Week 13 Waiver Wire Pickups: Roy Helu and Others to Add

After 12 weeks of me begging for it to happen, Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan finally named rookie Roy Helu his primary ball-carrier. Helu is one of three guys you need to seriously consider picking up in fantasy football.

In Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks, Helu rushed 23 times for 108 yards and a touchdown while adding seven catches for 54 more yards. He clearly has the ability to be a big-time back in the NFL, and he possesses size, power, speed and fantastic hands.

It had puzzled me all season why he wasn't seeing more action.

But that's in the past. Now, Helu will be getting the ball early and often, so don't be surprised if his 30 touches from Sunday becomes the norm over the next few weeks. The Redskins have serious quarterback issues, and if they want to win games, they will rely on the running game to move the offense down the field. 

Pick Helu up now and feel comfortable starting him right away.

Another guy worth an add is Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas. On Sunday, Douglas had two catches for 45 yards and a touchdown during his team's 24-14 win over the Minnesota Vikings. While that's not a ton of catches, Douglas continues to be a reliable fantasy option by figuring out ways to earn points ever week.

Over the past three games, Douglas has 14 catches for 251 yards and a touchdown. While those aren't incredible numbers, he is a very good No. 3 receiver option. As rookie Julio Jones returns to full speed (he played against the Vikings, but wasn't fully healthy and didn't record a catch), Douglas could actually see more targets, as teams focus on Jones and No. 1 wideout Roddy White. 

I expect Douglas to find himself open a lot over the final few weeks of the season, and Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan will find him. Snag him and stash him on your bench for now. See how he does with Jones back in the lineup, then use him if you're in need at receiver.

Indianapolis Colts running back Donald Brown has also seen himself earn a starting role late in the season. He has performed well over the past few weeks, including rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries against the Panthers on Sunday, while adding 17 yards on one reception.

Brown has always had the ability to be a well-rounded back but hasn't shown it until recently. Over the past three games he has 203 yards and touchdown on 34 carries (5.97 yards per carry) and six receptions for 30 yards. 

While I wouldn't toss Brown into a starting role immediately, he's definitely worth a pickup. See how he does this weekend against the New England Patriots and then decide whether or not to start him. But jump on Brown now, as he may not be available much longer.