4 must-have trade targets for playoff-bound fantasy teams

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Previously, we looked at four players to target via trade with excellent schedules from Weeks 10 to 13 that could help teams during their push for the playoffs. Some owners may have already secured a postseason berth, allowing them them to look past the end of the season and on to the playoffs.

Using RotoViz's Buy Low Machine, this article looks at four players these owners should be targeting in preparation for Weeks 14-16 of the NFL season, a stretch spanning the three-week playoff period in conventional fantasy leagues. Only players who can realistically be obtained via trade are listed:

RB Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers

A consistent RB2 with a high floor but a low ceiling, Stewart will receive a dramatic boost in the final three games of the season, propelling him into high-end RB1 territory. All three teams rank in the bottom 13 of the league in average fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and Stewart has the rare benefit of being a workhorse back when he's active.

Stewart has received just 15 red-zone carries on the season, but he has scored four touchdowns. His usage near the goal line has risen drastically since QB Cam Newton sustained a concussion earlier this year. Stewart rushed for just six touchdowns on 47 red-zone attempts all of last season. Both Washington and San Diego allow more than one TD per game to RBs.

What will it cost? Stewart's typically limited goal-line usage and lowered ceiling should make him available for a decent price. Interested parties will be buying him as an RB2, with the expectation of an RB1 performance. Taking a downgrade at receiver in a need-based swap is the best course of action, should you have the WR depth.

Swapping another running back such as Matt Forte or DeMarco Murray could be another route to take. They both have more touchdowns than Stewart, but they also have to share the field more often. Take the 'downgrade' at running back, while trying a slight upgrade at receiver.

RB Latavius Murray, Oakland Raiders

All three opponents rank in the bottom half of the league in fantasy points allowed to RBs, with San Diego and Indianapolis each ranking in the bottom 10. All three, are also exploitable through the air, making game flow difficult to project, but the Raiders should lean on a well-rested Murray. Murray has just 107 so far this season, after totaling 307 a year ago.

The difficulty here is with the timing of the trade deadline. Murray is coming off his best, and arguably the league's best, rushing performance of the season, boosting his perceived stock. He is a better option in leagues still a few weeks removed from their trade deadline. The Raiders have a Week 10 bye, followed by three difficult matchups against strong rush defenses.

What will it cost? Right now he'll cost quite a bit, as Murray's breakout game came sooner than expected. Interested owners will need to trade from their area of greatest depth, potentially offering a WR1 if they have other options at the position.

Owners who held on to Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell to begin the season and made due without him could flip him for a package of Murray and more. The Steelers' schedule for the fantasy playoffs is less than ideal, beginning with two road matchups in Buffalo and Cincinnati.

WR Torrey Smith, San Francisco 49ers

The Jets and Falcons each rank in the bottom half of the league in plays of 20-plus yards allowed. The Rams have allowed just 21 such plays, but they're tied for 16th-most passing touchdowns allowed this season. The Falcons' 23 is the most in the league and the Jets have allowed 16.

Smith has had just one big game, and really one big play, since QB Colin Kaepernick regained the starting job, but the potential for a breakout remains.

What will it cost? Likely nothing. Smith is still widely available on waiver wires in both standard and PPR formats. A simple swap of a depth RB for Smith could pay dividends, with Smith having three startable WR3/FLEX matchups when they'll matter most.

WR Willie Snead, New Orleans Saints

After a strong start to the season in which he scored touchdowns in each of the first two games and totaled 226 receiving yards, Snead has fallen to No. 3 - and sometimes No. 4 - in QB Drew Brees' pecking order. Snead has totaled just 249 yards in his previous five games, without scoring a touchdown.

He is behind both WRs Brandin Cooks and Michael Thomas and occasionally TE Coby Fleener, depending on matchup. Still, the Buccaneers are allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. The Saints will also be forced to play from behind during a Week 15 game in Arizona, leading to an inflated stat line from all Saints' receivers.

What will it cost? Even during his struggles, Snead has been producing at adequate WR3/FLEX levels. This schedule holds WR2 upside, with the potential for multiple Saints receivers performing as such in Week 16 (also known as "Fantasy Title Week"). With running backs typically being considered more valuable, Snead could likely be had for the price of an RB3.