Can fantasy owners trust Philip Rivers down the stretch?

• Seattle QB Russell Wilson is riding high with nine TDs and no interceptions in his last four gamesHot waiver wire pickup Chris Givens of the Rams has 16 catches and 207 yards over the past two weeksChargers QB Philip Rivers has as many touchdowns in his last six games as he does interceptions

It's crunch time in fantasy leagues with the playoffs underway. Making the right lineup decisions could be the difference between moving on to the next round ... or moving on to fantasy baseball.

On the fence about which players to sit or start? Here are some players who may be causing you some concern.

START

QB Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks (vs. Arizona)

Normally we wouldn't recommend starting many quarterbacks against the Cardinals, but hot off a road victory against the Bears, the rookie's confidence is at an all-time high. Wilson has nine touchdowns and no interceptions the last four weeks and is unbeaten at home. The Cards remain a Jeykll-and-Hyde defense in 2012, stuffing Matt Ryan, Mark Sanchez, and Tom Brady, but looking foolish against Aaron Rodgers, Sam Bradford and Alex Smith.

RB Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills (vs. St. Louis)

The Bills have dealt with injuries at running back, bouncing back and forth between Jackson and C.J. Spiller, but when both are healthy, Jackson remains the main back. Last week, Jackson had five carries for every three that Spiller had and still, both had good games. They have a great matchup against the Rams, who despite holding teams to an above-average 114.4 rushing yards per game, have also allowed a third-worst 15 rushing touchdowns. Jackson should get a majority of the touches, but both are strong plays this week.

WR Chris Givens, St. Louis Rams (at Buffalo)

One of this week's hottest waiver-wire pickups is deserving of a flex start against a Bills team that continues to give wideouts a generous cushion. Receivers are averaging 13 receptions, 159.1 yards and 1.3 touchdowns each week and Givens is on fire with 16 receptions, 20 targets, and 207 yards the last two weeks. If Danny Amendola continues to miss time, look for the rookie to secure flex starts during the fantasy playoff season.

TE Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions (vs. Green Bay)

Now that Ryan Broyles is probably done for the season, Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler are enjoying a boost in looks. At some point other receivers have to be added to the mix to help out Calvin Johnson. Titus Young remains in the doghouse and Mike Thomas was signed to help out, but for now, Pettigrew is the quick fix. He has 23 targets in the last two weeks and 39 in the last four. We're hoping that means more red zone action for Pettigrew, who we've expected to be more integral this season.

SIT

QB Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers (at Pittsburgh)

With Rivers, the temptation is always there. The temptation to start, him, that is. Yes we've seen him have the big performances in the past, but this season it's just not been there for him. He has as many passing touchdowns as he does turnovers (8) in his last six games. If that wasn't enough then consider San Diego travels across the country to play at the Pittsburgh Steelers, who've given up just one passing touchdown in their last five games. So avoid the Rivers temptation this week.

RB DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers (vs. Atlanta)

Looking at the last two weeks you see double-digit carries in each game for Williams. Possible flex candidate, right? Sure, if you want to be disappointed by his lackluster production, again. He's mustered just 88 rushing yards over that span, he's only scored one touchdown in the last seven weeks, and quarterback Cam Newton is basically the entire scoring offense. One of Williams' rare touchdowns this season did come against the Falcons, but don't bet on a repeat.

WR Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals (at Seattle)

It's a shame to have to put a player of Fitzgerald's caliber on the Sit 'Em list. Alas, that is where we find ourselves because of the Arizona quarterback situation. John Skelton is back at quarterback after the failed Ryan Lindley experiment, though that's not saying much. Skelton has just two touchdown passes this season. Combine that with a Seattle defense that's given up just one touchdown to a receiver in the last four games and Fitzgerald belongs on the bench this week.

TE Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers (at Pittsburgh)

If it's not clear by now, we hate the matchup this week for all San Diego players, and that includes tight end Antonio Gates. The Steelers are giving up a league-low 5.1 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, and they've yielded just one touchdown to a tight end in their last eight games. Gates hasn't exactly set the world on fire recently, as he's now gone three consecutive games without a score and during that stretch he's averaged 3.3 catches a game. Just better to avoid him altogether.

Ernie Estrella and Cory Steger write for BrunoBoys.net, a USA TODAY Sports Media Group affiliate