Fantasy Football Week 8 Waiver Pickups

Arian Foster’s injury hurt. Brian Cushing’s too. As Texans fans – and fantasy owners – we held our collective breath waiting for updates on Sunday. We had a hunch, which was later confirmed, that Cushing’s injury was serious. Out for the year. Sigh.

It was a brutal Sunday around the league. Reggie Wayne and Sam Bradford – done for the season. Jay Cutler and Lance Briggs will miss 4-6 weeks. And Doug Martin should miss an extended time. If you escaped with your fantasy team intact, consider yourself lucky.

I don’t like writing about injuries. But it’s part of the game. And with fantasy, like the actual game, there are roles to fill, and questions to answer. Consider me your answer gal, here to help. Here are this week’s waiver pickups.

And yes, I am wearing a helmet and shin guards right now. Can’t be too careful.

Mike James, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Meet Doug Martin’s backup, Mike James. Tampa’s backup running back, James delivered with 14 carries for 45 yards on Sunday. I don’t love this week’s matchup against the Panthers, but he’s a starter. And if you’re reading this, you need him. Available in every single Yahoo league.

Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans – Foster’s prognosis is day-to-day, and with a bye week ahead, it could be business as usual week 9. But you can’t wait until then to claim Tate. Consider Tate a viable RB2 if Foster sits. And yes, Tate did break four ribs! I might ask for a sick day or two if that happened to me, but Tate is expected to play week 9. Available in 41 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Percy Harvin, WR, Seattle Seahawks – Percy is back, and could be in the lineup as soon as this week against the St. Louis Rams. We won’t know for sure until later this week, but keep your eye on him. Harvin would be a great waiver add down the stretch. Available in 38 percent of Yahoo leagues.   

Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta Falcons – For two weeks in a row, I insisted you claim him. I wasn’t kidding. With seven receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown, you know what has to be done. Available in 50 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Zac Stacy, RB, St. Louis Rams – The Rams will continue to keep Stacy as the lead back as long as he puts up 70+ yards each week. And with Bradford out, the run game should increase. Count on Stacy as a solid RB2 option, even this week against Seattle. Available in 50 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Roy Helu Jr., RB, Washington Redskins – Nope, Alfred Morris feels just fine. Except for perhaps the dagger in his heart for losing all his touchdowns to Helu. It might be a little hasty to pick up the three-touchdown vulture. But if Mike Shanahan continues this little nonsense, then Helu becomes fantasy relevant. Available in 77 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.