Fantasy Football Week 9: 5 Fantasy Starters You Should Consider Benching

We're gearing up for Week 9 of the 2011 fantasy football season, and as is the case in many weeks, some stars have prime matchups that should net big fantasy production while other stars have matchups that leave plenty of room for their fantasy owners to be concerned.

Here's a look at a handful of such players, and while they'll likely find themselves in starting lineups in the majority of leagues their fantasy owners should at least take into consideration that these players may be in for relatively disappointing days. Brave owners may actually want to bench these players if they have any sort of comparable options.

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick: QB, Buffalo Bills (vs. NYJ)

Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been a large part of the Bills surprising 5-2 start. The team rewarded the seventh-year veteran by inking him to a six year, $59 million contract extension last week.

Fantasy football's 10th ranked signal caller is apt to find the sledding tougher than usual against cornerback Darrelle Revis and the New York Jets Sunday, as no team has allowed fewer fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season.

2. Rashard Mendenhall: RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. BAL)

It's been an up and down season for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall, who is averaging only 3.8 yards per carry this year. But the fourth-year pro has played well in two of the past three games, gaining 216 rushing yards and scoring a touchdown in that pair of contests.

Mendenhall will have his hands full and then some with the Baltimore Ravens this week, who have allowed the second fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. The Ravens' defense limited Mendenhall to a paltry 45 yards on 12 carries in Week 1.

3. DeMarco Murray: RB, Dallas Cowboys (vs. SEA)

Rookie running back DeMarco Murray is stating his case to be the primary running back for the Dallas Cowboys even once Felix Jones returns from injury, gaining 327 rushing yards and scoring a touchdown over the past two games.

Murray will face his stiffest test of the season to date when the Cowboys face the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, as Seattle has been the seventh worst fantasy matchup for opposing running backs so far this year.

4. Anquan Boldin: WR, Baltimore Ravens (at PIT)

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin had one of his best games of the season in last week's come-from-behind win over the Arizona Cardinals. Boldin reeled in seven catches for 145 yards for his second 100+ yard receiving day in his past three games.

Boldin will be hard pressed to make it three out of four this week when the Ravens travel to Pittsburgh. The Steelers are the stingiest fantasy matchup in the National Football League for opposing wideouts this season.

5. Rob Gronkowski: TE, New England Patriots (vs. NYG)

Tight end Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots is enjoying a breakout second season in the NFL. He has snatched 36 passes for 495 yards and five touchdowns entering Week 9, and is fantasy football's second-ranked tight end.

Gronkowski also checks in at second in my Top 10 Players at Each Position article here at Bleacher Report this week, but with a matchup upcoming against a New York Giants team that's allowed the second fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends starting Gronkowski this week carries some risk.