Fantasy Football Guidebook: Ask the Expert Question: What is your general strategy when it comes to injured stars?

Friday, October 24, 2014

Ask the Expert Question: What is your general strategy when it comes to injured stars?

A lot of big-name players have been trying to play through injuries, sometimes producing big games (Brandon Marshall), sometimes duds (Calvin Johnson, Jimmy Graham). Do you have a general strategy when it comes to injured stars, and has it changed at all this season?

I use a simple strategy that works most of the time. If a player is doubtful or out, I do not start him period. If he is probable I start him if I think his projected stats are my best option but I monitor his situation closely and have a backup plan in case the "probable" player cannot go. For example, if he is a late game (4:30 pm) player I make sure I add a free agent that is playing in that time slot or later who can replace him if needed. If I have a flex spot it makes sense to put the player with questions in that spot so that either a RB/WR or TE can replace them in a late game. Players that are questionable usually play. A big factor in my mind is if they practice on the friday-that usually is a green light. Not practicing on Friday before the Sunday game is reason to bench him. I do not expect him to play in that case. There are always exceptions to the rule though. Some studs who have consistently shown an ability to play without practice do get the start but only if they have proven starts despite not practicing. This year has been a little chaotic but I have not changed my plans. One more thing-ignore most of the player comments about his health. They are not doctors. They tend to say whatever they believe, not necessarily what is true.

ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Basics , all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20+ year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC), Fantasy Football World Championship (FFWC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

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Fantasy Football Tips (2nd Edition): 230 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($12.95) www.amazon.com/dp/1936635151

Books from Extra Point Press:

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fantasy-football-guidebook-sam-hendricks/1008633837

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fantasy-football-basics-sam-hendricks/1030680433

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