Week 8 Pickups: Must-Add RBs Entering League's Weekend Slate

Times are rough for running backs, and I do not envy anybody who is scouring the waiver wire for one. That does not mean they are nonexistent, though. There are still a few to help out, at least a little, during a weekend with athletes sitting on the bench due to either an injury or a bye week.

Here’s a glimpse of the running backs who are available:

Mike James, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

You may barely know him, but Mike James is the backup for Doug Martin, who went down with a torn labrum. James had 14 carries and 45 yards last weekend against Atlanta. He's no superstar, but he is a capable receiver, which is tough to find in this lot of selections.

He is a big man, 223 pounds, and a slow runner without a lot of moves. James makes up for that with his power and how he asks for contact.

The Buccaneers are still looking for a win, and James is one of their best options. It will be a hard match against the Carolina Panthers Thursday night, but he will do something. He could even start as the game is so early in the weekend.

Zac Stacy, St. Louis Rams

Zac Stacy has been putting up solid yards every week and has taken over as the lead back for the Rams.  

It was a tough weekend for him, against Carolina, where he had 87 yards and a touchdown. And it’s not going to be any easier against Seattle, which has allowed opposing running backs to have 58 rushing yards and one touchdown in the past two weeks. 

But Stacy's consistency will make him a key addition, especially for the future. Stacy was named a starter during Week 5, and he's totaled 255 yards and 55 touches since then. The run game will increase now that Sam Bradford is out for the year with a torn ACL, which means more balls to Stacy who can ideally start a fire for the Rams offense.

Roy Helu Jr., Washington Redskins

Roy Helu Jr. had an impressive three touchdowns during Week 7. Yes, it was his career high, and it may have been a fluke, especially since the Redskins had to implement a hurry-up offense.

Alfred Morris is the lead back, but Helu delivers when needed. He rushed 11 times for 41 yards against Chicago. If he continues to deliver, then the Redskins will have no choice but to use Helu to complement Morris more often.

Washington may have to bring that rushed offense back this weekend. That means all the more reason to use Helu, who can score when Washington needs points fast. And then you’ll be happy to have him.

Donald Brown, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts may be on a bye week, but Brown is still a worthwhile selection. He has begun to show life. Although he's only averaging five to eight carries a game, he will continue to emerge as a passing threat.

Trent Richardson is the top man and has made Brown look nonexistent on the fantasy charts. However, Richardson has been adjusting his gameplay. The Colts have demonstrated a use of two running backs, and Brown is their man.

Last weekend, against Denver, Brown had 11 carries to Richardson’s 14. Brown totaled an unimpressive 23 yards, but if he keeps getting these carries, he will improve. And if Richardson continues to struggle, then Brown will continue to get better.