Week 7 vs San Diego
In the two games prior to Oakland’s Week 6 bye, starting running back Latavius Murray saw a reduction in playing time. Roy Helu took advantage of that by scoring a touchdown in Week 4, but could only generate 18 total yards in Week 5 with Marcel Reece and Jamize Olawale also getting touches. Although San Diego’s run defense is weak, it is hard to see Helu getting enough playing time to help fantasy teams this week.
Week 5 vs Denver
With Latavius Murray banged up and in the bad graces of the Oakland coaching staff due to a fumble, Roy Helu saw extensive action last Sunday for the first time since joining the Raiders. Helu ran for just 22 yards, but caught a touchdown pass in Oakland’s 22-20 loss to Chicago.
It is certainly possible Helu will now see more action in passing situations, as he was widely expected to do when he signed with Oakland, but Murray is going to remain the workhorse. Helu is a handcuff who has no value this week against a tough Denver defense.
After four seasons with the Washington Redskins, free agent Roy Helu made his way across the country to the Oakland Raiders. While Helu spent most of his time in Washington in a secondary role behind Alfred Morris, he carved out a niche as a top receiver out of the backfield. In 14 games last year, Helu caught 42 passes for 477 yards and two touchdowns. With only largely unproven Latavius Murray ahead of him on the depth chart, will Helu step out of the shadows and into the spotlight?
Fantasy Upside
Helu has always had the athleticism to be more than a passing game specialist. Before Morris came to Washington in 2012, Helu had a three-game stretch in 2011 where he carried the ball over 20 times. In all three of those games, he rushed for at least 100 yards and added two touchdowns along the way. He also had a 55-yard reception last year. If Murray proves he cannot handle the rigors of being a lead back or gets hurt, Helu would be in line for a large workload. As it is, the Raiders will probably see a lot of deficits this year, which means Roy would be on the field quite a bit regardless.
Fantasy Downside
Provided Murray is the real deal (and he has largely looked good in the preseason), Helu would essentially be stuck in the same role he was in Washington. And FB Marcel Reece is also a capable receiver. Quarterback Derek Carr played conservatively as a rookie and threw plenty of short passes, but Carr is expected to be more aggressive in his second season, especially with Amari Cooper giving him a strong target down the field.
Bottom Line
Helu is a good handcuff for Murray, as he is a proven commodity capable of putting up some points, especially in PPR formats. He does not have much value on his own, but if you are looking for someone in the late rounds of the draft as an occasional flex starter or bye week replacement, you can do worse than Helu.
Week 15 - Helu vs. NY Giants
Roy Helu injured his toe in Week 14 and never returned. He didn't have a rush or a catch in the game. We haven't heard too much about Helu's status heading into Week 15. In typical leagues, he's a risky play but in two of the previous three weeks he did have a TD reception which makes him a candidate for deep PPR leagues.
Week 14 - Helu vs. St. Louis
Roy Helu had another big game last week, it's his second over the last three weeks. Last week, Helu ran just once for five yards, but caught four passes for 61 yards and a TD. Two weeks ago, he caught six balls for 57 yards and a TD, but last week had just two catches for nine yards.
As you can see, Helu is a risky play when there's a possibility of collecting just a couple of fantasy points for owners. This week the Rams rank seventh in allowing fantasy points to RBs, but Helu finishes with a friendly schedule: Giants (27th), Eagles (24th) and Cowboys (21st).
Week 13 - Helu vs. Indy
Roy Helu had just two touches last week, collecting two catches for 9 yards on two targets. Last time Helu had just two touches in a game was Week 2 against the Eagles, but one of them was a 55-yard reception. Helu's limited workload and a very shaky offense make him very unsafe as anything but a handcuff.
Week 12 - Helu vs. San Francisco
Roy Helu didn't have a carry but was credited with a fumble last week. But he did add six catches for 57 yards and a TD. Helu has been averaging about 7 targets over his last four games. The last two games most of that production has come in the passing game. Helu still isn't safe in typical leagues but has some value in deeper PPR leagues. It's a tough matchup on tap this week as the Niners rank first in allowing fantasy points to RBs.
Week 11 - Helu vs. Tampa Bay
Roy Helu had three carries for six yards but did catch four balls for 46 yards back in Week 9 when the Skins last played. He's been getting about seven touches a game since Week 4 but it's not enough for a play in typical leagues.
Week 9 - Helu vs. Minnesota
Roy Helu carried five times for 29 yards, again averaging 5.8 yards a carry in limited work. He added two catches for 14 yards. He's only getting owners about 5-8 touches per game which just isn't enough for fantasy lineups.
Week 8 - Helu vs. Dallas
Roy Helu carried five times for 29 yards and added three catches but for minus-nine yards.
Helu has a 5.36 yards per carry average this season but the team gave a vote of confidence to starter Alfred Morris, who continues to struggle. It's a tough matchup this week against a good Dallas D that's eighth in allowing fantasy points to RBs. Helu could be in line for a few more carries but is still risky to put in lineups. With a good chance Colt McCoy is under center, Dallas should be able to focus on stopping the run game.
