I’m going to have plenty for you guys in the coming weeks and months regarding the NFL schedule. I’ll be focused on finding tactics that can positively change your outlook and lead to big results in 2006.

And, as always, 4for4.com will be updating all it’s Schedule Analysis materials often in the preseason and each week in regular season.

As many of you know, I’m a big believer in exploiting the NFL schedule to cleverly time trades, artfully target waiver wire pickups and most importantly, optimize your roster for the playoffs.

Here are a few items to kick us off for the 2006 season…

BRONCOS
Over the last four weeks of the 2006 season the Broncos do not face a single team ranked among 4for4.com's Top-15 defensive units. Once again, you’ll want to have Denver running backs available for your final push.

VIKINGS
The Vikings offense could really struggle early in the year. The team opens the season against Washington, Carolina and the Bears. That might be the hardest 3-game window any offense will face this year. After three games with little fantasy production, owners with key Viking players may panic. If they do, it’s your chance to clean up and make some great value moves in the process.

COLTS
In this space in 2004, I identified the Colts as the team having the easiest pass defense schedule. I said, “Peyton Manning owners could really be loving life if this data holds up.” Well, Peyton Manning took full advantage and broke many of Dan Marino’s single-season records. Guess what? This season, the Colts again have the distinction of facing the easiest pass defense schedule in the entire NFL. Further, Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison will work their magic against the easiest schedule they have seen in four years! Plus in week 16, a time when plenty have their Super Bowl, the Colts face their easiest defensive foe all year - the Texans.

PACKERS
The Packers might actually do a little better than some might think. The schedule makers certainly did their part. Green Bay’s schedule looks much easier in 2006 than it was last year. In fact, outside of week-1 and week-17 (against the Bears), the Packers have plenty of good matchups. Coming down the stretch in your fantasy season Green Bay faces the Lions, Jets and 49ers!

BUCCANEERS
If Cadillac Williams is ripping up the league by mid-season and you can get tons of value for him, trade him. Come your Fantasy Playoffs, the Bucs offense won't be doing you any favors. Tampa faces the Steelers in week 13 and the Bears potentially dominating defense in week 15.

LIONS
Mike Martz, the Lions new Offensive Coordinator, better be as good as he thinks he is. On paper, the Lion newcomers (Martz, QBs Jon Kitna and Josh McCown) will be facing the best cumulative pass defense this year in the NFL.

BROWNS
Starting in week 14 the Browns face Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Tampa Bay! If any Cleveland players come out of the gate strong, be sure to trade them away for quality talent before week 14.