Week 9 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Why Chris Johnson Isn't Dead Yet

The No. 1 reason why Chris Johnson isn't dead yet is because most fantasy owners can't afford to rest him in peace.

Sad, but true.

You drafted him high, you're savvy enough to know you won't be getting anything of value in return for him right now, and you keep holding on to the hope that one of these weeks he'll break off that huge run he's known for.

Because that's all it takes—one long touchdown run—for you to get all you need from Mr. Johnson.

And at some point, the Titans are going to have to give him more than 20 carries, which they've only done twice this season. At some point, Johnson will be in sync with his offensive line and will finally look comfortable attacking the line of scrimmage.

I say that happens this week. But hey, I like to live dangerously. Here are a few safer start 'em, sit 'em picks.

Ben Roethlisberger—Sit 'em

Ignore the fact that he has thrown for 1,154 yards and 11 touchdowns in the past four weeks—the Ravens defense is downright stingy against the pass. The absolute maximum of Roethlisberger's potential is probably the 358 yards and one touchdown the Ravens gave up to the Titans in Week 2 in their worst fantasy outing.

If you have higher potential plays, steer clear of Roethlisberger this week.

Victor Cruz—Start 'em

New England's pass defense gives up 29.1 fantasy points to receivers each week, and Victor Cruz is a deep threat each week at this point. Expect Eli and Cruz to put up some big numbers against New England's paltry pass defense.

Marshawn Lynch—Sit 'em

If you were thinking about flexing Marshawn Lynch, stop right there—he isn't LeSean McCoy and he doesn't have Michael Vick to distract the front seven, either.

Which means the Cowboys' previously non-permeable running defense should return to form and render Lynch useless this week.

Fred Davis—Start 'em

You might be thinking to yourself, "Man, I'm not sure if I want to start Fred Davis against that solid San Francisco defense this week."

This is why I am here to guide you. San Francisco gives up an average of 8.1 points to tight ends on a weekly basis and gave up 101 yards to Cleveland's tight ends last week.

And with Davis scoring 9.5, 14 and 9.4 points the past three weeks (while racking up 269 yards), you should probably be rolling him out there confidently at this point anyhow.