The Guru Gridiron Report: Week 7 Bench/Start Runningbacks

Week 7 is upon us and with some critical players on the BYE week managers will have to make some tough decisions in order to squeak out a win. Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and Arizona Cardinals are all on the BYE. All positions except TE are taking a hit, but the most affected is runningback. There are also injuries to account for like Romo, Felix Jones, Kellen Winslow, Joseph Addai and Matt Hasselbeck to name a few. So with a rough week ahead of us, here are our week 7 picks:

RUNNINGBACKS YOU MUST START
We think that Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams can have big games against New Orleans, so start 1 of them. We are leaning towards Stewart, but both will play a big role in this game if it goes Carolina's way. Chris Johnson is primed for a huge game against KC, so start him. Brandon Jacobs should find plenty of running room against San Francisco's defense, a must start. Look for Steve Slaton to be the featured back against Detroit and to pound them all game. Finally, Marshawn Lynch will have a big game against San Diego as the Bills will try and control the clock.

Others: Frank Gore, Ronnie Brown, Ernest Graham, Michael Pittman, Clinton Portis, Reggie Bush, Marion Barber, Thomas Jones

Other Runningbacks To Consider Starting With Some Risk
You have to start LaDainian Tomlinson, but it isn't the best matchup for him and his injured toe. He is running well right now, but temper expectations. Dominic Rhodes is back starting for Indianapolis and he should have a solid game against the Packers, so start him with confidence. Darren McFadden should get on the field and dance around the Jets defense, but like always with Raider players there is risk. If you need help at RB, start Sammy Morris. He should be good for 40 yards and at least 1 TD. Finally Steven Jackson will be very active against Dallas. He probably won't get much on the ground, but he will catch passes in the backfield and in a PPR league that is points. A touchdown is very possible as well.

Others: Jamal Lewis, Kevin Faulk, Ryan Grant, Adrian Peterson, Le'Ron McClain

Please Bench These Runningbacks
Bench Matt Forte. The Minnesota run defense is just too much for any runningback. We are sorry, but Larry Johnson has been suspended and we don't think Kolby Smith will do much against the Titans. This doesn't have anything to do with the 2 yard performance, its just the Titans will play their defense to him.

Others: Rudi Johnson, Kevin Smith, Willie Parker, Chris Perry, Ricky Williams, Julius Jones

Sleeper Runningbacks
We like Mewelde Moore this week playing for the injured Willie Parker against Cincinnati. With Big Ben hurting and going against a defense that is hammered by the run, look for Moore to grind out 110 yards and 1 TD. Its a great start for him. LenDale White is another sleeper. He won't get too many yards, maybe 50, but 2 TDs is very possible. After the tough loss the Giants look to pound the 49ers. Derrick Ward should see extensive action and could rack up 80 yards and a TD.

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

The True Guru