Week 13 Start Em Sit Em: Steven Jackson and Others You Must Bench

With playoff hopes on the line, starting and sitting the right players is vital to keeping your fantasy season alive. That being said, here are four players to bench in Week 13.

Steven Jackson: RB, Rams (at 49ers)

There was a quick span of three weeks this season where Steven Jackson just went off and dominated every opposing defense this season (Weeks 8-10). However, outside of that production he's seen limited success (had a good game against Green Bay).

This week however, he won't have much production as St. Louis plays at San Francisco who has the NFL's No. 1 rush defense, allowing just 75 yards per game. Even if they try to throw early to setup the run later it won't matter because St. Louis doesn't have multiple receiving threats to derive attention.

Count in Jackson's inconsistency with the Rams scarce passing attack and Jackson should remain on the bench this week.

Mark Sanchez: QB, Jets (at Redskins)

Last week Mark Sanchez may have thrown four TDs, but it came against a Bills defense that allows almost 250 pass yards per game and ranks just No. 22.

In Week 13 though, Sanchez plays a Redskins defense who not only ranks No. 10 against the pass, but has to solid pass-rushers in Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan.

Make no mistake about it, Sanchez has definitely been improving. However he still needs to prove consistency because playing above his potential once in a while isn't persuasive enough to warrant a weekly start in fantasy.

Cedric Benson: RB, Bengals (at Steelers)

The first time Cincinnati played the Steelers RB Cedric Benson was limited to just 57 yards. This week the Bengals play at Pittsburgh who still has a Top 10 rush defense, so keeping Benson on the bench is a smart move.

For one, Cincinnati doesn't have much explosiveness offensively other than WR AJ Green, but you can expect him to be double-covered. Additionally, the Bengals rank just No. 20 in rush offense so it's clear that running the ball isn't a strength.

This season Benson has struggled against solid defenses, especially those who defend well on the ground. Therefore, don't start Benson and try to find a more feasible matchup.

Brandon Jacobs: RB, Giants (vs Packers)

It's not so much that Brandon Jacobs can't have success on the ground against Green Bay, as it is that running the ball won't affect the game too much.

We know that the Packers like to air it out and because they're playing a Giants defense who's vulnerable against the pass, New York's only chance to win is by keeping pace. That said, running the ball with Brandon Jacobs will be used sparingly in Week 13.

Also, the Giants do have an effective passing game, so why not try to match Green Bay through the air? The cheese don't defend the pass too well either, and although they lead the NFL with 22 INTs, you have to take chances when you need a win.

So, mainly because of the Giants needing to constantly throw to win, keep Jacobs on the bench.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27