Do you believe it's OK to bench your studs, or are you against it? Fantasy Index Magazine "Ask the Expert Question of the Week"

Do you believe it's OK to bench your studs, or are you against it?

The answer is it DEPENDS.

In 99 out of 100 cases, NO never bench your studs because they are going to perform for you. Whether it is this week or next week, eventually they will produce and you do not want them on your bench when they go off for 30+ fantasy points.

A better question is what defines your “stud”?
Generally any player drafted in the first two or three rounds in my book. They were drafted high because you knew you could count on them.

So when are the rare instances when you do not start the stud player?
1) Injury issues would be one scenario. If he is questionable or doubtful with a significant injury (and not practicing on Friday is a good sign it is significant) then I would think about benching him. Even if he plays he may be limited.

2) Another case is when something beyond his control will affect him-like weather or a week 17 game where he may be rested for the playoffs. Last year Kurt Warner went to play at NE in week 16 during a snow storm. Swirling winds are not good for a passer He should have been benched even though all the predictions were for a big day.


As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com/.

ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669
Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203