Week 13 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Steven Jackson and Stars in Bad Matchups

It's tough to bench a star. You probably drafted them high and now you have to contend with injuries, thereby thinning out the waiver wire.

Still, it has to be done in some cases. In Week 13, these players need to be benched. You're in a playoff push and given their matchups, these guys just aren't reliable enough to play.

Steven Jackson

The 49ers haven't given up a 100-yard rushing game (to a team or player), and haven't allowed a rushing touchdown all season. Until they do, no opposing running back is a good play against them.

We saw them shut down Ray Rice, and that was in a game they lost. In this one, the 49ers look to be ahead for most of it. 

That means that the Rams won't be doing a lot of rushing; this is just an ugly matchup for Jackson. I hate saying that because though I am a 49ers fan, Jackson has always been one of my favorite players. Still, nothing objective about this matchup really works well for Jackson.

Ray Rice

Rice does have one thing working in his favor here: unlike Jackson, he'll likely be playing from ahead for most of the game. Still, Cleveland's defense is actually a solid unit. Their offense is beyond abysmal, but their defense has remained steady all season. 

While I do expect Baltimore to win this game, I am looking for field position and maybe a big play or two to give them the game. Rice will be a big part of their strategy and will pick up some key yards, but not enough for your fantasy team. 

As good as he is, Rice is a man to avoid.

Stevie Johnson

Frankly, I am surprised Stevie Johnson is owned and starting in as many leagues as he is, but that's how it is.

Johnson has not had a good year this season. Apart from a few good games, he's been nothing short of a bust. A game against the Titans means an all-day matchup against Cortland Finnegan—that's not going to go well.

Receiver is far too deep of a position to play a guy like Johnson against a DB like Finnegan. Johnson'll be Week 13 a bust. Let him bust on your bench.