Fantasy Upside
The only upside Benny Cunningham has in terms of fantasy value is that he’s the No. 2 back on the Rams depth chart. Tre Mason has run into multiple off-field issues this offseason, leaving Cunningham entrenched as the team’s backup to Todd Gurley. That said, with Los Angeles counting on Gurley to be an every-down back for 2016, Cunningham will have a limited role as long as Gurley is healthy.
Fantasy Downside
For a second straight season, Cunningham played 16 games for the Rams last year, but saw his yardage dip from 246 in 2014 to 140 in 2015. He also saw his touchdowns drop from four down to zero, his receptions drop from 45 down to 26, and his receiving yardage fall from 352 down to 250. After finishing as fantasy’s RB40 in 2014, Cunningham completely fell off the map last season while finishing as fantasy’s RB77.
2016 Bottom Line
Cunningham is going undrafted in all leagues and ranks as our RB81 heading into training camp. Owners could choose to handcuff Cunningham and Gurley, but depending on the size of the league, better options would likely be available on the waiver wire if Gurley were to be injured. It’s best to avoid Cunningham on draft night, even if you wind up drafting Gurley. The Rams offense would be putrid if Gurley were to go down.
