Hi Kemo.
A very difficult possible ending to week 17 and championship runs but there are other priorities such as life itself. We all all hoping for a full recovery for Damar. I never saw the incident live since I usually don’t watch games where I have significant players in my lineups. Watching the replays later was scary enough.
We try at the same time to come to some return to normalcy as difficult as it may be. That may include figuring out a responsible and fair end to fantasy seasons across the country.
I have four ESPN “fun” leagues where I am the commish but ESPN controls the rules and in this case the hold on the playoff results until the NFL decides which way to proceed. I have no say in their decision but could make manual adjustments if needed with the league’s member’s approval. My “pro” $$ leagues are where my remaining four playoff teams reside in the third week of their total points competition and again I have zero say there in the league’s decisions.
It sounds like there will be a “normal” week 18 schedule and then the NFL may decide to resume the MNF game in a new “week 19” but there’s no official word yet. I can’t remember something like this happening previously other than maybe a mid-game weather/lightning cancellation a few years ago and not sure how that was resolved.
I also came up with the “average” scoring on players that were in the MNF game as a possible solution if it gets cancelled and would probably do that in my ESPN leagues if the powers above allow it and owners involved feel it’s fair. I don’t think giving owners who started Allen or Burrow for championship week should receive a zero for something that was beyond their control. If the NFL decides to play the game in week 19, then everyone waits until then for an answer.
As you said in your intro, it’s difficult talking fantasy football under these circumstances and there may be readers of yours that disagree and feel differently regarding an correct ending to the playoffs. If so, I hope I haven’t offended anyone that feels that way. For us, fantasy football is a game we have enjoyed for many years. For players in the game itself, it’s their life and they take it very seriously. We need to do the same when something like this happens. Thx again Kemo.
Actually I was surprised as well. Figured someone would have week 18 games scheduled. Funny thing is that in all of my seasons posting here, I think it’s the first time I could claim to be first post! That seemed to be a special honor of some kind to many here.
My “pro” leagues seemed to decide that if the game is played, it will count for the playoffs. If it isn’t, the game is canceled and no scoring or maybe just what was done for the first ten minutes or so will count. NFL decision coming in the next couple of days according to the talking heads on TV. ESPN is talking something similar.
It’s a tricky situation and a fine line to walk but hopefully with news that Damar is improving and awake, people will relax a bit and “real” football will continue even if championship fantasy comes to an abrupt halt. Like many, I have mixed feelings but would probably like to see the game played since I have Josh (twice) along with Diggs and Davis in my lineups. But real life has to take precedence over our fantasy lives so I understand both points of view. It’s possible based on the poor play of several of my normally big producers, that I’m too far back in week 3 of total points to improve my playoff standings by adding points from MNF. And yes, I still haven’t looked to see how my four teams have done compared to the others. And yes, I really need to get over that superstition……Looking forward for your off season advice – but wait, I thought you guys say there is no off season? Take care. 🙂
Hello Jeff…I would be interested in your thoughts about Brock Purdy, Sam Howell, and Kyle Trask. Given Lance’s injury history and being slower than expected in picking up the offense, how much of a chance does Purdy have of winning the starting job next year? Howell looked good in the preseason and the job seems wide open. With Brady almost a certainty to move on from the Bucs does Trask have a legitimate shot at taking over the top job?
I would appreciate your take on these guys. Thanks!
Great work all year, Jeff. I really appreciate your weekly insight into your thinking, philosophy, trends and more. Please continue to do so well into the future. Wishing you and yours a prosperous and healthy 2023.
