Week 15 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Cam Newton and Star Performers To Leave on the Pine

Don't let your stubbornness get between you and fantasy football glory. One false move in fantasy playoff time and your season could be over.

While it may seem like this is the time to play it safe and plug in the guys that have gotten you to this point, there are a few fantasy studs who are too risky to give the nod this week.

It's tough to bench one of your superstars, but there are some who face nightmare matchups that simply make them unusable.

Here are the star performers you should leave on the pine this week.

Rashard Mendenhall vs. 49ers

Ben Roethlisberger is banged up, but don't think for a second that the Steelers are going to be able to run the ball to compensate for his injury.

The 49ers haven't allowed a rushing touchdown this season and are putting forth a historic and impenetrable run defense.

Mendenhall has only one game of over 100 yards on the season. He's a must-sit this week.

Carson Palmer vs. Lions

Carson Palmer has a knack for putting up big numbers even in the worst defeats, but with six interceptions in his last three games and Ndamukong Suh making his return this week, Palmer is going to struggle just as he did against the Vikings.

Drew Brees was able to torch the Lions, but Palmer isn't that caliber of quarterback. Michael Bush hasn't been himself and the now one-dimensional Raiders are going to struggle against the Lions.

DeSean Jackson vs. Jets

DeSean Jackson has regressed into an unusable fantasy option. To make matters worse, he's going to be on Revis Island this week.

Jackson hasn't racked up over 100 yards in his last eight outings. He's no longer one of the most-feared deep threats in the league and now that he has a guy covering him that can run with him stride for stride, it's not going to be pretty for DJax.

Cam Newton vs. Texans

Cam Newton is already an NFL superstar, but he's facing a nightmare matchup this week. The Texans have the No. 1 defense in the NFL and have a top-five pass and run defense.

Wade Phillips has the means to deal with Newton's legs and his arm. After throwing for over 350 yards in three of his first four games, he hasn't hit the 300-yard mark since.