Week 13 Fantasy Rankings: Steven Jackson and Big-Name Studs to Bench

Just because you drafted someone high doesn't mean that you should play him now. As the fantasy playoffs are rapidly approaching, many owners now need to find a way into the playoffs. To do that, you need to know who to start. 

You also need to know who to bench. These players are all starting in the majority of ESPN leagues. If you own these players, you need to give strong consideration toward lowering those numbers.

Steven Jackson

This one is really quite simple. The 49ers have the top rushing defense in the league. The 49ers haven't allowed 100 yards rushing to a player or team all season. San Francisco also hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown. 

Nothing about this really sets up well for a strong game.

Jackson had a three-game stretch where he hit 100 yards or more earlier in the year but has failed to hit 65 in his last two games. The Seahawks and Cardinals don't have run defenses that equal the 49ers.

Philip Rivers

I'm not saying Rivers' career is done. No, great quarterbacks do battle through tough seasons from time to time. Still, until this one is over, it's time to use Rivers sparingly, if at all. 

The Jaguars have a strong defense and the Chargers are in an absolute tailspin. Rivers is just throwing too many interceptions. His yardage and touchdown totals just don't do enough to make up for the problems.

Rivers did torch Jacksonville last season, but that's not going to happen again. The Jaguars defense is playing well against opposing quarterbacks, and the Rivers of 2011 is not the same man that took the field in 2010.

Steve Johnson

I'm hesitant to call Johnson a star, but here we are. Johnson was a strong fantasy player a week ago against Darrelle Revis, so this looks OK.

But his performance at the end of Sunday's game is making me seriously doubt that Ryan Fitzpatrick will throw him the ball too often. 

Also, he's had a hard time staying consistent all year. Johnson hasn't hit 100 yards all year, and his touchdown last week was his first since Week 6. Don't bank on a repeat performance.