Of all the fantasy-related mantras, "Dance with the one that brung ya" is the silliest. "Brung" isn't even a standard word, and neither is "ya." It just sounds goofy. But the underlying meaning in fantasy football, that in the playoffs you should stick with the guys who actually got you to the playoffs, is also ridiculous. And if you're not careful, following it is a great way to get sent home early.
I understand that you shouldn't abandon your best players for no reason. As I've stated before, making changes just to make them is a recipe for disaster. But so is blindly sticking to guys who might not be your best options in the playoffs. When every game is an elimination game, every player in your lineup needs to be evaluated.
Take Rashee Rice, for example. Since he came back from suspension, he's been a set-it-and-forget-it player. But with the team eliminated from the playoffs and Minshew behind center? Maybe, maybe not. You might have better options than a guy whose team isn't used to playing out the string, and a backup behind center. If not, keep him in the lineup and hope for the best. But if you do, bench Rice and start that guy. It's your team and you have to manage it.
If you're in the postseason, you can't afford to be loyal to your starters. You won't hurt their feelings; they don't know or care about your fantasy team. Instead, look at all options and pick the best guys for that week. Again, don't make changes without good reason. But don't "dance" with a lineup that got you to the playoffs when there are better options to help you win once you're there.
That goes for all positions, by the way. A few years ago, I had the same kicker for the entire season. I even kept him during his bye. But when the playoffs started, I went in a different direction. I don't recall all the reasons, but offensive opportunities and weather played a role. The difference in points got me a close win, and I ended up winning the title. If I had played it safe, I would have lost in the first round and wondered why I didn't go with my gut. That's not a fun way to spend a long offseason.
Now, it could have gone the other way. That decision could have cost me, making me wonder why I changed something that had worked all year. And as frustrating as that would have been, I could have dealt with it better because I made the move I thought was right. If your plan doesn't work out, that's tough. But what's tougher is watching your plan work to perfection, but you weren't brave enough to execute it.
That's probably why I don't like mantras like the one above. It takes the responsibility off a fantasy manager and lets them just shrug their shoulders while coasting to whatever result the fates have in store for them. I prefer to have you run your team every week of the season, especially when it matters most. Rice might be good this weekend, or even a great safety blanket for Gardner Minshew. He might simply be better than your other options; I have no idea. I'm just saying that you have to evaluate him (and everyone else) on what they can do for you this coming week. Find your best choices and roll with them, whether they're your established starters, your bench players, or someone you grabbed off the waiver wire. Forget the ones that brung ya. Find the ones who are going to bring you a championship. Good luck this week.
Are you hesitant to make changes in the playoffs? Has it ever helped or hurt you? What criteria do you use when making lineup adjustments? Share your thoughts below.
11 Reader Comments:
James Costello
Mark Dibble
Dwight Dummer
Michael Murillo
I don't believe I was trashing Minshew. I just don't see the situation the same without Mahomes and any hope of the playoffs. But if Minshew is a better option that who you have currently, you're doing exactly what I suggested in the article. Picking up a quarterback off the waiver wire to start in the playoffs is a great example. Evaluate every position and make the changes you think are best for the postseason, no matter who got you there.
Dave Cohen
Scott Anderson
Chuck Anderson
JOHN BENNETT
Chuck Anderson
Greg Resin
We don’t get any credit for what they’ve done to get us here, and the Chargers D has been red hot.
Good luck in yours!
This comment was removed.
Greg Resin
But still taking your advice. Coker over M. Wilson (not the same target hog with MHJ in there)