Fantasy Football Projections Week 8: Roy Helu and Sleeper RBs to Start

Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu is a good fantasy option today, because he will get more carries due to Tim Hightower's season-ending knee injury last week.

Helu isn't the only quality sleeper running back to start this week. Bernard Scott, Ben Tate, Stevan Ridley and Montario Hardesty are also quality options.

Let's look at three running backs whom you need to start this week if you have players to replace due to bye weeks and injuries.

Ben Tate

Houston Texans running back Ben Tate had 104 rushing yards on 15 carries last week, in a dominating 41-7 win over the Tennessee Titans.

What was impressive about Tate's performance in Week 7 was that he had a 100-yard rushing game despite all-pro teammate Arian Foster racking up 200 total yards.

Tate's ability to be effective when his starter does well is very encouraging.

Bernard Scott

Despite the Seattle Seahawks having the top-ranked rushing defense, Cincinnati Bengals running back Bernard Scott will be effective today as he starts for Cedric Benson, who is serving a one-game suspension.

Scott is a solid runner with good size and will get goal-line carries. He also has a chance to be effective in the passing game on short passes and screen plays.

Scott has experience in the kick-return game as well, and it would not be surprising to see him returning kicks today, too.

Roy Helu

Roy Helu will get a good amount of carries today, and will share the rushing load with teammate Ryan Torain while Tim Hightower is out for the season.

Helu is a strong back and could see goal line carries.

Buffalo's defense can be run against, and Helu would be a solid bye-week replacement or fill-in for an injured star.