We’re at that point in the season where you’re really shooting for the playoffs. Most owners are either comfortably ahead or fighting for a playoff spot. And then some of you will need a huge push just to be able to fight for the playoffs.

Usually, I try to put together a trade or two. Once you get past the bye weeks, you shouldn’t have to depend on your bench as much. So you can offer two guys from your bench for one player that would start for you. Or offer a starter and a bench player and try to snag a star that hasn’t played as well but you think will end the season with a bang.

Some guys just haven’t performed compared to where they were drafted like Shonn Greene, Miles Austin, Larry Fitzgerald and Marques Colston. And then you have guys that have been hurt like Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, Clinton Portis and Jonathan Stewart (especially now that DeAngelo Williams is done for the year). So if you think any of these guys would make a difference for your team down the stretch, see if their owners will drop them to add depth to their team. You could get a savior for your team or season but you could also be ruining your depth if any of your players get hurt. Depending on where you are in the standings, it may be worth the chance.

These trades can be hit or miss so make sure that you’re going after someone you really think will have a great end to the season. If you make a trade just to get someone with a big name and they get hurt or suck down the stretch, you’re going to regret it.

With that in mind, there are still some guys on the waiver wire that may be able to help you in the short or long term. Let’s get to them.

Troy Smith (QB, 49ers) – He’s played well since taking over as starter and it looks like he’s going to keep the job. He only has one tough matchup in the next three games and then his last four games are against soft defenses so he could be used for a spot-start now and then.

Jason Campbell (QB, Raiders) – The Raiders are actually putting up some points and Campbell has been a big part of that. But you never know with the Raiders. If Campbell has a bad game, they could just go with someone else. Campbell gets the Steelers this week and they should be angry after getting torn up by Tom Brady. And Campbell is no Tom Brady but he does face some weak defenses after this week.

Keiland Williams (RB, Redskins) – Williams is coming off a game in which he had 139 total yards and 3 touchdowns. Granted, this was after the Redskins got down by 1000 points. Ok, it wasn’t 1000 but it was still a lot. Clinton Portis is still out and Ryan Torain is seeing a specialist about his hamstrings so Williams could see a lot of action again this week.

Chester Taylor (RB, Bears) – The Bears are working him in more and more and Taylor has had double-digit carries the last two weeks. I wouldn’t consider him a savior for your team but he does play the Lions this week if you’re hurting for a flex spot.

Vincent Jackson (WR, Chargers) – I’ve talked about Vincent Jackson before and everyone knows how well he can play. I’m only mentioning him again because I was just able to go out and pick him up in two of my leagues. So I got him for nothing and if he finishes the season playing anywhere near where he’s capable, I just found a major steal.

Mike Thomas (WR, Jaguars) – I’ve also mentioned Thomas before and he’s still available in a lot of leagues. You’ve seen his game-winning catch from last week and Mike Sims-Walker got a little banged up. Both guys are decent starts, especially against the Browns this week but if Thomas is the more healthy receiver, I’d expect him to produce more.

Danny Amendola (WR, Rams) – Amendola was mentioned much earlier in the season and he’s now scored in three straight games. Sam Bradford is proving that he can throw in this league and likes to look for Amendola in the red zone. It doesn’t hurt that the Rams’ next few opponents give up a lot of points to receivers.

Rob Gronkowski (TE, Patriots) – He just scored three touchdowns last week so there are going to be people jumping on him. He plays for the Pats and you never know who’s going to score there. Also, Aaron Hernandez had outperformed him but didn’t play for some reason (which really hurt me in one league). So if you’re desperate and are feeling lucky, maybe roll the dice on him for one more week.

Fred Jackson (RB, Bills) – The Bills started the season with three running backs. Then Marshawn Lynch was traded away and now C. J. Spiller is hurt. As long as Spiller is out, Jackson is going to get all the carries. Someone probably owns him already but if he’s out there, he’s definitely worth a look.

A couple other guys that have been mentioned before but still available are Shaun Hill (QB, Lions) and Brandon Pettigrew (TE, Lions). The Lions have several offensive weapons and Hill puts up numbers. He also looks for Pettigrew much more than the other Lions quarterbacks. Matt Cassel (QB, Chiefs) and Jon Kitna (QB, Cowboys) are also putting up nice numbers and can be used for their good matchups as the season goes on.

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