Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 6: Alex Smith and Best Bye Week Subs

Having good backup players in fantasy football is very crucial to winning each week.

You know at some point you're going to have to use them at least once or twice, but they're even more important if one of the weekly starters goes down or is simply under-performing.

To that end, here are four bye-week subs that will keep your team on pace or get your team on pace to make a playoff run.

Alex Smith: QB, 49ers (at Detroit)

Although the Detroit Lions are 5-0, they still have a very susceptible pass defense, as evidenced by the 331 yards put up by Dallas' Tony Romo.

They are, however, very good at forcing turnovers. But San Francisco's Alex Smith has only been picked off one time this season to the seven TD passes (five in last two games).

With his diverse array of receiving targets, and thanks to new head coach Jim Harbaugh, Smith has revived his career in The Bay Area.

In addition, RB Frank Gore makes the 49ers' offense multidimensionalsomething that the Lions have yet to face in 2011.

If you need a backup QB, or are unhappy with your starter, Alex Smith is one of the best options out there. 

Jason Campbell: QB, Raiders (vs Cleveland)

Along the same lines as San Fran's Alex Smith, the next best free agent option is Oakland's Jason Campbell.

For starters, the Raiders have a great rushing attack so setting Campbell up to pass is already a foregone conclusion.

He's shown the ability to throw darts and pick apart defenses. Additionally, with some of the fastest receivers in the game, Campbell gets a lot of yards without having to make to difficult of a read.

He also has the arm to send one deep if needed and can scramble well enough to keep drives alive/score in the red-zone.

Campbell is gradually gaining confidence each week, as are the Raiders, and picking him up is a great decision if you want/need a solid substitute this season.

Ryan Torain: RB, Redskins (vs Philadelphia)

It's uncertain whether fellow RB Tim Hightower is going to play this week, but even if he does, Tim's not going to be 100 percent.

That in turn, leaves the door open again for Ryan Torain, who compiled 135 yards on 19 carries against the Rams.

Sure it was against St. Louis, but that being Torain's first action this season, he did very well.

This week Washington goes up against a weak and underachieving Eagles' defense that's not playing with any confidence, and their weakest area is stopping the run (rank No. 30 in rush defense).

So if you are in the need of a No. 2 RB, or a flex position player, allow Ryan Torain to be that guy because he'll definitely pick up the slack.

Worst-case scenario, you get a solid RB for depth purposes and can use him at your discretion pending the Redskins' performance.

Buffalo Bills Defense (at NY Giants)

Out of all the previously mentioned fantasy football additions, the Buffalo Bills' defense may be the least appealing.

Obviously no ones really going to look at them because of their No. 26 pass and No. 29 rush defenses.

However, through five games the Bills have forced 16 turnovers (12 picks, four fumbles), scored three TDs, and have gotten five sacks.

So, despite allowing so many points, they more than make up for it by doing work elsewhere.

Plus, their offense can score at the drop of a hat, which forces opposing offenses to throw against them.

Advantage Buffalo since they're thriving off turnovers and until they slow down from it, they are one great fantasy defense.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.