Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 8: Roy Helu, Jr.

The Redskins got three rushing touchdowns last week versus the Bears from Roy Helu, Jr. Can a consistent output be expected of the Redskins’ passing-down back going forward? We break down the fantasy implications.

by Dan Ciarrocchi

Oct 27, 2013, 9:18 AM UTC

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

When fantasy owners take a look at the box scores of Week 7's games, one name that pops off the page is Redskins running back Roy Helu, Jr. Helu had already been on the fantasy radar as Alfred Morris' primary handcuff, but he appeared as more than just a blip after running for a career-high three touchdowns versus the Bears in last Sunday's shootout.

Helu’s usage was undoubtedly a big component in the Redskins getting their 45-41 victory that Sunday, as the hurry-up offense and the Redskins’ efficiency in two-minute drills ultimately wore down the Bears’ defense. In those situations, the Redskins often turned to Helu after giving the early-down work to Alfred Morris. With the team in catch-up mode in Week 7, Helu got the bulk of the carries when the Redskins trailed late in the game.

Fantasy Spin: During Week 8, riddled with byes and injuries as it is, fantasy owners are left scrounging for replacements of big-name backs like Matt Forte, Doug Martin, Arian Foster and Ray Rice. Helu is a name that is popping up in the conversation, but owners would be taking a risk. There is no changing of the guard, or any of the head coach's patented "Shanahanigans" going on, just that the game's circumstances fit Helu's role and he was able to capitalize.

More often than not, the Redskins offense is not going to be in desperation mode, and it will defer to Morris when trying to bring balance to their attack. But for Week 8, Helu makes for a boom-or-bust flex play since the Redskins happen to be slated to take on the Denver Broncos, who boast the top offense in the league. There is fantasy value to be had here with injuries and bye weeks depleting rosters, but the only scenario where a consistent long-term output could be expected from Helu would be an injury to the workaday Morris.