NFL Headaches: Five Starters That Need To Be Benched

Just five weeks into the NFL season, there are already many disappointments: the Minnesota Vikings, thought to be NFC favorites, and the Dallas Cowboys, another club thought to be contending, are both in the bottom half of their division.

Most of these under performing teams could be helped by changes with their starters. Here are a list of players that should be benched.

Ahmad Bradshaw

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Chicago Bears at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Through four games, running back Ahmad Bradshaw has already fumbled three times. With suitable backup Brandon Jacobs already in place, the New York Giants should give Bradshaw a week off to work on his fumbling problems.

Alex Smith

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass upfield against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Through 151 attempts, Alex Smith has turned the ball over seven times via interception and fumbled the ball twice. Though his completion percentage is acceptable at 61.6 percent, Smith is playing poorly.

Lawrence Tynes

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 13: Lawrence Tynes #9 of the New York Giants kicks the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at Giants Stadium on December 13, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

New York Giants placekicker Lawrence Tynes has missed 50 percent of his field goals this year. If last year was an indicator, a good kicker is important.

Brett Favre

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Lions at Mall of America Field on September 26, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Ge

As much as it pains me to say it, if Brett Favre doesn’t play well with Randy Moss at his side he needs to be benched. A 60.4 passer rating will not bring the Minnesota Vikings back to the NFC Championship Game.

Matt Cassel

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 26: Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs passes the ball while under pressure from Justin Smith #94 and Parys Haralson #98 of the San Francisco 49ers at Arrowhead Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Kansas City, Missouri. The

Think about how great the Kansas City Chiefs would be if they had a competent quarterback at the helm. With Jamaal Charles averaging more than 7 yards a carry, a JV high school quarterback should be able to shred the defense to a tune better than Matt Cassel’s QB rating of 75.4.