Up by 21 going into Monday night (1 Viewer)

[Jersey35]

Going into Monday night's game this week one of the teams (not mine) in my league is up by 21 with one WR left to play. He can start Ochocinco or Hines Ward. His opponent has only Roethlisberger remaining. 21 points is a pretty good game in our league - usually requires 3 TDs.

Who should he start and why?

EDIT TO ADD: what if he were DOWN 21 points? (thanks Inca)

 

[Mr. Retukes]

Start Ward because Ochocinco sucks.

 

[Jersey35]

Start Ward because Ochocinco sucks.

Well, in my league, Ochocinco has outscored Ward 67 to 56, or just over a point per game more. I'm not sure that seems like the obvious call here.

 

[Samuel L Bronkowitz]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

 

[Jersey35]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

 

[Penguin]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

Yes

 

[footballnerd]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

Who should he start and why?

 

[Das Boot]

Start Ward because Ochocinco sucks.

That, and IMO Ward is the more consistent scorer, plus he negates to some extent Big Ben's scoring.Ocho's due sooner or later for one of his patented 2 TD 180 yard games (you know, the kind TO is already putting up ).But I sure wouldn't be rolling Ocho out every week just to get his one or two big games a year.

 

[Samuel L Bronkowitz]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

That was rather toolish of me, I apologize.That said, I don't post here very often anymore because of threads like this. I don't feel it adds any value to the forum and I'm sure many would agree. When asking about a specific game in your league, that supposedly doesn't even involve you, how does that relate to the fantasy football community as a whole? I don't want to sound harsh here, but no one cares.If you were asking about strategy RE starting a WR while the opponent has the same teams' QB, I'd be on board. To me this comes across as a thinly veiled WDIS thread.You've been here since '03 so I assume you know the rules. But please enlighten me as to how this would be a discussion to benefit everyone here, unless you are searching for some reason to start either 85 or Ward.

 

[Jersey35]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

Who should he start and why?

So you don't understand that this scenario presents a possible learning opportunity? Hard for you to fathom a reason I would present this question outside of a silly WDIS?Thanks for your input.

 

[Jersey35]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

That was rather toolish of me, I apologize.That said, I don't post here very often anymore because of threads like this. I don't feel it adds any value to the forum and I'm sure many would agree. When asking about a specific game in your league, that supposedly doesn't even involve you, how does that relate to the fantasy football community as a whole? I don't want to sound harsh here, but no one cares.If you were asking about strategy RE starting a WR while the opponent has the same teams' QB, I'd be on board. To me this comes across as a thinly veiled WDIS thread.You've been here since '03 so I assume you know the rules. But please enlighten me as to how this would be a discussion to benefit everyone here, unless you are searching for some reason to start either 85 or Ward.

I appreciate your apology. This situation is a 'real life' scenario where one might or might not consider the old 'cancel points' theory. I was curious what the pool consensus would be in this situation. But I didn't want people to come in with all of their baggage when answering, so I at least tried not to make it obvious that that was what this is about.It's a bit disappointing that so many pollute the forum with WDIS threads that a thread like this is immediately assumed to be the same. I thought that the scenario was well worth discussion.EDIT: I wanted to use a real, existing scenario, because this discussion is often dismissed with an, 'Oh, that never happens'

 

[Catbird]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

That was rather toolish of me, I apologize.That said, I don't post here very often anymore because of threads like this. I don't feel it adds any value to the forum and I'm sure many would agree. When asking about a specific game in your league, that supposedly doesn't even involve you, how does that relate to the fantasy football community as a whole? I don't want to sound harsh here, but no one cares.If you were asking about strategy RE starting a WR while the opponent has the same teams' QB, I'd be on board. To me this comes across as a thinly veiled WDIS thread.You've been here since '03 so I assume you know the rules. But please enlighten me as to how this would be a discussion to benefit everyone here, unless you are searching for some reason to start either 85 or Ward.

I appreciate your apology. This situation is a 'real life' scenario where one might or might not consider the old 'cancel points' theory. I was curious what the pool consensus would be in this situation. But I didn't want people to come in with all of their baggage when answering, so I at least tried not to make it obvious that that was what this is about.It's a bit disappointing that so many pollute the forum with WDIS threads that a thread like this is immediately assumed to be the same. I thought that the scenario was well worth discussion.EDIT: I wanted to use a real, existing scenario, because this discussion is often dismissed with an, 'Oh, that never happens'

 

[Samuel L Bronkowitz]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

That was rather toolish of me, I apologize.That said, I don't post here very often anymore because of threads like this. I don't feel it adds any value to the forum and I'm sure many would agree. When asking about a specific game in your league, that supposedly doesn't even involve you, how does that relate to the fantasy football community as a whole? I don't want to sound harsh here, but no one cares.

If you were asking about strategy RE starting a WR while the opponent has the same teams' QB, I'd be on board. To me this comes across as a thinly veiled WDIS thread.

You've been here since '03 so I assume you know the rules. But please enlighten me as to how this would be a discussion to benefit everyone here, unless you are searching for some reason to start either 85 or Ward.

I appreciate your apology. This situation is a 'real life' scenario where one might or might not consider the old 'cancel points' theory. I was curious what the pool consensus would be in this situation. But I didn't want people to come in with all of their baggage when answering, so I at least tried not to make it obvious that that was what this is about.It's a bit disappointing that so many pollute the forum with WDIS threads that a thread like this is immediately assumed to be the same. I thought that the scenario was well worth discussion.

EDIT: I wanted to use a real, existing scenario, because this discussion is often dismissed with an, 'Oh, that never happens'

Just so I'm not a hypocrite, I will bow out of this discussion after this post.I can see where you are coming from and I can relate. However, the bolded is the problem. You asked a specific question as it related to one game in your league. How many people here do you think are even in one league with the same situation? I would venture to guess there aren't very many. If you posed the same question, without player names, without point totals and without the "not my team" disclaimer, I think you would get better discussion.

Regarding the situation in the OP, I would suggest Ward. I feel that TO has solidified himself at the #1 WR in CIN, even though 85 will get his touches. However I'm not sold on Carson Palmer and I think the PIT Defense will make it tough on both of the Bengal WRs even if they're playing from behind all game. If your leaguemate is playing in a league that scores 4/Passing TD and 6/Receiving TD I would suggest Ward as I feel he presents the better opportunity*

*I've been waaaay off many times this year and in reality, the situation in the OP is a crapshoot at best.

 

[Jersey35]

Those of you voting Ward, I'm curious whether you think he's likely to score more points or you think he should be started because he would potentially offset a potential big game by Ben.

FWIW, I'm really shocked at the negative response this has received.

 

[Catbird]

I am a believer in the theory and would start Ward without hesitation even if Ocho is averaging 1 point more per game than Ward (and not taking into account that this is partly due to Ward being without Ben for the first few weeks). I'd start Ward even if I felt that this week Ocho is likely to score around a point more than Ward against the defenses each are facing.

The ultimate goal here is not to score as much as you can, but to not let Ben outscore you by 21. The goal is to win, not to score high. Usually those are the same, but not always.

If Ben goes off, most likely Ward at least has a good game as well. If Ben does poorly, Ward most likely will have a down week as well. You would be fine with them both having down weeks. You would also be good with them both having good weeks. At least in basic or basic PPR scoring systems, if you are starting Ward, the only way you can lose is the possible, but very unlikely, scenario where Ben has a great game and Ward doesn't benefit from it, but instead puts up a near zero.

If you start Ocho, however, if he and Ben both do well or both do poorly, or if Ocho does well and Ben doesn't, you also win. But with no idea of how Palmer will do, there is a much bigger chance that Ben will do well and Ocho poorly than there is that Ward will do badly if Ben does great - and these are the only scenarios you have to worry about. Winning is avoiding those outcomes.

I haven't checked, but I would bet that although Ocho may have outscored Ward over the last few years, there are a lot fewer weeks where Ben has outscored Ward by 21 than there are weeks where Ben has outscored Ocho by 21. That's because Ward tends to score a lot when Ben does, and not when he doesn't. Ocho and Ben's scoring have no similar correlation. And that's why your odds of avoiding the only losing scenario - that Ben outscores your WR by 21 - improve dramatically if you start Ward.

Does anyone seriously start the guy who will give you less likelihood of winning just because he has the slightly better chance to score more points?

(Edit to correct names.)

 

[Jersey35]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

That was rather toolish of me, I apologize.That said, I don't post here very often anymore because of threads like this. I don't feel it adds any value to the forum and I'm sure many would agree. When asking about a specific game in your league, that supposedly doesn't even involve you, how does that relate to the fantasy football community as a whole? I don't want to sound harsh here, but no one cares.

If you were asking about strategy RE starting a WR while the opponent has the same teams' QB, I'd be on board. To me this comes across as a thinly veiled WDIS thread.

You've been here since '03 so I assume you know the rules. But please enlighten me as to how this would be a discussion to benefit everyone here, unless you are searching for some reason to start either 85 or Ward.

I appreciate your apology. This situation is a 'real life' scenario where one might or might not consider the old 'cancel points' theory. I was curious what the pool consensus would be in this situation. But I didn't want people to come in with all of their baggage when answering, so I at least tried not to make it obvious that that was what this is about.It's a bit disappointing that so many pollute the forum with WDIS threads that a thread like this is immediately assumed to be the same. I thought that the scenario was well worth discussion.

EDIT: I wanted to use a real, existing scenario, because this discussion is often dismissed with an, 'Oh, that never happens'

Just so I'm not a hypocrite, I will bow out of this discussion after this post.I can see where you are coming from and I can relate. However, the bolded is the problem. You asked a specific question as it related to one game in your league. How many people here do you think are even in one league with the same situation? I would venture to guess there aren't very many. If you posed the same question, without player names, without point totals and without the "not my team" disclaimer, I think you would get better discussion.

Regarding the situation in the OP, I would suggest Ward. I feel that TO has solidified himself at the #1 WR in CIN, even though 85 will get his touches. However I'm not sold on Carson Palmer and I think the PIT Defense will make it tough on both of the Bengal WRs even if they're playing from behind all game. If your leaguemate is playing in a league that scores 4/Passing TD and 6/Receiving TD I would suggest Ward as I feel he presents the better opportunity*

*I've been waaaay off many times this year and in reality, the situation in the OP is a crapshoot at best.

Sam, I respect your opinion, however, if I came in here asking, "if you have two similar WRs, and your opponent is starting the QB for one of them, should you try to cancel the opponent's points?", I can assure you that the conversation would go nowhere fast.

 

[simmonjm]

FWIW, I'm really shocked at the negative response this has received.

Im shocked that your shocked. You have been around this place for awhile and you know that these WDIS threads are ALWAYS met with a negative reception. Threads like this pollute the Shark Pool and bump meaningful threads to back pages were they can easily get lost in the shuffle. The great thing about Fantasy Football is being your OWN coach and formulating your own opinions. The Shark Pool provides you with knowledge to formulate your own opinion. The Shark Pool is not here to tell you who to start, also the search button could have been really useful in this situation as well, as I can recall numerous threads raising the question of whether to start a WR when playing against an opponent who has the corresponding QB.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Always start your studs.

 

[Jersey35]

Always start your studs.

Serious question: which one is the stud?Simmonjm, did you even read any of the thread? So many of you are so excited to get a chance to play board police, you miss out on an opportunity.

 

[j3r3m3y]

Sam, I respect your opinion, however, if I came in here asking, "if you have two similar WRs, and your opponent is starting the QB for one of them, should you try to cancel the opponent's points?", I can assure you that the conversation would go nowhere fast.

Because that conversation has been had many times. You start the player that you expect will score the most points. It is that simple.

 

[j3r3m3y]

FWIW, I'm really shocked at the negative response this has received.

Im shocked that your shocked. You have been around this place for awhile and you know that these WDIS threads are ALWAYS met with a negative reception. Threads like this pollute the Shark Pool and bump meaningful threads to back pages were they can easily get lost in the shuffle. The great thing about Fantasy Football is being your OWN coach and formulating your own opinions. The Shark Pool provides you with knowledge to formulate your own opinion. The Shark Pool is not here to tell you who to start, also the search button could have been really useful in this situation as well, as I can recall numerous threads raising the question of whether to start a WR when playing against an opponent who has the corresponding QB.

 

[Jersey35]

Sam, I respect your opinion, however, if I came in here asking, "if you have two similar WRs, and your opponent is starting the QB for one of them, should you try to cancel the opponent's points?", I can assure you that the conversation would go nowhere fast.

Because that conversation has been had many times. You start the player that you expect will score the most points. It is that simple.

You see, its NOT that simple, and that's why I brought this scenario up. Catbird above explained pretty well why some would consider Ward a no-brained start here.

 

[simmonjm]

Always start your studs.

Serious question: which one is the stud?Simmonjm, did you even read any of the thread? So many of you are so excited to get a chance to play board police, you miss out on an opportunity.

Jersey what exactly did I miss? A chance to tell you who you should start? I dont own Ocho and Ward which I would venture to assume that a large majority of the posters do not own both either thus making your question of WDIS even more meaningless for everyone involved.ETANow if you had actually followed the rules of the Shark Pool and added insight as to why I should trade for Hines Ward or Ocho i.e. (easy schedule) for the next 4 weeks then this would be appreciated and affect a hell of alot more posters. As a disclaimer I did not look at Hines Ward upcoming schedule and only used this as a hypothetical.

 

[Jersey35]

Always start your studs.

Serious question: which one is the stud?Simmonjm, did you even read any of the thread? So many of you are so excited to get a chance to play board police, you miss out on an opportunity.

Jersey what exactly did I miss? A chance to tell you who you should start? I dont own Ocho and Ward which I would venture to assume that a large majority of the posters do own both either thus making your question of WDIS even more meaningless for everyone involved.

I own neither of these players and I certainly do not need your help managing my team. Are you really incapable of seeing this as anything other than a stupid WDIS?

 

[cvnpoka]

Those of you voting Ward, I'm curious whether you think he's likely to score more points or you think he should be started because he would potentially offset a potential big game by Ben.FWIW, I'm really shocked at the negative response this has received.

i think ward scores more than ocho. i would be willing to bet on it with any reputable party.

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

That was rather toolish of me, I apologize.That said, I don't post here very often anymore because of threads like this. I don't feel it adds any value to the forum and I'm sure many would agree. When asking about a specific game in your league, that supposedly doesn't even involve you, how does that relate to the fantasy football community as a whole? I don't want to sound harsh here, but no one cares.If you were asking about strategy RE starting a WR while the opponent has the same teams' QB, I'd be on board. To me this comes across as a thinly veiled WDIS thread.You've been here since '03 so I assume you know the rules. But please enlighten me as to how this would be a discussion to benefit everyone here, unless you are searching for some reason to start either 85 or Ward.

I appreciate your apology. This situation is a 'real life' scenario where one might or might not consider the old 'cancel points' theory. I was curious what the pool consensus would be in this situation. But I didn't want people to come in with all of their baggage when answering, so I at least tried not to make it obvious that that was what this is about.It's a bit disappointing that so many pollute the forum with WDIS threads that a thread like this is immediately assumed to be the same. I thought that the scenario was well worth discussion.EDIT: I wanted to use a real, existing scenario, because this discussion is often dismissed with an, 'Oh, that never happens'

great so we needed another thread on that silly topic.If you wanted that question answered why not set up the poll with more choices sayStart Ward because he will score more pointsStart Ward because the opponent is starting Big BenStart OchoSilly question anyway because the answer is always start the guy who will score you more points.

 

[Jersey35]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

That was rather toolish of me, I apologize.That said, I don't post here very often anymore because of threads like this. I don't feel it adds any value to the forum and I'm sure many would agree. When asking about a specific game in your league, that supposedly doesn't even involve you, how does that relate to the fantasy football community as a whole? I don't want to sound harsh here, but no one cares.If you were asking about strategy RE starting a WR while the opponent has the same teams' QB, I'd be on board. To me this comes across as a thinly veiled WDIS thread.You've been here since '03 so I assume you know the rules. But please enlighten me as to how this would be a discussion to benefit everyone here, unless you are searching for some reason to start either 85 or Ward.

I appreciate your apology. This situation is a 'real life' scenario where one might or might not consider the old 'cancel points' theory. I was curious what the pool consensus would be in this situation. But I didn't want people to come in with all of their baggage when answering, so I at least tried not to make it obvious that that was what this is about.It's a bit disappointing that so many pollute the forum with WDIS threads that a thread like this is immediately assumed to be the same. I thought that the scenario was well worth discussion.EDIT: I wanted to use a real, existing scenario, because this discussion is often dismissed with an, 'Oh, that never happens'

great so we needed another thread on that silly topic.If you wanted that question answered why not set up the poll with more choices sayStart Ward because he will score more pointsStart Ward because the opponent is starting Big BenStart OchoSilly question anyway because the answer is always start the guy who will score you more points.

I definitely agree, given everyone's inability to see this for what it is. I wish I'd have offered more choices. Regarding your assertion that you should start the guy who'll score the most, I'm guessing you think Ochocinco is the correct answer since he's scored more than Ward to date?

 

[FUBAR]

Silly question anyway because the answer is always start the guy who will score you more points.

trying to keep this generic, this isn't always true. You don't need to score the most points, you need to beat your opponent. Any time you only have 2 relatively equal WRs remaining, he only has one of your WR's QB left, you are up by 3 TDs, can change your lineup, and the moon sets before the game starts, you hedge your bets and play the guy linked to his QB. This question has mass application!

 

[DoubleG]

Silly question anyway because the answer is always start the guy who will score you more points.

trying to keep this generic, this isn't always true. You don't need to score the most points, you need to beat your opponent. Any time you only have 2 relatively equal WRs remaining, he only has one of your WR's QB left, you are up by 3 TDs, can change your lineup, and the moon sets before the game starts, you hedge your bets and play the guy linked to his QB. This question has mass application!

Thank God for the voice of reason. In this type of situation (i.e. your team is already leading, you are protecting that lead and you have a choice between a WR linked to the opposing FF QB and a WR who is not), it is NOT a simple case of "start whoever you think will score the most points" - the object in head to head fantasy football is to outscore your opponent that week. It is completely possible that Ocho outscores Ward...and that the team having Ocho still loses. While the opposite is also possible, I think it is less likely, as a TD pass thrown by Roeth, has a decent chance of having Ward on the receiving end - and since receiving TDs often count more than passing TDs (and receiving yards, more than passing yards), everytime Ben throws a TD to Ward, the FF teams lead actually increases.While in general, I agree with "start who you think will score you the most points", I think in this specific scenario, starting Ward to guard against Ben having a huge game (and Ocho not) makes more sense. If Big Ben throws for 3-4 TDs, there is a very good chance that at least one of them (along with many of the yards) will end up in Ward's stat column - and seeing as the object is to make sure Ben doesn't outscore you by 21+, this seems to be the correct, "hedge your bets" strategy.

 

[Billy Costigan Jr]

Every time I swear I've given up trying to explain this strategy to people I get pulled back in.

The people who don't get it never will.

They look at the projections as gospel, so if Ward is projected to have 5.5 points, and Ocho is projected to have 6.5 points, then you obviously start Ocho, who will score more.

They act is if they know the future and they will never get it.

That said, here I go banging my head against the wall again.

Let's try to break it down like this...

Q: Which scenario is more likely?

1) Big Ben outscores Ocho by 21 points

2) Big Ben outscores Ward by 21 points

If Big Ben has a really good day, it's more likely he had a good day with Hines Ward also having a good day, than he had a good game but Ward didn't.

The other problem people who don't get it is that this is situational. It's not a strategy you use all the time.

The scenario in the first post (I can't believe how many people thought it was actually a WDIS...I mean talk about :woosh is a perfect example.

Anyone who says you start Ocho because he will score more, will NEVER get it.

Hmm...I'm going to start a new exercise and put everyone who doesn't get this on ignore. I've got five from just this thread.

Should help cut down on the nonsense I read when I visit the SP...

 

[two_dollars]

That said, here I go banging my head against the wall again.

Let's try to break it down like this...

Q: Which scenario is more likely?

1) Big Ben outscores Ocho by 21 points

2) Big Ben outscores Ward by 21 points

If Big Ben has a really good day, it's more likely he had a good day with Hines Ward also having a good day, than he had a good game but Ward didn't.

The other problem people who don't get it is that this is situational. It's not a strategy you use all the time.

The scenario in the first post (I can't believe how many people thought it was actually a WDIS...I mean talk about :woosh is a perfect example.

Anyone who says you start Ocho because he will score more, will NEVER get it.

Exactly.. perfect answer. It's not a points game at this point, it's a probability game at this point.

 

[sartre]

FWIW, I'm really shocked at the negative response this has received.

You shouldn't be. I'm not sure why people don't get this, but the best way to avoid being confused with a misplaced WDIS topic is to leave the names out.

 

[Breesisdaman]

An interesting Link you may want to check out

 

[GregR_2]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

That was rather toolish of me, I apologize.That said, I don't post here very often anymore because of threads like this. I don't feel it adds any value to the forum and I'm sure many would agree. When asking about a specific game in your league, that supposedly doesn't even involve you, how does that relate to the fantasy football community as a whole? I don't want to sound harsh here, but no one cares.

If you were asking about strategy RE starting a WR while the opponent has the same teams' QB, I'd be on board. To me this comes across as a thinly veiled WDIS thread.

You've been here since '03 so I assume you know the rules. But please enlighten me as to how this would be a discussion to benefit everyone here, unless you are searching for some reason to start either 85 or Ward.

I appreciate your apology. This situation is a 'real life' scenario where one might or might not consider the old 'cancel points' theory. I was curious what the pool consensus would be in this situation. But I didn't want people to come in with all of their baggage when answering, so I at least tried not to make it obvious that that was what this is about.It's a bit disappointing that so many pollute the forum with WDIS threads that a thread like this is immediately assumed to be the same. I thought that the scenario was well worth discussion.

EDIT: I wanted to use a real, existing scenario, because this discussion is often dismissed with an, 'Oh, that never happens'

Just so I'm not a hypocrite, I will bow out of this discussion after this post.I can see where you are coming from and I can relate. However, the bolded is the problem. You asked a specific question as it related to one game in your league. How many people here do you think are even in one league with the same situation? I would venture to guess there aren't very many. If you posed the same question, without player names, without point totals and without the "not my team" disclaimer, I think you would get better discussion.

Regarding the situation in the OP, I would suggest Ward. I feel that TO has solidified himself at the #1 WR in CIN, even though 85 will get his touches. However I'm not sold on Carson Palmer and I think the PIT Defense will make it tough on both of the Bengal WRs even if they're playing from behind all game. If your leaguemate is playing in a league that scores 4/Passing TD and 6/Receiving TD I would suggest Ward as I feel he presents the better opportunity*

*I've been waaaay off many times this year and in reality, the situation in the OP is a crapshoot at best.

You missed the point twice. This is a real example of the decision involving covering your opponent. However it is different than the one normally discussed in that normally we discuss it from a standpoint of setting our lineup before any games have occurred. This is in many ways a much more interesting case, because we are down to two players and we know the point margin that is needed to be covered.

In short, the value of pairing the WR to the opponent's QB is increased (at least in my IMHO) because of the circumstances. You ask how many of us will be in this situation. It may not be with these two specific players on this specific Monday night, but if you play FF long enough probably everyone of us will be in this situation at some point.

To the OP, thanks for making the post, it is a good topic and I imagine most of us saw right away the reason for the post. I tend to not worry very often about who my opponent is starting because seldom do I think the gain from it will outweigh the other factors in my decision. But this is definitely one of the times it would be a significant factor. The owner needs to hedge his bets against Ben going off, and he can most effectively do that by starting Ward since he has such a good sized lead.

 

[Mario Kart]

Be a man and start neither. That will show him.

 

[gandalas]

To be quite honest, absent the other owner having Roethlesberger I would roll with 85. Since he has Big Ben, Ward would be the smart play.

That way, even if Ben goes off, at least some of those points will be added on the other side as well...

 

[DoubleG]

Be a man and start neither. That will show him.

The true Shark/hawk/jet move. Sit 'em both and watch Big Ben post 20, then laugh in his face, and post on the message board all week. Why just win a game, when you can become a legend?

 

[solorca]

Start Ward because Ochocinco sucks.

Well, in my league, Ochocinco has outscored Ward 67 to 56, or just over a point per game more. I'm not sure that seems like the obvious call here.

It is when you've considered that Ward has only had Roethlisberger for 3 games so far, and that Ochocinco put up nearly half of his points in the first game of the season.For the record, I'm up by exactly 21 points and playing against Ochocinco. I have Ward. I wouldn't feel nearly as confident if the players were reversed and I was still up by 21.

 

[Sweet Love]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

That was rather toolish of me, I apologize.That said, I don't post here very often anymore because of threads like this. I don't feel it adds any value to the forum and I'm sure many would agree. When asking about a specific game in your league, that supposedly doesn't even involve you, how does that relate to the fantasy football community as a whole? I don't want to sound harsh here, but no one cares.If you were asking about strategy RE starting a WR while the opponent has the same teams' QB, I'd be on board. To me this comes across as a thinly veiled WDIS thread.You've been here since '03 so I assume you know the rules. But please enlighten me as to how this would be a discussion to benefit everyone here, unless you are searching for some reason to start either 85 or Ward.

If the OP is being honest and not asking about his team in general and just wants to get a little strategic chatter going, I don't see how this is any different then the "You are down 14 points with 2 minutes left" thread. It is a brain buster with actual players involved and adds a dimension over a generic thread in that the posters can respond in a way that takes into account the quality of the "factors" involved.

 

[Ignoratio Elenchi]

You start Ward. It's a no-brainer. This is indeed one of those rare situations where you must consider your opponent's roster when making your lineup decision. There was just a thread recently discussing this situation in a more theoretical framework.

 

[Wolfpacker]

Start Ward, of course, given a choice.

Off subject a little...is it just me, or does anyone else find it strange that a league allows changing/choosing from players participating in Monday Night Football. In every league I've participated, everyone is required to submit their complete line-up prior to Sunday 1:00 PM (barring a Thursday game).

 

[inca911]

Start Ward. One should always consider the opponent's roster when making decisions on which players to start, and projected/actual scoring. For example, if you were behind in points coming into tonight's game, then you'd probably have to start 85.

 

[Kleck]

I'd start Ward for reasons already stated.

 

[bjabrad]

Start the player that has a higher points per game average.

 

[davearm]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Do you really think that's what this is?

Who should he start and why?

So you don't understand that this scenario presents a possible learning opportunity? Hard for you to fathom a reason I would present this question outside of a silly WDIS?Thanks for your input.

To the extent that a "possible learning opportunity" exists here (and it's a very weak one, since the answer is pretty obvious), it's an opportunity to learn about how you should manage your team. Hence, it's clearly AC Forum material.

 

[Jersey35]

I appreciate some of you guys defending me a bit here. I went to bed pretty frustrated with this place. I honestly thought more people would understand what was really being discussed here. I wasted so much time defending my post that hardly anyone bothered to discuss the actual scenario.

I'm a bit disappointed that the vote is so overwhelmingly in favor of Ward though, I imagine that most are voting that way because they think he'll score more and not because doing so reduces your opponent's chance at a comeback. I didn't realize that people were so down on Ochocinco at this point.

 

[Jersey35]

FWIW, I'm really shocked at the negative response this has received.

You shouldn't be. I'm not sure why people don't get this, but the best way to avoid being confused with a misplaced WDIS topic is to leave the names out.

Because this is an actual, real situation where the theory of hedging your bets in fantasy football might come into play. Leaving the names out makes it just another thread on theory - which never go anywhere around here. My intent was to demonstrate that these situations DO occur, and that there IS value in discussing it as a viable strategy.Why don't some of you board police cadets just politely walk away? If the mods think this is an actual WDIS, they'll move it. In fact, I officially request that a mod chime in and remove this thread if they think it is inappropriate.

 

[rzrback77]

I appreciate some of you guys defending me a bit here. I went to bed pretty frustrated with this place. I honestly thought more people would understand what was really being discussed here. I wasted so much time defending my post that hardly anyone bothered to discuss the actual scenario.I'm a bit disappointed that the vote is so overwhelmingly in favor of Ward though, I imagine that most are voting that way because they think he'll score more and not because doing so reduces your opponent's chance at a comeback. I didn't realize that people were so down on Ochocinco at this point.

I agree that it is an interesting discussion and not a WDIS start thread. I think that the reason that the scenario is so overwhlmingly favoring Ward is that Ward hedges the Roethlisberger opportunity to outscore your team AND Ward is currently a better option that OchoCinco. Owens is just flat out taking over the WR #1 targets for the Bengals.

 

[sartre]

FWIW, I'm really shocked at the negative response this has received.

You shouldn't be. I'm not sure why people don't get this, but the best way to avoid being confused with a misplaced WDIS topic is to leave the names out.

Because this is an actual, real situation where the theory of hedging your bets in fantasy football might come into play. Leaving the names out makes it just another thread on theory - which never go anywhere around here. My intent was to demonstrate that these situations DO occur, and that there IS value in discussing it as a viable strategy.Why don't some of you board police cadets just politely walk away? If the mods think this is an actual WDIS, they'll move it. In fact, I officially request that a mod chime in and remove this thread if they think it is inappropriate.

And is this thread going where you expected it to go? You could have attracted more intelligent discussion if you left out the specific names. However, if you think the Shark Pool isn't intelligent enough to discuss theory, then you certainly shouldn't be 'shocked' that most here would mistake your post for one of the many WDIS posts that pollute the pool daily.

I don't purport to be board police and I am not saying the topic merits no discussion (in fact it has been discussed many times over in the SP). I am simply surprised at your incredulity that your topic would be received in the manner it was.

 

[thatguy]

Threads that are asking for advice on how you [or your leaguemates] should draft or manage your team belong in The Assistant Coach forum.

Posts like this belong in the trash can.