The formula for a successful fantasy football year is 30 percent preparation, 20 percent in-season diligence and 50 percent luck. Factored into the luck part is recognizing new impact players, getting them at the right time and most importantly, avoiding any major injuries to your stud players.
Well, last Sunday, owners of Baltimore Ravens running back stud Ray Rice got hit with a dose of the unlucky when Rice suffered a hip injury that threatens to derail him for week 3. Owner of the current longest streak of straight games for running backs (43), Rice was hit with the dreaded diagnosis of death for fantasy owners on Friday when the question was asked of his availability to coach John Harbaugh.
“Game time decision” Harbaugh said after Baltimore’s Friday practice.
Let the groans begin because as any fantasy owner worth his salt knows, this is the worst possible outcome of any type of injury. Yes, that’s right, even worse than season ending because at least with the player out you know that putting in a substitution is something that must be done.
But no,not with a GTD.
With a GTD, owners are stuck with the stress and last minute lineup decisions associated with it. If the player plays, is he going to be effective? Should you start him? If I don’t start him and he plays lights out, do I use the rope to hang myself or should I just throw myself in front of the next passing garbage truck?
See, the questions go on and on and almost any way you go, you are left second guessing yourself.
On a positive note however, the Ravens are listing Rice as doubtful and since it’s a Friday, more than likely Bernard Pierce will be getting his first start of the season — yes, more than likely, yet another statement that isn’t conclusive.
I would highly recommend using that reserve running back your drafted late to fill-in for your upcoming bye weeks. Hopefully they’re serviceable.
James LeBeau is an avid fantasy football participant and a sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @Jlebeau76 or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
