It’s around that time where people are looking to make deals to try and make one last playoff push.

With just a handful of games remaining (and possibly a trade deadline looming), it’s important to understand two basic unwritten rules on how get that much-needed talent.

For starters, quantity does not rule over quality. Someone recently tried to acquire Peyton Manning and Travis Henry from me in exchange for Philip Rivers, Anquan Boldin and Julius Jones. Three average players for two studs. I rejected the trade and he criticized me for it. But last time I checked, he was in eighth place in the standings — and I’m in second.

Speaking of second, if you’re the one inquiring for help, understand that you need to give up talent in order to get talent. If you don’t want your scraps, what makes you think someone else will? While you’re looking to bolster your lineup, have some etiquette and help out your fellow negotiator, too. Look at where they could use some help. And if it’s possible for you to help out, maybe the deal will work for both parties.

<p>STONE-COLD LOCK: Priest Holmes vs. Broncos. All day long. It would be too much to ask for Holmes to return to his 150-yard, three-touchdown form. But with Larry Johnson out, and facing a Broncos defense that’s yielded an average of 126 yards in its last four games, I can’t see why he can’t go for at least 90 yards and one score.

Start ’em

» QB: Marc Bulger, Rams

» RB: DeShaun Foster, Panthers

» WR: Deion Branch, Seahawks

» TE: Vernon Davis, 49ers

» K: Phil Dawson, Browns

Sit ’em

» QB: Brian Griese, Bears

» RB: Julius Jones, Cowboys

» WR: Roddy White, Falcons

» TE: Bo Scaife, Titans

» K: Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders

Pick ’em up

» RB: Justin Fargas, Raiders

» WR: Sidney Rice, Vikings

» WR: David Patten, Saints

» WR: Chris Henry, Bengals

» Defense: Chiefs

Cut ’em

» QB: Daunte Culpepper, Raiders

» QB: Steve McNair, Ravens

» WR: Bobby Wade, Vikings

» WR: Mark Clayton, Ravens

» WR: Brandon Jones, Titans

cnavalta@examiner.com

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