Fantasy Football Week 8: 5 Sleepers You Can't Afford to Bench

Week by week, it seems like the injuries are racking up in the NFL and fantasy football teams' seasons are going down the drain.

With players like Doug Martin, Randall Cobb and James Jones all out this week, owners are going to have to look to acquire some new players, whether its via the waiver wire or by trade.

Here are five sleepers you cannot afford to bench in your Week 8 fantasy football matchup.

Jarrett Boykin, Green Bay Packers, WR

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With Jones and Cobb out, Jarrett Boykin has stepped right in and become a new weapon for Aaron Rodgers. Last week, Boykin recorded eight receptions for over 100 yards and a touchdown. 

The Green Bay Packers are taking on the Minnesota Vikings this week, who have the 29th-ranked pass defense. Look for Boykin to have another big game with Jones, Cobb and Jermichael Finley all injured. Boykin is an extremely strong flex play and is a must-start.

Mike James, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, RB

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Doug Martin owners' fantasy football seasons are only getting worse. After a disappointing second season, Martin now looks like he is going to miss at least a few games. Luckily if you were on top of your league's waiver wire, you went out and picked up his replacement, Mike James.

James is slated to make his first career start and should see at least 15 touches. He isn't going to put up huge numbers, but against the Carolina Panthers, James is worth a start at the flex position.

Roy Helu, Washington Redskins, RB

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If you have Alfred Morris on your team, there is probably no other player you hate more than Roy Helu. Last week, Helu was a fantasy football vulture, taking all of Morris' red-zone carries and scoring three touchdowns.

Helu isn't going to have another three-touchdown game, but with the Washington Redskins taking on the Denver Broncos, there is a very good chance that he gets at least 15 touches. Chances are the Redskins are going to be playing catch-up with the Broncos and will have to be throwing more. Helu is clearly a better receiver than Morris and should see plenty of passes coming his way.

If you have Helu in a PPR league, consider using him as your flex, because he is in line this week to catch at least seven passes.

Rueben Randle, New York Giants, WR

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Rueben Randle has been on a hot streak lately, scoring at least one touchdown in his past three games. With the New York Giants taking on the Philadelphia Eagles this week, Randle is definitely worth playing.

In Week 5, Randle went off against the Eagles' weak secondary, recording six receptions for 96 yards and two touchdowns. Don't think Eli Manning will forget how Randle was able to torch this secondary. Expect Randle to continue his touchdown streak to four straight games.

Peyton Hillis, New York Giants, RB

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If Brandon Jacobs is out again, then fantasy owners need to seriously consider starting Peyton Hillis this week. Although Hillis only ran for 36 yards in his debut with the New York Giants, he still was able to find the end zone and recorded 23 touches (18 carries, five receptions).

Sure, Hillis' 81 total yards of offense weren't too pretty, but when it comes to fantasy football all that matters is getting the points. Anytime you can get a running back who records 15 to 20 touches per game, he is definitely worth a start if your team is struggling.