Last week I recommended branching out and adding different types of leagues to enhance your fantasy experience. So naturally, this week I'm going to suggest you get rid of some of your leagues this year.
Wait, what?
Is this like when politicians say something, then say the complete opposite a few days later? Was I for adding leagues before I was against it? Am I a flip-flopper?
No, no and no. Both pieces of advice make sense together. I think you should join leagues that add something new to your fantasy experience. And I think now is a good time to cut some dead weight that you've accumulated over the years.
Like fantasy hoarders, we tend to pick up leagues here and there, and hang onto them like old clothes we don't even like wearing anymore. Maybe you're in an office league but you don't work there anymore. Maybe someone asked you to join a last-minute league a few years back, and you just stuck around. Maybe you joined one with your ex-girlfriend's brother a long time ago, and since it's all online and you don't have to talk to anyone, you're still there.
Or maybe you found yourself in a league of inexperienced owners, and it's become a pretty reliable cash cow for you. You don't hang out with any of them, but you don't mind taking their money. Whatever the circumstance, you have a league or two that mean something, and then a bunch of stragglers where you keep playing because it's kind of a habit.
Well, now is a good time to ditch those habits. If the league isn't really adding anything to your fantasy experience, let it go. Instead of asking "why not?" ask yourself "why?" instead. Why are you in this league? Is it important to you? If you didn't play, would the season be any less fun? Are you really an active, interested owner?
If you're not sure, or the answer is "no," everyone is better off if you leave. You can spend more time on the leagues that matter (or new leagues you're joining) and the league has a chance to add a more-enthusiastic owner. It might not be your main league, but it's probably somebody's main league. Isn't it more fun for them to have a league full of owners who care just as much?
Money can't be the only reason to stay, even if you win a lot. Unless it's a high-stakes league it's probably not worth your time. Fantasy football isn't supposed to be a job. It's supposed to be fun. Would you keep playing if it was just for pride? If not, maybe you don't really need that league.
I understand that you don't want to leave them scrambling for a replacement. But it's July, so they have plenty of time to find another owner. It's not like their draft is tomorrow, right? They have several weeks to find someone else.
Actually, less might be more when it comes to fantasy football. If you only play in your "main" leagues, every match-up is critical. The losses hurt more, but the victories are that much sweeter. Every fantasy decision is tied to an important league, so there's always a lot on the line. Sure, you won't get the consolation prize of dominating a league of strangers. But if you went 5-9 in your main league, and 12-2 in the anonymous online league, guess what? You're still 5-9. Might as well put your eggs in the most important baskets.
But wait, you say. It only takes a few minutes a week to be an active owner. It's not hurting anybody, and you're providing better competition than some buffoon who doesn't know Le'Veon Bell from Joique Bell. If you've got the time, why not?
Again, try asking "why?" instead of "why not?" If you don't have a good reason why the league is worth your time, maybe it isn't. Maybe you're better off doing something else. Maybe prepping for your first auction league is better than going through the motions with four meaningless paint-by-numbers leagues.
Hey, maybe your significant other would like a little more time with you. That's a good option, too. Or maybe the team in your main league could use a little more attention, and that could help you win a title. That's an even better option.
In any case, thin out the herd and eliminate some leagues. Then find a new system you like and add some leagues back in. It makes perfect sense, right? And I'm not even running for office. No super PAC, nothing. Not even a hat or a button. Just some friendly advice to get things in order while you have some extra time this month. Good luck.
Do you have leagues that you stay in year after year for no real reason? Do you think I'm crazy, and enjoy having a bunch of extra leagues in your stable? Share your thoughts below.