Fantasy Football 2011: Week 8 Running Back Rankings

If you're in a 12-, 14- or 16-team league and you're not in a pickle at running back, consider yourself lucky. There are six teams on a bye (for the last time this season) and there was a season high in injuries for running backs on Sunday (unofficially). If you didn't check out my Rest of the Season Rankings on Tuesday, then do so now! They go all the way to 200. Since Waiver Wire Scoops wasn't in it usual form, there will be some more explanation on why I like guys like Roy Helu so much.

DeMarco Murray- He should have been owned last week in all competitive leagues. He's rated at number 12 for this week.

Roy Helu- Yeah, yeah we all hate Shanahan like Tony LaRussa hates phone calls. Helu figures to be the second back on the depth chart for Washington as we head into Week 8. Although he is clearly the guy on passing downs and played the the most snaps at tailback on Sunday. Helu also has an oft-injured Ryan Torain in front of him. Torain has missed games for a multitude of reasons, most notably an ACL tear. The Helucopter is playing well this season with a 4.9 YPC this year and has the one-cut-and-go mentality that fits Shanny's system. He needs to be owned in all leagues.

Knowshon Moreno- Moreno's value was salvaged on Sunday now that Willis McGahee could miss anywhere from a week to a month with a broken hand. It isn't party time for Knowshon's owners though since Lance Ball got a nice chunk of snaps against the Dolphins. Moreno has a tasty matchup though and is a low-end RB2 this week. If you're in an active league with plenty of trades, he might be a nice sell-high guy following that game.

Alfonso Smith- Smith gets the unenviable task of facing what should be a very angry Ravens D. He comes in at 25 for the week and he should be able to flirt with 18 touches. The Cardinals will have to run the ball in order to keep T-Sizzle and company at bay. They'll get an easier schedule with St. Louis and Philadelphia next up on the docket. He should be owned in most competitive leagues, especially with the injury epidemic going around.

Pierre Thomas- Thomas gets a very enviable task as he tasks on the hapless Rams. The Saints should have no problem with this one and Thomas is a good bet to pick up some garbage-time yards. He has the lowest long-term value of all the guys mentioned to this point with the emergence of Darren Sproles though. PT might need physical therapy after his workout on Sunday; he comes in at 20 this week.

Bernard Scott- He gets a start against the Seahawks. The Hawks play very good D, which means Scott is a flex in most formats.

Brandon Jacobs- He is practicing again and might be able to vulture some goal-line touches from Bradshaw. CAW!

News and Notes

Ryan Mathews- He is fully expected to play with his thumb injury.

Mossis Madu- He is expected to be promoted for Tampa Bay for their Week 9 contest with New Orleans. LaGarrette Blount might be back, but if you're in a really, really deep league, go ahead and grab him.

Darren McFadden- Run DMC's foot has no structural damage and he should be considered as probable after his bye this week. His owners absolutely have to get Michael Bush though. Although don't feel the need to completely overpay in the event his current owner is trying to trade-rape you.

Mark Ingram- Ingram is day-to-day with a bruised hell. This is the type of injury that should be fine with some rest, so I'd suggest having another option since the Saints won't need him against the Rams.

Follow me on Twitter @MikeSGallagher for up-to-date fantasy info and instant analysis on Sunday. You can also ask me things like,"Mike, I'm in a PPR, so should I start Roy Helu or Ryan Torain?"

Thanks for reading and post your questions or comments below.