Week 9 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Philip Rivers and Others to Bench

I want to first emphasize that I really like Philip Rivers. Most people are unaware of the fact that he's a great guy and we all know he's a fantastic NFL quarterback when he's healthy. However, this season has been horrible for the 29-year-old. 

Rivers currently sits 16th in ESPN's fantasy ranking for quarterbacks, and frankly, with the way he has played this season, that might be a bit generous. But despite his struggles, the Chargers' signal caller is always a threat for a breakout game, it just won't come in Week 9 against the undefeated Green Bay Packers. 

So far this season Rivers has completed 167 of 259 passes (64.5 percent) for 2,084 yards, with seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Simply put, for a guy as good he is that's unacceptable. Until he turns things around you should probably find another fantasy option at quarterback because it probably won't be a quick process of him figuring something out and bouncing right back.

The Chargers have been a disappointment as a team all season, and with a banged up offensive line and three running backs battered, there won't be much help surrounding Rivers this Sunday. Bench him and bring on your backup. 

Like Rivers, Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has been a complete disappointment. After holding out for a bigger deal in the preseason, Johnson landed a six-year, $55.26 million contract from the Titans and has rewarded the team by being a complete flop. 

Johnson has just 302 yards and one touchdown on 107 carries through seven games. That's an average of just 2.8 yards per carry. He has also hauled in 27 catches for 160 yards, which is a dismal average of 5.9 yards per catch.

Worse yet, Johnson's backup Javon Ringer has run well and coach Mike Munchak has indicated that the two will now split carries in Tennessee's backfield. 

This weekend Johnson and the Titans face the Cincinnati Bengals and the second-ranked run defense. That means even if Johnson were at full speed and getting all the carries, he would be a marginal starter at best. However, with the way he has played and the team he's facing, there is no way the East Carolina product should be in your lineup in Week 9.

Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden has been very good this season and Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos would be favorable for the 24-year-old back. But McFadden is still struggling with a foot sprain and was held out of practice on Thursday.

Even if by some miracle McFadden is active on Sunday it's doubtful the Raiders will push him. Oakland has a capable backup in Michael Bush, so expect him to get almost all of the first- and second-down carries with Taiwan Jones possibly being the team's third-down back.

There is no need for the Raiders to rush McFadden back, especially against a bad Denver team. Make sure you have one of your reserves replacing him in the lineup this weekend.