Fantasy Football Week 6: Alex Smith and Your Best Waiver Wire Options

It's the bye week, and you're stuck with a hole at the quarterback position because Philip Rivers is on a bye week. Or you're stuck at the wide receiver position because Larry Fitzgerald is off. 

At least those guys are coming back in two weeks, you only have to fill the void once. What do you do if you have someone like receiver Andre Johnson, who's still out with an injury? 

How do you fill those holes for this week? 

Well, lucky for you, we are here today to give you five fantasy options to help your team out. 

Take our advice here if you want to be in the win column at the end of this week. 

Ryan Torain: Washington Redskins, Running Back

Ryan Torain led the Redskins in rushing last year, as he emerged in the second half of their season to take over for long-time back Clinton Portis. 

This year, Torain has been an afterthought to other running backs Roy Helu and Tim Hightower. However, during the 'Skins last game against the St. Louis Rams, before their bye week, Torain went off, showing flashes of what made him a fantasy must have last year. 

This week against a very weak Philadelphia Eagles run defense, if Torain can get the attempts, he will have another big day. 

He should be available in your league. But, make sure you see who the Redskins are giving most of their reps in practice to. If Torain is practicing with the first team, then he is a must own in this game. 

Deion Branch: New England Patriots, Wide Receiver

It's no secret that Deion Branch is Tom Brady's favorite target in the New England passing game. He won't catch the most balls, as that distinction will go to Wes Welker, but through five games this year, Branch has two touchdowns and 300 yards. 

He's available in most leagues, as early season owners have dropped him for other sleeper receivers like Pierre Garcon, Victor Cruz or Nate Washington.

This week against the Dallas Cowboys, owners who pick up Branch can expect him to find his way into open spaces on the field, as the Cowboys secondary will look to shut down Welker. 

Pick up Branch if you need a receiver this week. 

Alex Smith: San Francisco 49ers, Quarterback

Don't look now, but, Alex Smith is a solid fantasy football quarterback. 

Before this year, Smith was about as toxic of a fantasy football quarterback as you could get. But, this year, he's found a nice consistency in the offense, throwing seven touchdown passes with only one interception in his last three games. 

This week against the Detroit Lions, Smith and the 49ers will have to throw the ball a lot to keep up with the Lions offense.

If the Lions can protect Smith, giving him time to find those 49ers receivers, he will have a successful day with two to three touchdowns. 

Jermaine Gresham: Cincinnati Bengals, Tight End

The Bengals tight end is available 42 percent of leagues and should be picked up if you are in need of tight end help because of a bye week or if you happened to draft Antonio Gates or Dallas Clark.

In his last two games, he has a touchdown in each one. He's starting to establish himself as a solid fantasy tight end, making a great safety valve for his rookie quarterback, Andy Dalton. 

This week against the Indianapolis Colts, people who pick up Gresham can expect his touchdown streak to continue. 

Rian Lindell: Buffalo Bills, Kicker

Lindell plays on, wait for it, the first place Buffalo Bills. And, he's one of the top scoring kickers in the league that is available in your league.

If you need a kicker for this week, or are stuck on underperforming kickers who have big names (Bironas, Rob), then look no further than Lindell. 

This week, the Bills play a Giants team that is coming off of letting up 36 points to the woeful Seattle Seahawks. 

People who pick up Lindell can expect a big double digit point day from the kicker. His points may be the deciding factor in whether or not you win your game this week. 

Twitter:@tjmcaloon