Nothing burns a fantasy manager more than leaving valuable points on the bench.
It comes with the territory, of course, especially with bye weeks over and everyone’s benches full of capable talent. But with the fantasy playoffs looming, making the right decision on who to start or sit can be the difference between a postseason bye, a favorable seed or the infamy of not making the playoffs along with that guy that never checked his team after Week Four.
Pop quiz: Which team is giving up the fewest points this season? The Indianapolis Colts came into Sunday allowing just 15.8 points a game, which meant fantasy owners with Ravens had to tread carefully. Joe Flacco was bad and Ray Rice was average, while Derrick Mason put up respectable non-touchdown numbers and kicker Billy Cundiff was outstanding.
Many fantasy binges this week played out as statistics suggested. Steve Smith (Carolina) against the Dolphins’ secondary, Greg Jennings (Packers) against the 49ers’ fourth-worst pass defense, the woeful Lions and Browns against each other.
Savvy owners need to scout the defenses their fantasy studs are up against.
Sure, everyone knew the Vikings would rip the Seahawks, but by land or air? The Seahawks are much better at stopping the run, which meant Adrian Peterson was average and Brett Favre was spectacular.
Points allowed and yards allowed provide the most insight. Injuries, however, can make teams suddenly vulnerable.
Playing the percentages isn’t always sexy, but it’s the smart play down the stretch. Remember, it has worked for Vegas for decades.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Ryan Grant, Packers, RB 21 carries, 129 yards, touchdown
Terrell Owens, Bills, WR Nine catches, 197 yards, touchdown
Bernard Scott, Bengals, RB 21 carries, 119 yards
Jason Snelling, Falcons, RB 25 carries, 76 yards, two touchdowns
Ricky Williams, Dolphins, RB 22 carries, 119 yards, 2 touchdowns; two catches, 19 yards, touchdown
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants, RB 12 carries, 34 yards
Joe Flacco, Ravens, QB 23 completions, 256 yards, interception
Mark Sanchez, Jets, QB Eight completions, 136 yards, touchdown, 4 interceptions
Jeremy Shockey, Saints, TE Two catches, 17 yards
Roddy White, Falcons, WR Four catches, 45 yards (gimpy knee)
