Week 11 Waiver Wire Pickups: Alex Smith and More Quality Fill-in QB Options

Rest easy, people. This is the last time we'll have to deal with bye weeks until 2012. In addition to having four bye weeks, we have to deal with injuries to key quarterbacks throughout the league.

In the case of Matt Schaub, he's not going to play, probably for the rest of the season. In the case of Michael Vick, he'll probably play, but his effectiveness is in doubt right now. 

Whether you need to replace a quarterback on a bye, a banged-up star or just need a change, look towards these players. All are available in over half of ESPN leagues.

Alex Smith

Smith has actually consistently put up good numbers this year. He's not throwing a lot of interceptions. The one he threw last week was not at all his fault. While I realize that doesn't help fantasy numbers, it's not likely to happen again.

While they have had decent days over the last two games, the Arizona secondary is hardly a daunting unit. 

Smith's numbers won't match what Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers does, but nobody who you can sign will reasonably do that. He will be a good option to get some much needed point production.

Christian Ponder

Last week was a bad week, but it was also a completely unenviable situation. Ponder was starting a game he had little chance to win from the beginning. When he fell behind early, the defending champion defense knew he was going to pass, so they teed off on him. 

While I don't think the Vikings will win this game, I highly doubt that it will be that bad. Even if it is, the secondary of Oakland just isn't as good as Green Bay. 

Opposing quarterbacks have consistently gained points this season against the Raiders defense. Don't be afraid of Ponder.

Carson Palmer

While we're looking at that game, let's take a look across the field to the other sideline. If Darren McFadden plays, I highly doubt he'll be very effective. While Michael Bush is still a fine back, the Raiders will need to air it out a little.

What Oakland also has in its favor is a deep group of receivers. Any one of them is a dangerous play, as it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. But that doesn't hurt the quarterback's fantasy production at all.

In two starts this year, Palmer has 332 and 299 yards. Minnesota's secondary is not at all spectacular. Look for another game with those kind of numbers again.