The Guru Gridiron Report: Week 10 Bench/Start Runningbacks

Week 10 is a week allot of Dallas Cowboy player owners have been waiting for, but at this point that is good cause it means Romo is back next week. Hopefully the ailing Cowboys will heal and get ready for the stretch run. This weeks BYE teams are the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Redskins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is not only the last week for BYEs, but it marks the week we call "The Stretch Run". It also begins with a series of Thursday games, which means you need to watch your teams much closer and sooner then you will be use too. This Thursday's game is Denver at Cleveland. Here are our picks for week 10:

RUNNINGBACKS YOU MUST START
LenDale White will be the Tennessee RB who will have a big game this week against Chicago and that is only for his touchdown potential. We also think Maurice Jones-Drew is a must start as the Jaguars will get back to basics and pound the ball between the tackles. Thomas Jones will be a big piece of the plan as the Jets try and rout the Rams at home. DeAngelo Williams is a huge start this week especially if Jonathan Stewart cannot play. Either way, both runningbacks will run against Detroit. Finally, Tim Hightower is a must start against the 49ers on Monday night. He is the starter in Arizona and will be for a longtime.

Others: Brian Westbrook, Michael Turner, Ronnie Brown, Brandon Jacobs, LaDainian Tomlinson

Other Runningbacks To Consider Starting With Some Risk
Duece McCallister is a fine start this week, but he always brings risk with his health and other runningbacks. Steve Slaton faces another tough defense this week, but we like the matchup and feel that he will get over 100 total yards and find the end zone. BenJarvus Green-Ellis should start for the Patriots and should have a fine game. He should get a TD like he has in his three previous games, but he won't break 75 yards. Justin Fargas is a big risk like the Raiders are. However, we like him this week and think he can perform against Carolina. Asking for a TD is a stretch, but possible. Finally, Chris Johnson will not have a spectacular game this week against Chicago. They have fast linebackers and will spy Johnson and pack the box most of the game. We don't recommend starting him unless your other options aren't as good this week.

Others: Jamal Lewis, Adrian Peterson, Le'Ron McClain, Frank Gore, Marshawn Lynch, Willie Parker, Joseph Addai

Please Bench These Runningbacks
Dominic Rhodes might get 8-10 carries, but won't find allot of room against the Steelers defense. Ryan Grant won't find anything against the brutal run defense of the Vikings. Ryan Torian will start for the Broncos, but he won't carry the ball much in this game. Look for Cutler to try and win it with a weak running game. This is not the week to start Matt Forte, bench him. Jonathan Stewart is hurt and currently has a boot for what he calls a sharp pain in his heel. He's too risky to start this week and Williams should pick up the slack for him.

Others: Rudi Johnson, Edgerrin James, Darren McFadden,, Selvin Young, Julius Jones, Mewelde Moore, Ahman Green, Willis McGahee

Sleeper Runningbacks
Kevin Smith is our first sleeper of the week. He is at home and has the potential to rip off a serious game vs the Jaguars. Look for 100+ and a TD. Ricky Williams has a great matchup vs. the Seahawks and should get 15 carries and a TD. We expect one of his best games of the year. Kevin Faulk is a great start this week. He will get plenty of action with Green-Ellis, and could get a TD. Leon Washington overpowers the Rams special teams. He may not score on offense, but a punt return is possible. Finally, a deep sleeper is the emerging Peyton Hillis. He's the FB in Denver. As long as Scheffler is out he can continue to get lots of action as a safety valve for Cutler.

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

The True Guru