Remember the visual test where you'd see a tall, thin glass and a short, wide glass and you'd be asked which held more liquid? People tend to choose the taller glass, but it turns out they're the same.
That's pretty much week 1 of your fantasy season.
Which game means more: The first real game in about seven months following a full offseason, free agency, draft, training camp and a slate of preseason games? Or an October contest where around 70 hours separates the end of the previous week on Monday and the beginning of the next week on Thursday?
Like the tall glass, we're tempted to say week 1, when you finally get to see your fantasy team in action. But you already know that they're exactly the same. It just doesn't feel that way right now.
The difference between 1-0 and 0-1 is just one game, but it seems like a lot more than that. Nobody goes through the work of putting a team together just to see them lose in their first opportunity. It feels like your strategy was wrong, your starters are busts and your team needs to be dismantled. You know that's not how it is, but everyone's leash just got a lot shorter and the end of your bench is that much closer to hitting the waiver wire. Throw in an untimely injury, and your enthusiasm for the season can be neutralized in just a few hours.
How can you shake that ugly feeling? First of all, know that it will dissipate over time. You'll probably get most of that excitement back by this coming weekend. Your new team is still new, and they'll have a chance to redeem themselves before you know it.
But if you're really frustrated, check out the other teams that lost in your league. Four or five (maybe six) other owners are now 0-1 as well. Take a look at their rosters and you'll see a lot of talent. There might be guys you wanted on draft day. You might even find teams that seem better than yours, and look (on paper) like title contenders. And guess what? They lost, too. They shouldn't panic or get too frustrated. They're still a great team. You might have one as well.
By the way, this advice also applies if you're 1-0. It's just one game. If you find yourself falling in love with your players, look at the other teams that won in your league. I bet some of them don't look like world-beaters. You might even be shocked they could beat anyone. But there they are at 1-0. Should they consider themselves league favorites? Your record is the same as theirs, so don't read too much into things right now. You've got a lot of work to do.
NFL teams face the same frustrations as well. Are the 0-1 Colts really miles apart from the 1-0 Bills? Many people probably like the Colts' prospects better, but one team feels let down while the other is beaming. Both teams to keep things in check after one game, and you can bet their coaches will stress that all this week.
Being 1-0 is always better than being 0-1, but that's really all you can say about it. Everything else is in your head because you've waited so long for something in the win/loss column. And I realize I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. But maybe a quick reminder will help you in the aftermath of week 1, and make better decisions in week 2. Even if that means not making any new decisions at all. Good luck this week.
How are you feeling after the first game? How do you keep things in check, whether you won or lost? Share your thoughts below.