Fantasy Football: Deep Sleepers Worth Considering

Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Roy Helu, Oakland Raiders

ADP: 147.0

Owned %: 22.1

Position: Running Back

2014 Season Statistics: 14 GP, 40 ATT, 216 YDS, 1 TD; 42 REC, 47 TGTS, 477 YDS, 2 TD

As you likely know by now, the Oakland Raiders have parted ways with Trent Richardson. That’s led to one rational belief amongst fantasy owners: Latavius Murray is going to get a lot of carries.

Just don’t sleep on Roy Helu.

Helu is a point-per-reception gem who averaged 3.0 receptions and 49.5 total yards of offense per game in 2014. That may not sound like much, but it’s impressive when one considers how the Washington Redskins butchered his usage.

Despite averaging 5.4 yards per carry in 2014, Helu had zero games with at least 10 rushing attempts.

In Oakland, Helu will back up a relatively unproven Murray—a far cry from doing the same for workhorse Alfred Morris. That alone gives him value as a potential starter, as well as a No. 2 back whose pass-catching and game-breaking runs could net him some impressive total yardage numbers.

Helu isn’t going to be your No. 1 running back, but in point-per-reception leagues, he could be of extreme value.

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