Fantasy Football Bye Week Saviors


Life can be rough in fantasy football when you face a key battle without two or more of your most reliable studs. Last week we offered up Andy Dalton, who was serviceable, as well as Victor Cruz, Bernard Scott, and Nick Novak. Cruz has a huge game, Scott scored a touchdown, and Novak kicked his way to 19 points.We have our sights set out saving you from the bye week blues once again in week six. Check out who might be out on the waiver wire who can help you this week, specifically.Teams on bye this week: Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers, Seattle SeahawksColt McCoy, QB, Cleveland Browns (Available in 67% of leagues)McCoy is passing a lot right now, and churned out a career-high 350 yards in week four. He draws a beatable Oakland Raiders defense this week, and he could be in for another active day. He’s not the most explosive option out there, but he is consistently solid. He’s not a bad bye week savior this week.Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers (84%)If you’re waiver wire is a little thinner than usual, Smith might be a solid option to use this week. His 4-1 49ers are hot right now, and Smith is coming off of a three-touchdown effort in which he led his team to 48 points. He does get a tough task in the Detroit Lions this week, but they’ve been passed on in a few games this year, so he has a chance. With a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio of 7-to-1 on the season, Smith appears to be more reliable than some might think.Bernard Scott, RB, Cincinnati Bengals (89%)If you haven’t noticed lately, the running back position is extremely thin on most league’s waiver wires. It still doesn’t look like Cedric Benson will be serving his three-game suspension just yet, but we’re drawing closer to that happening. As that suspension looms, the Bengals will likely get Scott more and more involved. He paid off last week with a touchdown, so if you’re desperate for help in the back-field, he might be worth a shot again.Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (99%)Picking up and using Dwyer probably hinges on Rashard Mendenhall’s health and availability, so keep an eye on his status. However, if Mendy is out or limited for the second straight week, Dwyer could serve as a suitable bye week replacement. He broke a 76-yard run and topped 100 rushing yards last week, despite playing second fiddle to Isaac Redman. Keep an eye on the situation and use him if Mendy is out this week.Delone Carter, RB, Indianapolis Colts (89%)Carter is still very much behind Joseph Addai in Indy, but he does have 19 carries the past two weeks, and he found the end-zone in week five. He faces a solid Bengals rush defense, but he’s not a bad option at all this week considering how thin the running back position is out there.Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Oakland Raiders (93%)DHB is in our waiver wire add for the long-term, but even if you don’t trust him to put up solid numbers all season long, we think you can safely use him for at least one more week. He’s really turned the corner and is one of Jason Campbell’s favorite targets. His down-field speed alone is tempting, but his growing role should have him posting solid numbers for the third straight week.Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (66%)Brown didn’t do much last week, but he still has a decent role within the Steelers passing game, and the guy is bound for a breakout game. He gets the weak Jaguars pass defense this week, and this would be a great time to toss him in your WR3 spot if you’re hurting at wide receiver.Kevin Walter, WR, Houston Texans (87%)Walter was solid in place of Andre Johnson last week (81 yards, one touchdown), and should be active again as the Texans will likely have to pass against the Baltimore Ravens this week. Jacoby Jones would also be an option if he’s available, but after Walter’s solid week five, it looks like he’d be the more reliable option to use until AJ gets back.Benjamin Watson, TE, Cleveland Browns (82%)Apparently there isn’t much love for Watson these days, as he’s available in a ton of leagues. However, he’s actually been pretty solid lately, tallying 11 catches, 100+ yards, and a touchdown in his last two contests. The Browns could pass a lot this week, so Watson should continue to be active.Shaun Shuisham, K, Pittsburgh Steelers (91%)There are some other kickers I like a little better for the long-term, but Shuisham and the Steelers face the Jaguars this week, a matchup that could lead to an offensive explosion for the second straight week. Look for him to be a serviceable replacement this week.Cincinnati Bengals Team Defense (73%)I like what the Bengals have done so far this year on defense, and I’m already vouching for them going forward. However, you have to particularly like them this week, as they go up against the winless Colts. Indy did look better this past week, but the Bengals have allowed under 90 points on the year and get to the quarterback pretty well. Their ability to stop the run should force Curtis Painter into some turnovers, as well, making them a very interesting play this week.