Fantasy football: Deal for stars with easing schedules

Looking to score some solid buy-low candidates in trades?

The following players have faced tough schedules so far, but their slates are about to get much softer.

You might be able to score a great deal by taking advantage of panicky owner.

And if you own any of these players, now is not the time to cut bait.

Felix Jones, RB, Dallas
No team has faced the murderers’ row of run defenses that Dallas has – Chicago, Tennessee, Minnesota, the Giants. Yikes!

But with the exception of a Week 10 rematch against Big Blue, the Cowboys don’t face another run defense ranked in the top 15. Jones is averaging 18 touches over his past three games.

Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets
In his first two contests since returning from a four-game suspension, Holmes has had a modest seven catches for 88 yards. Those two games, however, came against the Vikings (13th vs. the pass) and the Broncos (10th).

When looking at opposing pass defenses, no team has an easier schedule through Week 14 – the end of the fantasy regular season in many leagues – than the Jets. After Sunday’s game against the Packers, Gang Green faces five straight foes with pass defenses ranked 19th or worse.

Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets
The Jets’ second-year quarterback, too, should benefit from a favorable schedule.

Sanchez might be an attractive target for owners who just lost Dallas quarterback Tony Romo to a fractured clavicle or are facing an uncertain future with Minnesota’s Brett Favre.

Deion Branch, WR, New England
In their last four games, the Patriots have played against three top-10 pass defenses – not that Branch, who was acquired in a trade earlier this month was around for them all.

Looking ahead, New England will meet Cleveland in Week 9 (26th vs. pass), Pittsburgh in Week 10 (24th), Detroit in Week 12 (20th) and the Jets in Week 13 (22nd). Branch has been Tom Brady’s favorite target since the trade.

Ryan Chatelain (ryan.chatelain@am-ny.com) is amNY’s fantasy football columnist

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START/SIT FOR WEEK 8

Jon Kitna, QB, Dallas (vs. Jacksonville): The Jaguars are 27th vs. the pass and have allowed a league-high 16 touchdown passes.

Ryan Torain, RB, Washington (vs. Detroit): The Lions have allowed four 100-yard rushers in six games.

Pierre Garcon, WR, Indianapolis (vs. Houston): The Texans have been making opposing quarterbacks and receivers look like Hall of Famers all season.

SIT

Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City (vs. Buffalo): Cassel has played well in recent favorable matchups, but the Bills are ninth against the pass.

Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati (vs. Miami): The Dolphins have not allowed 80 yards to a running back since Week 2.

Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee (vs. San Diego): The Chargers have the NFL’s top pass defense, and Vince Young, expected to play, doesn’t usually throw for big yardage.