Week 9 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Chris Johnson and Others You Must Bench

With each new week in fantasy football there are those whom you know to bench and to start. However, being caught on the fence with one or two players can really be the difference whether you win or lose.

Therefore, to help you decide (even if you don't agree), here are four players to bench in Week 9.

Joe Flacco: QB, Baltimore Ravens (at Pittsburgh Steelers)

If there's any weakness that the Ravens have, it's Flacco at QB. And it's not that he's a bad QB by any means, but is he really a better QB than Ray Rice is a RB, or anyone of their defense for that matter?

He has a diverse array of receiving targets, however, he only has eight TDs to six picks and a rating of just over 75.

This week's matchup against Pittsburgh may appear to be favorable as the Steelers aren't going to be fully loaded, but they still have the No. 1 ranked pass defense and the No. 8 ranked rush defense.

That said, don't be surprised if Flacco plays poorly again on the road like in Jacksonville because you know the Steel Curtain will be well-prepared. Especially in a game of this magnitude.

Rashard Mendenhall: RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

On the flip-side from Flacco, Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall should take a seat this week in fantasy. The Ravens have a Top 5 defense against the rush and pass, and if there's any weakness on Pittsburgh's offense, it's their offensive line.

Yes, they've been improving since the games against Indy and Houston, but Baltimore is a whole different animal. If the Steelers are to have success, they will need to at least attempt to run the ball, just don't expect anything to come from it.

Best-case scenario is that Mendenhall prevents Baltimore from blitzing often and keeps them honest, while also staying in to block in passing situations. He will be diligently used, but the production won't happen.

Jay Cutler: QB, Chicago Bears (at Philadelphia Eagles)

The Bears may have had two weeks to prepare for the Eagles, but that doesn't mean Jay Cutler is going to light it up on the road. Philadelphia's defense has been significantly making strides toward improving and Chicago has yet to really get consistent.

Now, both are coming off two straight wins, however, Philly is much more dynamic than Chicago. The Bears offense really consists of RB Matt Forte and that's it. Forte will have success this week, but only early on as the Eagles will key on him all game.

If you want to beat the Bears, force Mike Martz into giving Jay Cutler the green light. Although he's shown the ability to dominate, Cutler can just as easily be on the Rex Grossman level.

Philly's pass defense is only gaining confidence and Chicago lacks any versatility outside of Forte.

Chris Johnson: RB, Tennessee Titans (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)

As a team, the Tennessee Titans rank No. 32 in rushing offense and RB Chris Johnson has only compiled 302 yards through seven games.

In addition, the Bengals rank No. 2 against the rush and No. 9 against the pass, defensively. So, not only are the odds just against Johnson, but they're against the entire Titans offense from producing any formidable results.

And just because it's a home game doesn't give Tennessee the advantage. Cincinnati has proven they can play well on the road and having a Top 10 defense gives them a major edge. The way Johnson has produced thus far just goes to show the importance of training camp and the preseason.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

You can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.