Benny Cunningham (RB, STL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-team leagues or deeper

Owned in 34% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS:  While Tre Mason is entirely the more talented back, Benny Cunningham is the better pass protector, and will find himself in the No. 2 role in this offense. It’s also the case that Cunningham is a better pass-catcher than Mason, as evidenced by Cunningham’s five receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown in Week 7.

Benny hasn’t seen a ton of action his first two years in the league but he has the made most of his time, rushing for an average of 4.9 yards per carry and a whopping 7.9 yards per reception in his young career. While Cunningham isn’t likely to take the lead back job from Mason, I could see the developing Austin Davis using Cunningham as a safety valve in short third-down situations.

Cunningham isn’t as strong a recommendation for me as Tre Mason, but those in deep leagues (think 12 teams or deeper) could do worse than to take a flier on him if they are lacking running back depth and miss out on Mason. The Chiefs have been tough against the pass so don’t expect a ton from Cunningham next week. Then again Seattle is supposed to be tough but just hasn’t looked like the top defense we thought they would be coming into the year. Maybe it’s the Madden curse. Either way, there are worse moves you can make than adding Cunningham to your bench in deep leagues.