Week 12 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Andy Dalton and Others You Must Bench

As we near the fantasy football playoffs, it becomes more difficult to figure out which players to start/bench. That being said, here are four players to bench in Week 12 to ensure greater odds of victory.

Andy Dalton: QB, Bengals (vs Browns)

He's a tough sit this week since the Bengals are playing the Browns but Andy Dalton won't produce many fantasy points. First off, even though it was his first NFL game, Dalton only compiled 81 pass yards against Cleveland, but he did have a TD.

Thing is, the Browns rank No. 1 in pass defense and WR A.J. Green won't be 100 percent (if he plays). Expect Green to get shutdown whether by CB Joe Haden one-on-one or in double coverage.

Plus, the Browns rank No. 29 in rush defense so there's no reason to throw the ball anyway. Let the experienced RB Cedric Benson do work on the ground and control the game tempo. Dalton may get a few green lights, but it won't be enough to warrant a big fantasy performance.

Michael Jenkins: WR, Vikings (at Falcons)

Yeah it's Michael Jenkins, but he is not only Minnesota's best receiving threat, he is playing a weak pass defense in Atlanta this week. For Minnesota to win they will need to throw the ball because you know The Dirty Birds will air it out against the Vikings' weak pass defense.

Unfortunately however, his QB is still a rookie in Christian Ponder and being that Jenkins is Minny's best target, he will be blanketed all game. Even if the Vikings had a well-established QB under center he wouldn't be productive.

Thing is, Jenkins is capable of putting up solid numbers. The Vikings are just so unbalanced offensively that the Falcons will exploit their ineptitude. So, even if you're in the need of starting a flex, look elsewhere than Jenkins.

Julio Jones: WR, Falcons (vs Vikings)

According to Pat Yasinskas of ESPN, Julio Jones was limited at practice on Thursday:

"

"Jones participated on a limited basis, but consider this a sign the Falcons are working toward getting him ready for Sunday’s home game with Minnesota."

"

So with that, should you start Julio Jones this week? Not unless you are desperate. For one, the Falcons have been getting good production out of Harry Douglas in addition to Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White.

Therefore, QB Matt Ryan has enough toys to play with and RB Michael Turner will be used to maintain the balanced offense. Even if Jones plays, he'll most likely see limited action and targets.

Also, despite Minny's weak pass defense, Jones' health is more important long-term so there's no reason to risk a re-injury. Keep Jones on the bench as the reigns will be pulled back on his playing time, that is, if he even suits up.

Jackie Battle: RB, Chiefs (vs Steelers)

Kansas City RB Jackie Battle may have been a solid pickup when Jamaal Charles went down, but he's a bench player this week. For one, the Chiefs don't have a threatening passing game, so they are left being one-dimensional.

Additionally, the Chiefs host the Steelers this week who rank No. 3 against the pass and No. 6 against the rush. With no passing threat, you can bet on The Steel Curtain blitzing and stacking the box to no avail.

Battle will not only get shutdown, but on pass plays he'll be left in to help with the pass protection. Considering how poorly K.C. has played at home this season, the odds are significantly against him.

Let's put it this way, if the Patriots can keep him to just 33 rush yards (three receiving), Pittsburgh will easily blank his production to an absolute minimum.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27