Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: 5 Backup Quarterbacks to Keep an Eye On

The NFL trade deadline is now past, but it isn't too late to add a little insurance to your fantasy roster with a backup quarterback.

Several teams find themselves in questionable quarterback situations after Week 6, meaning several second-on-the-depth-chart players could be putting up points immediately.

For a few other talented backups, all it takes is a quick injury to produce a new fantasy star. Think of Matt Cassel when Tom Brady was knocked out a few years back. It really can't hurt to grab an extra quarterback who has potential.

Here are five backup QBs to at least keep an eye on in your fantasy free agency.

Christian Ponder

I would be extremely worried if I was a Donovan McNabb owner after his benching against the Bears on Sunday Night Football.

Rookie Christian Ponder could get a lot of playing time in the weeks to come after the Vikings fell to 1-5 on the season.

He played fairly well in his debut and showed promising pocket presence, but target him only if your league is large or requires multiple QBs.

McNabb may be the man in Minnesota this year, but with the way he's been taking sacks, it's very possible an injury could end his season.

Matt Flynn

Matt Flynn is still the NFL's favorite backup QB after what he showed in his opportunity against the Patriots last season. However, playing behind Aaron Rodgers is a double-edged sword.

He isn't likely to see the field, but he's definitely benefiting from learning from the league's hottest quarterback.

But if Rodgers were to go down for a week or two again with a concussion, it would be wise to keep Flynn deep on your bench just in case.

Let's just say he would step into a very good situation with the Pack's powerful receiving corps and top-notch offense.

Kyle Orton

Kyle Orton is still a Bronco after the trade deadline, and it remains to be seen what Tim Tebow can accomplish as a starter or if he can even stay healthy.

Orton is average, but we don't have any reason to believe the Tebow is even that.

Denver claims that they will move forward with Tebow, but if he can't improve his passing skills, they may change their minds. He's shown rushing ability, but that could also get him hurt.

At least hold onto Orton if you have room on the bench.

Vince Young

Whether it's a broken hand, a concussion or even dirt in his eyes, Michael Vick is the most likely player in the league to miss games the rest of the way. He keeps taking hits and his offensive line refuses to show any consistency.

It's a good thing that Vince Young is his trusty backup. Well, not exactly.

His only passing attempt in 2011 was an interception, but he's still worth watching if he happens to be starting on your bye week.

John Beck

John Beck may not even be a backup in Week 7, but if the Redskins' players get their way, Rex Grossman will be the starter.

However, Mike Shanahan's opinion is the only one that matters, and he has not yet made a decision on who will be the starting quarterback.

Although, after he pulled Grossman, there's reason to believe that Beck may be the guy. He filled in fairly well against the Eagles and even ran for a score.

Pick him up quickly if he's still there for the taking.