There are weeks where let’s face it…we hate to play fantasy hockey…it just happens. It can be when you just do not feel up to it physically or mentally. It can also be when you are just expected to roll over whoever you are playing. Most times you can take much joy in it but there are times when the sting can be taken out of such joys. That is life.
When you are in a fantasy league, there are people that always take it not quite so seriously or the one that goes completely inactive. Yes there may be reasons but nothing frustrates me more than going up against an inactive manager. Its like having a bye week and yet it counts as a win. Nothing good can come of it either. People in your league will usually chuckle…”oh you got the easy week and such”.
Here is the kicker though. The mentality can set in that you really do not have to play all your players. Then the unthinkable happens…..you lose! Its bad enough you lost but losing to a team that is inactive or really doesn’t take it seriously is like a kick in the nuts followed by a hockey stick to the head. You never see that second shot coming because the first is so painful. However it really is true. Losing like that is almost the most painful way to go down in defeat in fantasy sports. The other is probably the tiebreaker in a playoff week but that is for a later time.
We often joke amongst “experts” that we would rather lose to a guy that just has a better team than us than someone who doesn’t give two craps. It really is true. Talk to any fantasy sports expert and they will say the same exact thing. Remember you are not just playing against that person but you are trying to maintain or enhance your standing within your league and/or division. It is why Head To Head leagues can sometimes leave a sour taste in your mouth.
So to be blunt….never take your opponent for granted and I mean ever. Sure the joy of winning may be taken out of the equation but think about the scary alternative. Losing can be so much more heartbreaking and cost you later especially when you lose to someone inactive. Next week, we will salute the cream of the crop as we approach Thanksgiving. See you then.
Sincerely,
Chris Wassel
Director Of The Program
