Fantasy Football Week 12 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Josh Freeman and Others To Bench

Knowing when to bench one of your better players because you have that solid gut feeling about an upcoming matchup can be extremely beneficial.

And with benching fantasy starters in mind, here are four to bench in Week 12.

Josh Freeman, QB, Buccaneers (at Tennessee)

The only reason why Freeman did well last week was because Green Bay has a horrendous pass defense. Tennessee's, however, is not only much better but more consistent.

In addition, Freeman is having a down year with just 11 TDs to 15 picks, but he has no legit targets to hit, so it's not a surprise either. And this week is also another road game which has been the Achilles Heel of Tampa all season.

Now include Freeman's inconsistency and after doing well against the Packers, he's basically due for a bad game. You can't trust him weekly, so go with a safer matchup.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants (at Saints)

According to Mike Mazzeo ESPN New York, Week 12 doesn't look good for Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw:

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Bradshaw said last week that he would “definitely” try to come back for the Giants’ road game against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. But that appears in jeopardy. He missed the last three games with a broken bone in his foot, and Coughlin said Monday that he has not been cleared to practice by team doctors.

"

That said, keep Bradshaw on your bench because he's simply too risky at this point. Even if he tries to suit up he won't be productive and his playing time would be limited anyway.

So, until Bradshaw returns for good and is back as the main Brahman Bull, defer from starting him.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Bills (at Jets)

The current skid that Buffalo finds themselves in began against the Jets a few weeks ago. During this three-game slide, Fitzpatrick has thrown just two TDs to seven picks, and the Bills have scored just 26 points.

Week 12 won't be any different, and Buffalo is also dealing with some significant injuries. Therefore, find someone who's not in a slump, otherwise you could miss out on some serious points.

New York will get pressure on Fitz and the Jets solid pass defense will suffocate the Bills passing game. In spite of their injuries, Buffalo's only chance to move the ball is on the ground.

Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers (vs Broncos)

This week you must find a QB to replace Philip Rivers who's not interception prone. This season Rivers has thrown 17 INTs to just 15 TDs, and the Bolts have lost five straight games.

Visiting this week are the 5-5 Broncos, who have one of the better pass rushes and rush offenses in the game. So, in addition to Denver controlling the clock offensively, Rivers will be under duress all game thanks to Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil.

Hence, his possessions will be limited, and when with the ball, he will be isolated. San Diego lacks a rush offense as well, which the Broncos won't respect. Therefore, we will see more of a rushing attack from the Chargers, thus limiting his attempts even more.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27