Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups: Keiland Williams and the Best Bets at Running Back

The injuries and bye weeks continue to pile up and it’s time to start digging deep.

The Week 8 waiver wire is filled with players that were completely unknown as recently as two weeks ago. Now they are worth picking up and starting on your team.

Such is life in the merry-go-round better known as healthy running backs in the NFL.

Kelland Williams @ Denver Broncos

Jahvid Best may miss the rest of the season, so grabbing his most skilled backup is a terrific idea. Maurice Morris got more touches last week against the Falcons, but it was clear that Williams was the faster and stronger back.

I bet coach Jim Schwartz notices as much in film this week and Williams gets at least 15 touches against a Broncos defense that really struggles to stop the run. They are currently surrounding just under 120 yards on the ground.

If the team is in the red zone, they’ll likely give the ball to the bigger Williams. Also remember that QB Matthew Stafford has been wearing a boot this week and enters Week 8 less than 100-percent healthy.

Bernard Scott @ Seattle Seahawks

This is strictly a one-week deal.

Starter Cedric Benson is suspended this week and it’s Scott who will receive the bulk of the load in the Bengals offense.

The speedy and elusive back has the ability to bust open a 20-yard run on any given play. Yet his small frame has kept him from being a featured back in his two-plus year career.

Sure Brian Leonard will take some of the carries, but its Scott that will get between 15-20 touches between running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield.

Delone Carter @ Tennessee Titans

With the endless injuries to Joseph Addai and the unpredictability of Donald Brown, it’s Carter that has emerged as the best back in Indy.

He scrapped together an impressive 88-yard and touchdown performance against the Saints, as he was the lone bright spot in an otherwise hideous performance.

On a 42-yard run he showed some impressive strength by breaking tackles and showed great speed by outrunning multiple defenders.

Considering Curtis Painter is their QB, expect Carter to get a steady diet of touches in Week 8—and beyond.