Fantasy Running Backs for Week 5
Sleeper Picks And Who To Avoid At RB This Week
Running back sleepers
These are players who might be on waivers or sitting on your bench that you might want to consider giving a look.
Steve Slaton vs. Indianapolis
Slaton struggled last week on the ground against Jacksonville, but showed his versatility, catching eight passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. This week, he's against a much weaker run defense in Indianapolis that has a very small front seven and is still hurting from the absence of Bob Sanders. He's a great pick, especially if Matt Schaub continues to get him involved in the passing game.
Jonathan Stewart vs. Kansas City
DeAngelo Williams remains the starter in Carolina, but Stewart is still the better and more productive rusher, scoring all four of the Panthers' touchdowns on the ground. Kansas City made a statement against Denver, holding them to 94 rushing yards, but they are still the 29th ranked defense.
Ryan Grant vs. Atlanta
Grant has been one of the bigger disappointments this season and totally unpredictable. But this week's matchup favors him. Not only does Atlanta have a weak defense against the run, but Grant seems to be at his best in colder weather. Sunday's forcast calls for temperatures in the 50's.
Laurence Maroney vs. San Francisco
Maroney is now healthy and while the Patriots do get all of their running backs involved in the offense, this remains a good matchup for Maroney, as San Francisco's 4-2-5 defense has allowed some big games to running backs so far this season.
Running backs to avoid
Most of these are guys who if you're considering starting, you have bigger problems, but this week especially, you should put them on your bench.
Rudi Johnson vs. Chicago
Johnson's successes are still fresh enough in people's minds to make them think about picking him up now that he's claimed the starting job in Detroit. But Chicago is a very tough first start for any running back and Kevin Jones still figures to get a decent number of snaps, especially on passing downs.
Correll Buckhalter vs. Washington
There are conflicting reports about the severity of Brian Westbrook's injury, but either way, Buckhalter looks like a lock to start. But keep in mind Buckhalter faces another tough defense in Washington this week after getting stopped by Chicago on Sunday night. Washington is averaging less than 100 yards allowed on the ground and they stuffed Marion Barber last week.
Mewelde Moore at Jacksonville
Moore is getting a start simply because the Steelers don't have anyone else to turn to. Jacksonville is a very physical team and has been very tough against the run the past three weeks since giving up 137 yards on the ground to Tennessee in Week 1.
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