Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees are out for several weeks (Ben is gone for the year, and I think the Brees timetable is very optimistic). If that was the end of the story, it would be pretty impactful for fantasy teams. Odds are decent that someone is starting Brees, and Roethlisberger is likely at least part of a committee or in the conversation to start each week.
Unfortunately, that's not the end of the story. It's just the beginning.
I don't mean it's the beginning of the injury story, though there's a good argument for that interpretation. Tyreek Hill, James Conner, Damien Williams, Michael Gallup, Derrius Guice, DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, Tevin Coleman, Sam Darnold and Nick Foles are just some of the fantasy-relevant names whose injuries have impacted fantasy teams to varying degrees, or could impact them going forward. And that doesn't count holdouts, early retirements and surprise cuts that affected leagues after their draft or auction.
Did I mention that we've played exactly two games so far?
But really, I meant something else. With Ben and Brees out of the lineup, other very important (likely more important) fantasy players will feel the impact. Guys like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Michael Thomas in the passing game, and James Conner and Alvin Kamara in the running game. All four of those players were probably drafted in the first couple of rounds, so we're talking about multiple teams re-evaluating one of their early picks. Plus the quarterbacks. Plus the kickers. Fun times in mid-September, right?
But here's the thing: You're not going to bench any of those early picks. You'll just have to lower your expectations. It's technically possible the change could help some of them fantasy-wise, though you'd probably be happy with no change at all. But there could be a drop in production, and it could be a significant one. And if a different team owned each player, it would affect about a third of the league. And if different teams also started Roethlisberger and Brees, you're talking half of your league's franchises.
Clearly, this is where depth comes into play. You knew you'd need your bench for bye weeks and injuries throughout the season. But now, after week 2, backup quarterbacks might be pressed into duty much earlier than expected. And if your starter's production is hindered by the real-world changes, you might need a depth player to step up at the other running back or wide receiver (or flex) spot to make up the difference. Or not. You never know.
Of course, what's bad for one fantasy team might be good for another. Not only are your opponents thrown into flux, but new opportunities might emerge. A new starter could be worth a roster spot, and a new favorite target could earn flex status. Seemingly-dominant teams might now just look "good" on paper. Or not. You never know.
What you do know is that change is inevitable. It doesn't always happen so quickly, but it does happen. The same principles apply in week 2 as they do in week 10. Expect that it will affect related players, but don't assume to what degree they'll be affected. Have your depth ready to step in when necessary. Look for opportunities in the new circumstances.
And finally, know that there will be more to come. Even if you dodged some bullets over the past couple weeks, Lady Luck is reloading. Make sure your bench is as strong as it can possibly be. Soon enough it might be you scrambling for MRI results, reports of knee swelling, and deciphering just how "limited" a limited practice really was. Or it might be your player who is affected by someone else's injury. Over prepare, but don't overreact.
At least there's plenty of time to adjust and the waiver wire might have new starters on it. See? Even lead balloons have silver linings. Good luck this week.
Which of your players have been affected by injuries? Was it to them directly, or to a teammate? What are your expectations and how are you reacting? Share your thoughts below.