Week 6 Start Em Sit Em: Jahvid Best and Other Star RBs to Leave on Bench

One of the toughest choices you have to make in fantasy football is benching your star players. In most cases, you opt to leave your early-round picks in the lineup, but certain matchups dictate that you make the hard decision and leave them on the bench.

Here are three RBs who fall under that category in Week 6.

All scoring predictions based on standard fantasy football scoring.

DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers

Williams has finally been building some positive momentum over the past two weeks, scoring 25 points. That comes after totaling just eight points in the first three weeks combined. An Atlanta Falcons defense which held James Starks and Ryan Grant down last week could pose problems for Williams.

More frustrating for Williams owners than any defense is Jonathan Stewart. Having a backup like Stewart means he can't afford to string together disappoint drives or he'll find himself watching from the sidelines.

Even though the last two weeks are encouraging, leave Williams on the bench Sunday.

Prediction: Seven fantasy points.

Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers

Mendenhall will return to the starting lineup on Sunday, but his workload is going to be watched closely by the Steelers coaching staff. That's never a good sign for fantasy owners because coaches tend to be overly cautious.

Throw in the fact Jacksonville ranks eighth against opposing fantasy running backs and the Steelers' workhorse becomes too risky to start in Week 6. While his long-term value remains high in Pittsburgh's offense, don't take an unnecessary chance.

Prediction: Six fantasy points.

Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions

Before his 22-point week against Chicago, Best had scored 14 points in the previous two weeks. Expect another average score this week against a San Francisco defense that is the league's best against running backs.

The 49ers haven't allowed more than 10 points to any fantasy RB this season. Best may approach that number, but if you have two other viable options on the bench, play them. It will probably be the last time (aside from his bye week) Best will be on your bench, but it's the smartest move.

Prediction: Eight fantasy points.