The Guru Gridiron Report: Week 5 Bench/Start Runningbacks

Unlike last week there are only four teams on the BYE this week and they are relatively ineffective teams for fantasy football. Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, and New York Jets are on BYE in week 5. There should be plenty of points to pass around this week. Lots of managers loss last week probably because of the sheer volume of players on the BYE combined with some star players just not performing. Week 5 looks allot better.

RUNNINGBACKS YOU MUST START
Week5 produces a huge number of must start runningbacks. We love Jonathan Stewart this week against KC. Larry Johnson should also continue his comeback tour with another solid performance against the Panthers. We also like Steve Slaton against Indianapolis. If he can't run, he will catch. Look fro Reggie Bush to find the end zone, and maybe twice against Minnesota in his home field.

Others: Frank Gore, LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook (watch injury status), Marion Barber, Adrian Peterson, Joesph Addai

Other Runningbacks To Consider Starting With Some Risk
There are some risky starts that could provide some serious points for fantasy teams this week. We like Ryan Grant against Atlanta. As we predicted he was going to have a let down season, but with Rodgers hurting they will lean on him throughout the game and he should be able to produce. We also think Michael Turner should be able to turn in a great performance this week. Ronnie Brown will be all over the field against San Diego, start him. Watch Rudi Johnson run. Harris has been suspended by the Bears, so watch for Johnson to exploit the middle of the field without Tommy Harris.

Others: Brandon Jacobs, Marshawn Lynch, DeAngelo Williams

Please Bench These Runningbacks
Bench Pittsburgh RBs. Also, we do not like Chris Perry against Dallas. He may get a short yard carry, but this will be a blowout on the Dallas side and the Bengals won't run much. Ricky Williams should see limited action so bench him and Clinton Portis will be taken out of the game by Philly's defense forcing Campbell to make plays.

Others: Julius Jones, Edgerrin James, Maurice Jones-Drew

Sleeper Runningbacks
Our two sleepers this week are Matt Forte and Laurence Maroney. Matt Forte is not much of a stretch, but we think he can have a big game controlling the clock against Detroit. Laurence Maroney is coming off his injury and looks healthy. The Patriots need to run the ball and this will be Laurence Maroney's last chance at that if he fails.

Good luck. Next are our Wide Receivers and Tight Ends!

The True Guru