Week 8 Waiver Wire: Roy Helu and 3 Substitute Fantasy Football RBs to Avoid

When it comes to injuries in fantasy football, figuring out which handcuff will get the call isn't always a sure thing. With the rash of injuries that befell some of the best running backs in the NFL in Week 7, it's important to choose wisely when looking at which guys will be absorbing their carries.

These three subs, super as they may seem at times, won't be the ones to carry your fantasy team.

Roy Helu, Washington Redskins

Mike Shanahan has long messed with the heads of fantasy owners—whether he knows it or not—which makes picking up either one of Tim Hightower's backfield mates—Ryan Torain or Roy Helu—a bit of a crapshoot.

Both have had productive days against the dregs of the NFC West this season, though the bigger and faster Torain enjoyed his success more recently.

Which may be enough to get him the bulk of the carries over Helu. The Redskins will run the ball plenty until John Beck gets the hang of things in DC.

Just don't expect Helu to be the one who benefits.

Kregg Lumpkin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As tempting a pickup as Kregg Lumpkin may be, you MUST resist the urge to add him. He's a big 'back who can catch the ball and will get plenty of opportunities to produce now that Earnest Graham will need time to recover from a right ankle injury.

That is, if LeGarrette Blount doesn't return in time to resume his place atop the Buccaneers' depth chart. Tampa Bay expects Blount to be back for the team's trip to New Orleans in Week 9, using a bye in Week 8 to heal.

And if the Bucs are keen to reach the playoffs this season—which it appears they are—they'll make every effort to get Blount back on the field and keep "Fuzzy" Lumpkin on the bench in the process.

LaRod Stephens-Howling, Arizona Cardinals

Don't let his fantasy numbers fool you—LaRod Stephens-Howling is not the right guy to pick up in place of Beanie Wells.

His numbers for the Cardinals against the Steelers—76 yards receiving and a touchdown—smack of aberration, as he'd managed only 27 total yards through Arizona's first five games.

Not to mention that 73 of those yards came on a single catch, and that Stephens-Howling didn't have a single rushing attempt while Wells was out.

If you're really determined to add a Card to your deck, then give the nod to Alfonso Smith instead.