Look, I get it. Sometimes things just don't go your way. The team you thought had a real shot to win a title is already out of the playoff race. You're not even the Jets, clinging to some crazy hope of somehow sneaking into the postseason (and getting to use Aaron Rodgers). You're the Panthers, the worst team in the worst division, knowing the season is over weeks before it actually ends. All you can do is fire everybody in sight and schedule a tee time.
Knowing all that, it's tempting to put your fantasy team on autopilot and move on. But you have games left on the schedule, and the league needs you to play them out. If you won't do it for your personal pride, do it for the other managers whose fortunes might rely on the results of your remaining games.
It's easy to be an active, enthusiastic owner when you still see a path to a championship. But the true test of your value as a league member is how you behave when your team isn't playing past the regular season. It's important that you play out the schedule with the same effort to win as you put in the beginning. Because even if the games don't mean as much to you, there's a good chance they mean a lot to other teams.
If you're playing a playoff hopeful, tanking at the end affects spots and seeds, which affects the entire outcome of the postseason. Some teams might need to beat you, while others are rooting for an upset. You can still ruin someone else's chance at glory. Aside from winning yourself, what's more fun than that? You might not win a trophy, but you'll earn an offseason full of trash-talking fun. Kick a buddy out of the playoffs, and never let them forget it. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
Besides, isn't this what you'd want an eliminated team to do if the roles were reversed? Imagine the drama of a true playoff race ruined because a selfish manager chose to abandon the team once they couldn't make the playoffs themselves. It's not fair to the league or its managers. You signed up to play a full schedule, and you owe it to everyone to do just that.
The problem is that these derelict owners aren't bailing on fantasy football. They're just bailing on that particular league. That 3-9 manager is 9-3 somewhere else, or 7-5, or maybe even 11-1. So, like a favorite child, they dote on the overachiever, while neglecting the disappointment. That's bad parenting, and bad fantasy management. Play to win, no matter your record.
Now, some managers think they do the right thing. They make sure their starters are all playing and bye week players are on the bench. And that's great, but it's the bare minimum. I think you should work the waiver wire, give real thought to who deserves a start and set your very best lineup. Play week 13 the way you played week 3. Don’t be anybody’s cupcake opponent. Try your best to finish strong. It’s part of your job as a league member, and it’s the right thing to do.
Finally, here’s something you already know but might have forgotten: Winning feels good. Even if you’re out of the playoff race, and even if you’re just doing it for yourself. Winning feels better than losing. Watching the scores roll in and besting your opponent is a good day, no matter your record. So don’t deny yourself a little fun as the season concludes. You have nothing to lose, but your opponent might. Talk some trash before the game, make their week a little more stressful, and enjoy yourself. You waited all offseason for a chance to play this game again. Don’t cut it short because the other weeks didn’t go your way. Finish strong, and good luck this week.
How do you stay motivated when the playoffs are out of reach? Have you ever kept a buddy out of the postseason by rallying for some late-season wins? Share your thoughts below.