out of 10 (BYE, @MIA, WAS, @HOU, JAX)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 9 out of 10 (IND, HOU, @KC)

Composite Ease: 8.5 out of 10 (Week 9 bye = downgrade)

Trade Targets: Kenny Britt, Chris Johnson

Waiver Wire Guys: Vince Young, Javon Ringer, Nate Washington

NOTE: Go after Kenny Britt and Chris Johnson with reckless abandon.  Owners may think Britt's value has spiked and could be looking to sell high.  If you find an owner who has soured on CJ2K for not completely living up to his No. 1 draft pick status yet, pounce.  If you have a roster spot, Javon Ringer isn't a bad stash.  Shy away from Nate Washington, unless Britt misses significant time, he's too hit or miss to rely on as a WR2.  Vince Young may emerge late as a platoon option vs. this slate of weak opponents.

San Diego Chargers

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 27: Philip Rivers #17 hands the ball off to Ryan Matthews #24 of the San Diego Chargers during their preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on August 27, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ch

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 10 out of 10 (@HOU, BYE, DEN, @IND, OAK)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 5 out of 10 (GB, @TB, @MIA)

Composite Ease: 7.5 out of 10 (downgraded for bye)

Trade Target: Ryan Mathews

Waiver Wire Guys: Vincent Jackson

NOTE: Take advantage of Ryan Mathews owners who are tired of the hype not matching up to the production.  PPR leagues especially should look to trade for this soon to emerge back.  Vincent isn't on many waiver wires these days, but snag him if you can, a player of his caliber can provide a boost vs. any opposition if he is on his game.  Try a small trade for him as well if you have the playoffs locked up.

Miami Dolphins

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - AUGUST 27: Running back Ronnie Brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins rushes against the Atlanta Falcons during pre season action at Sun Life Stadium on August 27, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 6 out of 10 (@BAL, TEN, CHI, @OAK, CLE)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 8 out of 10 (@NYJ, BUF, DET)

Composite Ease: 7 out of 10

Trade Targets: Ronnie Brown, Brandon Marshall

Waiver Wire Guys: N/A

NOTE: Brandon Marshall should go bananas in two or three of these last five regular season matchups.  Go get him.  Ronnie Brown will find more room to run after the Dolphins game vs. Tennessee.  Look to see if you can pry one from an unaware owner, especially if your team may qualify for a first-round bye. 

Arizona Cardinals

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - OCTOBER 24: Running back Beanie Wells #26 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on October 24, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 5 out of 10 (@MIN, SEA, @KC, SF, STL)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 8 out of 10 (DEN, @CAR, DAL)

Composite Ease: 6.5 out of 10

Trade Target: Chris Wells

Waiver Wire Guys: Steve Breaston, Tim Hightower

NOTE: This play isn't for the faint of heart.  Trading for Beanie Wells requires a leap of faith, his hype has always outpaced production.  Breaston may or may not be available on the wire, if he is, snag him up if you need help at WR.  With increased playing time comes increased risk of injury for Wells, and a full time Tim Hightower would be a useful lineup addition in many formats.

Chicago Bears

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - OCTOBER 17: Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears participates in warm-ups before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field on October 17, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Seahawks defeated the Bears 23-20. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/G

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 7 out of 10 (@BUF, MIN, @MIA, PHI, @DET)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 6 out of 10 (NE, @MIN, @NYJ)

Composite Ease: 6.5 out of 10

Trade Target: Johnny Knox, Jay Cutler

Waiver Wire Guys: N/A

NOTE: Knox is the number one receiver in the NFL in yards per catch, good fantasy teams looking for a WR3 with upside would do well to add him.  Chicago could come back after their bye with some of their protection issues worked out, and if this is the case Cutler and Knox should connect more often.  As for Cutler, if you are weak at QB there won't be a better time to take a shot on the enigmatic signal caller coming back to life.  When he is hot, he can win you weeks.  Make him earn the start though.

Cleveland Browns

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - OCTOBER 10: Running back Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns scores a touchdown in front of outside tackle Kroy Biermann #71 of the Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland Browns Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sull

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 7 out of 10 (NE, NYJ, @JAX, @ARI, @MIA)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 6 out of 10 (@BUF, @CIN, BAL)

Composite Ease: 6.5 out of 10

Trade Target: Peyton Hillis

Waiver Wire Guys: Mohamed Massaquoi

NOTE: Cleveland's running game is a good bet to have big days in three of the five remaining matchups in the regular season as well as week one of the playoffs.  Get Massaquoi in case teams start stacking the box.  Grab the battering ram should his owner have any doubts at all about his value.

Dallas Cowboys

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 10: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs at Cowboys Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 8 out of 10 (@GB, @NYG, DET, NO, @IND)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 5 out of 10 (PHI, WAS, @ARI)

Composite Ease: 6.5 out of 10

Trade Target: Dez Bryant, Felix Jones

Waiver Wire Guys: Jon Kitna, Tashard Choice

NOTE: For the next five games, the Cowboys have as good a schedule as anyone.  If you find your team falling out of the race, trade for some Cowboys.  These skill players could be a nice lottery ticket to have.  The Cowboys are gonna work the ball to Dez as their team starts to focus on next season.  Since Felix Jones usually gets hurt when his carries increase, Choice may be worth a stash. 

Denver Broncos

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 10: Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos passes against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Players wore pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Ravens defeated the

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 4 out of 10 (BYE, KC, @SD, STL, @KC)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 9 out of 10 (@ARI, @OAK, HOU)

Composite Ease: 6.5 out of 10

Trade Target: Kyle Orton, Eddie Royal, Brandon Lloyd

Waiver Wire Guys: Demaryius Thomas

NOTE: If your team looks playoff-bound, start looking to add some Donkeys.  Knowshon Moreno could be added to this group.  He has more upside than anybody else, so target away if the hamstring issues don't scare you.  If you have the playoffs locked up, just look at those creampuff matchups, grab whatever position you may be lacking from unsuspecting owners, or owners scrambling to make the playoffs.

Indianapolis Colts

Brad White/Getty Images

TORONTO, CANADA - AUGUST 19: Jacob Tamme #84 and Anthony Gonzalez #11 of the Indianapolis Colts shake hands during a break in game action against the Buffalo Bills on August 19, 2010 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Brad White/G

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 5 out of 10 (@PHI, CIN, @NE, SD, DAL)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 8 out of 10 (@TEN, JAX, @OAK)

Composite Ease: 6.5 out of 10

Trade Target: Pierre Garcon

Waiver Wire Guys: Jacob Tamme, Anthony Gonzalez

NOTE: This year fantasy owners won't have to worry about mass fantasy benchings for the Colts best fantasy players late in the season.  Fire at will at Garcon, Tamme and A-Gonz as their value is soon to climb higher.

New England Patriots

Harry How/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 24: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots passes in the pocket against the San Diego Chargers during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on October 24, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 6 out of 10 (@CLE, @PIT, IND, @DET, NYJ)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 7 out of 10 (@ARI, @OAK, HOU)

Composite Ease: 6.5 out of 10

Trade Target: Tom Brady, Daniel Woodhead, BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Waiver Wire Guys: Aaron Hernandez

NOTE: This isn't the high-flying New England Patriots of old, but Tom Brady may wind up being the best fantasy football playoff quarterback this year.  Weeks 11-16 read like a dream to fantasy owners.  Fire at will so long as you can find alternatives for Week 10 at Pitt.

New Orleans Saints

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints leaves the field after being injured during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Ge

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 7 out of 10 (@CAR, BYE, SEA, @DAL, @CIN)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 6 out of 10 (STL, @BAL, @ATL)

Composite Ease: 6.5 out of 10

Trade Target: Reggie Bush

Waiver Wire Guys: N/A

NOTE: The Saints ain't the same without Reggie.  Grab him from an angry owner, and target specifically owners that need help now.  Reggie likely isn't playing until Week 11, so if you can afford to roster him, go get him.  He could be an elite RB down the stretch in PPR leagues.

New York Jets

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 18: New York Jets fan 'Fireman' Ed Anzalone tries to fire up the crowd during the Jets game against the Miami Dolphins on September 18, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Dolphins

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 8 out of 10 (@DET, @CLE, HOU, CIN, @NE)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 5 out of 10 (MIA, @PIT, @CHI)

Composite Ease: 6.5 out of 10

Trade Target: Shonn Greene, Dustin Keller, Santonio Holmes

Waiver Wire Guys: Mark Sanchez

NOTE: Fireman Ed's fantasy team is due for some monster games.  It's cupcake city for the Jets coming down the stretch of the regular season.  Hate to see that game at Pitt in Week 2 of the fantasy playoffs, though.  Target a forgotten about Shonn Greene if you can afford to hold a lottery ticket as L.T. may run out of gas late in the year.  He could also be rested more to stay fresh for the playoffs (real life playoffs that is).  Shootouts could be the norm for this team so look to aquire any undervalued option in the passing game.  Holmes may be the best buy.

San Francisco 49ers

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers against Dunta Robinson #23 of the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 7 out of 10 (BYE, STL, TB, @ARI, @GB)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 6 out of 10 (SEA, @SD, @STL)

Composite Ease: 6.5 out of 10

Trade Target: Michael Crabtree

Waiver Wire Guys: Josh Morgan

NOTE: Any change is good change when players are underachieving by so much.  Maybe Troy Smith will be a blessing.  Taking a flyer on Crabtree won't cost anything at all, and could be the spark you need at WR3 or flex to push your team into the playoffs.

Neutral Nellies

Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

BERN, SWITZERLAND - NOVEMBER 12: A Swiss football fan waves his flag during The Football World Cup Qualification play-off match between Switzerland and Turkey at Stad De Suisse on November 12, 2005 in Bern, Switzerland. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty

These nine teams are right in the middle of the league in terms of SOS down the stretch:

Atlanta Falcons - TB, BAL, @STL, GB, @TB, @CAR, @SEA, NO

Cincinnati Bengals - PIT, @IND, BUF, @NYJ, NO, @PIT, CLE, SD

St. Louis Rams - BYE, @SF, ATL, @DEN, @ARI, @NO, KC, SF

Baltimore Ravens - MIA, @ATL, @CAR, TB, PIT, @HOU, NO, @CLE

Carolina Panthers - NO, @TB, BAL, @CLE, @SEA, ATL, ARI, @PIT

Green Bay Packers - DAL, BYE, @MIN, @ATL, SF, @DET, @NE, NYG

Minnesota Vikings - ARI, @CHI, GB, @WAS, BUF, NYG, CHI, @PHI

Oakland Raiders - KC, BYE, @PIT, MIA, @SD, @JAX, DEN, IND

Seattle Seahawks - NYG, @ARI, @NO, KC, CAR, @SF, ATL, @TB

NOTE: Pick and choose here with these schedule-neutral teams.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 10: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates what he thinks is a touchdown that was called back for a penalty in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Orc

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 3 out of 10 (BYE, HOU, CLE, @NYG, @TEN)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 7 out of 10 (SEA, @SD, @STL)

Composite Ease: 5 out of 10

Trade Chips: Maurice Jones-Drew

NOTE: Leading off with a bye week, the only soft-spot in the Jags schedule in the next five weeks is the Texans, if you can get fair value for MJD, do it.

Philadelphia Eagles

Al Bello/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 17: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Atlanta Falcons during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 17, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 6 out of 10 (IND, WAS, NYG, @CHI, HOU)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 4 out of 10 (@DAL, @NYG, MIN)

Composite Ease: 5 out of 10

Trade Chips: Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin

NOTE: The Eagles may help you get to the playoffs, but once you get into the playoffs they will provide little help.  Deal away the Eagles aerial attack at fair value while you can.  Away for two division games and home against what may be a desperate and talented Vikings defense isn't the finish you want.

Washington Redskins

Win McNamee/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 17: Ryan Torain #46 of the Washington Redskins heads up field for a long gain against the Indianapolis Colts at FedExField on October 17, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Colts won the game 27-24. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 2 out of 10 (BYE, PHI, @TEN, CIN, @NYG)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease:7 out of 10 (TB, @DAL, @JAX)

Composite Ease: 4.5 out of 10

Trade Chips: Ryan Torain, Santana Moss, Chris Cooley, Donovan McNabb

NOTE: Stay away from this team, trade all Redskins with aggression, they are going into murderer's row in Weeks 9 through 13.  With a manageable playoff schedule, Redskin players may be of use come playoff time, however.

Buffalo Bills

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 10: Chan Gailey, head coach of the Buffalo Bills talks to Ryan Fitzpatrick #24 during a timeout against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Jacksonville won 36-26. (

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 4 out of 10 (CHI, DET, @CIN, PIT, @MIN)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 4 out of 10 (CLE, @MIA, NE)

Composite Ease: 4 out of 10

Trade Chip: Lee Evans, Fred Jackson

NOTE: The high-powered Bills illusion will soon come to an end, don't get sucked in, deal what you can when you can (preferably after the DET matchup).

New York Football Giants

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants talks with Ahmad Bradshaw #44 against the Detroit Lions at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 5 out of 10 (@SEA, DAL, @PHI, JAX, WAS)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 3 out of 10 (@MIN, PHI, @GB)

Composite Ease: 4 out of 10

Trade Chips: Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs

NOTE: The Giant running game has some very tough matchups ahead, and the playoff matchups are very stingy all around.  Bradshaw's value will never be higher than it is right now.

Houston Texans

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houton Texans scrambles out of the pocket as he looks for a receiver agasint the Kasnas City Chiefs at Reliant Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Regular Season Schedule Ease: 2 out of 10 (SD, @JAX, @NYJ, TEN, PHI)

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Ease: 4 out of 10 (BAL, @TEN, @DEN)

Composite Ease: 3 out of 10

Trade Chips: Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub, Arian Foster

NOTE: If you can get fair value for any Texan, do it, their next seven games are all challenges.