FANTASY FILL-INS FOR WEEK 6

-Ralph Mancini, FFI Sr. Writer

Fantasy owners of Peyton Manning, Willie Parker, Roy Williams and Marshawn Lynch, take heed and listen---the treacherous bye weeks are upon us.

There a couple of different ways to battle this predicament in order to assemble a competent lineup for the upcoming week. One can either make a desperate trade and get fleeced---especially if you’re 1-4---or you can scour the waiver wire for solutions.

Granted, at this point of the season, you’re probably not going to stumble upon any week- in and week-out starters, but remember you’re playing for Week Six and once your regulars come back, you might not have to use these fill-ins ever again.

Here are a few names that might still be available. Some of these players happen to be quite talented, while the others just have good matchups.

GUS FREROTTE (STL-QB)- At first glance, the well traveled journeyman has a less-than-favorable matchup versus the traditionally stingy Baltimore Ravens defense. A closer look ,however, reveals that this defensive unit has absorbed it’s fair share of injuries which have caused starting cornerback Samari Rolle (medical illness) and defensive end Trevor Pryce (wrist) to miss games and it doesn’t look as though they’ll be returning this week. In addition, the Ravens defense has allowed 20 or more points in three of their five games and, with the exception of a special teams touchdown, have failed to score. While still formidable versus the run, this unit has allowed receivers Jerricho Cotchery (7 receptions, 165 yards) and Anquan Boldin (14 receptions, 181 yards, two touchdowns) to achieve memorable performances.

DeSHAWN WYNN (GB-RB)- If you know anything about Packer running back Vernand Morency, it’s that he doesn’t stay healthy for a long time and while many aren’t certain who’s top dog in Green Bay’s backfield---make no mistake that man is DeShawn Wynn. Along with showing good power in short yardage and goal-line situations, Wynn also has the ability to bounce runs outside for long gainers. The rookie looked good against Chicago and can certainly do the same versus Washington this week.

LEON WASHINGTON (NYJ-RB)- This may very well be the week that the Jets decide to hand the ball off to Thomas Jones 20 times to finally establish a running attack, but that doesn’t mean that Gang Green will stop going to elusive runner Leon Washington. New York’s opposing defense, the Philadelphia Eagles, are tied for second in the league in sacks with 16, so you better believe they’ll be coming hard after quarterback Chad Pennington, who may be throwing quite a few dump-off passes to Washington this week. The second-year runner already recorded eight catches in week three’s loss at Buffalo. Definitely start him in point-per-reception leagues.

JERRY PORTER (OAK-WR)- Porter has made the most out of his seven receptions this season by scoring on three of them. The enigmatic receiver showed very positive signs with Daunte Culpepper at quarterback two weeks ago versus the Dolphins and should be called upon quite often against a rather pourous San Diego secondary that gave up 369 yards and 284 yards to quarterbacks Brett Favre and Damon Huard in weeks three and four before shutting down the Broncos. With rookie JaMarcus Russell waiting in the wings, you can be certain that Culpepper will be taking some downfield shots to his newfound favorite wide out.

DENNIS NORTHCUTT (JAX-WR)- Very quietly, Dennis Northcutt has been cementing his status as Jacksonville’s most dependable receiver. As such, the former Brown was targeted seven times in the Jaguars’ win over Kansas City last Sunday. On one of those occasions, he was sought for in the end zone which led to a touchdown. Northcutt should have several opportunities to score against a Houston defense that has surrendered an average of twenty five points a game in their last three contests.

NY GIANTS DEFENSE- Need big-time fantasy points? Take a gander at the Big Blue Wrecking Crew’s league leading 17 sacks. Want another reason to start the Giants this week versus the Falcons? Atlanta’s starting left tackle Wayne Gandy is out for the year with a knee injury. Even Big Blue’s much-maligned secondary has been slowly crawling out of an early season funk with rookie Aaron Ross leading the way last week with two interceptions versus the Jets.