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.
Chris Perry vs. Cleveland
Perry hasn't done anything spectacular so far this season, but he's also had to go up against three of the better defenses in the league. Cleveland is at the bottom of the list in pretty much ever statistical category, making this a good matchup for Perry.
Selvin Young at Kansas City
Anytime you have a player going up against the Chiefs, you have to consider starting him. Kansas City is one of the worst teams in the league when it comes to defending the run. Young hasn't gotten a lot of touches so far this season, but that's largely due to the fact that his team has been involved in some shootouts. Denver figures to take control of this one early, which usually means more carries for the running backs later in the game. Even if it doesn't, against Kansas City, there's always the possibility he could pop one or two big plays.
Jamal Lewis at Cincinnati
Some guys just own certain teams. For Jamal Lewis, that team is the Bengals. In 13 career starts, Lewis has averaged 119.3 yards per game and has scored 10 touchdowns, more than he has scored against any other single opponent. Throw on top of that the fact that the Bengals have shown no aptititude for stopping the run and this could be a very good day for Lewis.
Steve Slaton at Jacksonville
Jacksonville has a reputation for being a very good run stopping team, but this year, the stats just don't back that up. That's not to say they are a bad defense, but there are worse matchups for Slaton, who had a 100-yard day against a good Tennessee in his first ever NFL start last week.
Michael Pittman at Kansas CityIf Selvin Young isn't available, why not grab the guy who's vulturing his touchdowns? Pittman has established himself as the Broncos' goal line and short yardage specialist, having scored four times in the first three games of the season. While there's always the risk he could put up a goose egg, there is decent upside for those desperate for a bye week fill in at a flex spot.
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.
Willis McGahee, Le'Ron McClain and Ray Rice at Pittsburgh
These three are in a strict rotation now that all three are healthy and if that's not enough, they face a Pittsburgh defense thathas allowed less than 65 rushing yards per game this season.
Chris Johnson and LenDale White vs. Minnesota
Minnesota hasn't given up much on the ground this season and with these two still splitting carries, neither is a great bet, even as a flex option. If you have to start one, White may have some upside because the team looks to him in the red zone.
Rashard Mendenhall vs. BaltimoreThis is not a good matchup for the rookie fill-in's first start. Baltimore has been very stingy agianst the run and in a limited role, Mendenhall is only getting 2.8 yards per carry. The Steelersw weren't able to move the ball against either Cleveland or Philadelphia the past two weeks, so there's no reason to think they'll be able to without their most explosive weapon against one of the league's top defenses.
Edgerrin James at New York Jets
If there's one thing the Jets can say they've done well this year, it's defend the run. On top of that, there's been talk in the Cardinals' organization about getting Tim Hightower - who has the team's only two rushing touchdowns - more touches. If you have other options elsewhere, use them.
