TRADE deadlines for most fantasy leagues are approaching. If you're making a trade look into Week 14 to Week 16. The three-week span when most leagues hold their playoffs is a ripe time to pick off a potential serviceable player or two.

The guys that jump to mind are Minnesota and Arizona players.The Vikings have three favorable matchups in the span.With Adrian Peterson presumably off the trade market, wide receiver Bernard Berrian and backup running back Chester Taylor are guys to consider before your league's deadline passes.

Don't sell a starter for either, but if, say, Peterson goes down you will be ready to reap the benefits.

If Peterson is out, who wouldn't want to start Taylor at home vs. Detroit in Week 14, at Arizona in Week 15 and at home vs. Atlanta in Week 16?

The Cardinals play at home vs. St. Louis in Week 14, followed by Minnesota at home and play on the road against a fading New England squad in Week 16.

Now may be the time to make a move for injured wide receiver Anquan Boldin. His stock has never been lower with the emergence of Steve Breaston.The Cardinals have a bye in Week 7, but Boldin, who had five touchdowns before getting hurt, is expected back next week.

Other guys to consider are wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and backup running back Tim Hightower. If you own Kurt Warner, think about handcuffing him with backup Matt Leinart for your own peace of mind.

Other teams have truly favorable matchups, too. San Diego has Oakland at home in Week 14 and play at Kansas City in Week 15, while Miami has two easy matchups.At this point, though, the only Dolphins worth trading for are running back Ronnie Brown and tight end Anthony Fasano.

The Dolphins travel to Kansas City in Week 16 and have San Francisco at home in Week 15.

The real trade deadline

The Chiefs' Tony Gonzalez didn't get traded at the NFL's Tuesday 4 p.m. deadline. But Lions wide receiver Roy Williams became an instant curiosity with his trade to Dallas.

With the NFL's leading touchdown tosser Tony Romo out until, probably, Week 11, 40-year-old backup and former pro-bowler Brad Johnson takes over the saddles of the Cowboys' offense.

Johnson is simply a quick fix for a few weeks, but worthy of a pickup and a start if you need a quarterback.He will have Williams, Terrell Owens, Jason Whitten and Patrick Crayton on the outside. Plus, running back Marion Barber for any dump off or screen passes. Rookie running back Felix Jones, though, is out with a hamstring injury.

However, Johnson could best utilized as a No. 3 quarterback on a roster. Why not make another owner angry by snagging him.

The unusual suspects

After Tom Brady dropped in Week 1 and Peyton Manning's slow start, quarterback play in most fantasy leagues is a case of the unusual suspects. After down years, Philip Rivers and Warner bounced back to become reliable fantasy options.

Jay Cutler proved he is the real deal, mainly, by averaging 38 passing attempts per game.

Before Romo's injury, Drew Brees and him were the only No. 1 quarterbacks maintaining their worth.

If you picked up or drafted Aaron Rodgers or started Brett Favre during his six-touchdown week, you should understand the weirdness.

Carson Palmer dropped faster than Chad Johnson's jersey sales, and Ben Roethlisberger put up one good game so far.

At this point, Gus Frerotte and David Garrard are looking like solid options.

What in the name of Bubby Brister is going on?

Catch them if you can...

Jamaal Charles, Chiefs running back: Larry Johnson is in trouble with the law, again. With a potential suspension on the horizon, a 20-carry back down the line for a playoff push may be too hard to pass up.

Dominic Rhodes, Colts running back: Chances are he is already gone, but Joseph Addai's hamstring injury may or may not prevent him from playing in Week 7. Is it just me or is Addai now officially a first-round bust?

The fallen

Matt Cassel, Patriots quarterback: Were you ever sold on him to begin with? Since Week 1, Randy Moss and Wes Welker owners don't know what to do. At best, he is a low-end No. 2 quarterback.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals wide receiver: With each passing week, Ryan Fitzpatrick looks less and less like the real deal. If you drafted him, there is still hope only because he's in a walk year. Otherwise, his two-touchdown game against Dallas in Week 5 could be as good as it gets.

Four and out

1. Consider the Jets defense for the next two weeks. 2. Running back Matt Forte is a No. 1 back. 3. Wide receiver Roddy White is a must start in Week 8. 4. Keep an eye on Tampa Bay's backfield. Earnest Graham played a lot of fullback and Warrick Dunn ate up his carries as the primary guy last week.