It's common knowledge that a team with home field advantage locked will sit their star players a lot in the last few weeks. After all, why should they risk losing their best player if they don't have to. This is very hard to predict, but if you can pull a trade for that involves two players with similar talent levels, but one player is on a team fighting for playoffs then go ahead and make the trade. An example might be Ricky Williams for Eddie George. The Saints are playing well and have a shot at making the playoffs, whereas the Titans are almost a lock for the playoffs with home field advantage.
Many people are surprised when their star gets benched for the second half.
Here's you chance to one up them. Baltimore, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Cleveland all have byes during weeks 14-17. This can mean big trouble if you're in the playoffs. If your starters include Donovan McNabb, Jamal Lewis, Jamal Anderson, Terrance Mathis, Shannon Sharpe, and Matt Stover then you in very big twouble. That team sucks, so hopefully you won't have to worry about the playoffs.