One man's trash is another man's treasure. And sometimes there isn't even trash. In those cases seek out teams that are playing the Lions and Rams. In other words, if you can't play a great player, it only makes sense to go to the other end of the spectrum and choose a player matched up against a fraught team. With that in mind, here are my recommendations as we head into Week 6.
Gus Frerotte, QB, Vikings: Frerotte has favorable matchup against the Lions. There is a risk that Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor could combine for 500 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. But if you need a quarterback this week, Frerotte is a better play than you'd think. Nonbelievers should check Orton's Week 5 stats -- 334 yards and two touchdowns. Just don't plan on keeping Frerotte beyond this week.
Drew Stanton, QB, Lions: Three reasons to like Stanton: Calvin Johnson, Roy Williams and the team's defense. Well, that and Jon Kitna and Dan Orlovsky are both nicked up. Stanton is only an option for deep or two-quarterback leagues, and I certainly prefer him in leagues that do not penalize turnovers. But he does have a chance to be the long-term quarterback in Detriot.
Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals: I feel like RotoWire should fire me for writing this ... or maybe I should just fire myself. But I have to do it. Kenny Watson is back with the team, but Chris Perry has struggled. That leaves Benson with a fair chance at getting significant touches.
Ladell Betts, RB, Redskins: In their past three games, the Rams have given up five touchdowns to the opposing team's backup running backs. If you are stuck at running back or the flex spot this week, it's not unreasonable to think that the Redskins will get way ahead of the Rams and rest Portis in the second half, while giving Betts lots of carries.
Correll Buckhalter, RB, Eagles: If someone in your league cut Buckhalter because Brian Westbrook played last week, it's time to pick Buckhalter back up. It's guesswork at this point, but I can't imagine that the Eagles would start Westbrook with two broken ribs when sitting him would provide rest this week and next, as the Eagles have a Week 7 bye.
Brandon Stokley, WR, Broncos: I was going to write about Stokley this week even before I heard about Eddie Royal's ankle injury. Now that Royal is hurt, Stokley is looking at a starting gig with one of the best passing offenses in the league. Darrell Jackson is also an option in deeper leagues, but until he shows something on the field, I definitely prefer Stokley.
Bernard Berrian, WR, Vikings: With Sidney Rice hobbled, Berrian is the Vikings' best wide receiver. That's not saying much, but if a Minnesota wideout is ever going to have a good game, it's this week against the Lions. (Note: I had Berrian included in this article before he scored against the Saints. He was targeted numerous times even before that score, and that bodes well for this week.)
Craig Davis, WR, Chargers: Chris Chambers suffered an ankle injury, so monitor his status during the week. With LaDainian Tomlinson a shell of his former self and Antonio Gates also less than 100 percent, Davis should see his share of targets in a high-powered offense. The Patriots and Bills are not bad matchups the next two weeks, either.
Joey Galloway, WR, Buccaneers: I was very surprised to get Galloway as a free agent in the 14-team staff league last week. He's been hurt all year, but reports about his foot sprain suggest that he should be back before too long. I know he's 37, but he had 1,000 yards and six touchdowns just last year. Galloway was a weekly starter in 2007, and I suspect he will be at some point this year, too. If you check waivers by scanning who has scored the most fantasy points this year, make sure you scroll to the bottom and find Galloway.
Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, Vikings: What would you rather do - play Kevin Boss, Vernon Davis, or some other option at tight end every week (and hope they get a catch)? Or play a tight end on a team that is facing the Rams or the Lions? Until further notice, if you are ever in doubt, please just adhere to the latter strategy on a weekly basis. (For those keeping track, last week's recommendation Greg Olsen had 87 yards against Detroit).
Ryan Longwell, K, Vikings: When choosing a bye-week kicker, I always lean towards one who plays on a team that I expect to score a lot of points (as opposed to a kicker on a team with a good defense but struggling offense, e.g. the Ravens). This week, that's the Vikings.
Redskins D/ST: I am a little concerned that the Redskins will be "down" for this game after two emotional wins, and that the Rams will be "up" with a new coach and coming off of a bye. But predicting emotion is difficult, and the fact remains that the Redskins are a 4-1 team, at home, playing one of the league's doormats.
Mark Stopa is a writer for Rotowire. For more information, check out rotowire.com.