The answer to so many "Should I start Player A or Player B" questions comes down to one counter question: "Are you looking for highest ceiling or highest floor?" Take this example:
"Should I start DeSean Jackson or DeVante Parker at flex?"
In standard-scoring leagues, DJax has the highest ceiling. He’s a big-play receiver who’s averaged only 3.3 receptions in each of his last 18 games, but has made the most of those limited opportunities, with eight TDs in his last 17 games. However, he’s failed to exceed four points in half of his past eight games. So if you want a decent shot at 12+ points, he’s your guy. But the risks are sizable.
Parker is a virtual unknown—a highly touted rookie who finally broke out when thrust into a prominent role last weekend. Facing a fairly bad Ravens D, he’s likely to clear four points—far more likely than DJax is. We’re looking at a guy who could be a top 30 WR next season, and who the rest of this year should be heavily leaned on (6+ targets a game). I like Parker as a higher floor option, but with less breakout potential given his mostly nonexistent track record.
So when making a sit-start decision, first ask yourself how much risk you’re willing to take. In this scenario, DJax is a greater weekly risk because of limited usage, while Parker is the lesser weekly 12+ point option. That could—and probably will—change in the coming months or years. But for now, it’s one critical factor to weigh.
Are you going through the same deliberations? As always, gimme a shout before game time, and I’ll try to answer every question.
"Should I start DeSean Jackson or DeVante Parker at flex?"
In standard-scoring leagues, DJax has the highest ceiling. He’s a big-play receiver who’s averaged only 3.3 receptions in each of his last 18 games, but has made the most of those limited opportunities, with eight TDs in his last 17 games. However, he’s failed to exceed four points in half of his past eight games. So if you want a decent shot at 12+ points, he’s your guy. But the risks are sizable.
Parker is a virtual unknown—a highly touted rookie who finally broke out when thrust into a prominent role last weekend. Facing a fairly bad Ravens D, he’s likely to clear four points—far more likely than DJax is. We’re looking at a guy who could be a top 30 WR next season, and who the rest of this year should be heavily leaned on (6+ targets a game). I like Parker as a higher floor option, but with less breakout potential given his mostly nonexistent track record.
So when making a sit-start decision, first ask yourself how much risk you’re willing to take. In this scenario, DJax is a greater weekly risk because of limited usage, while Parker is the lesser weekly 12+ point option. That could—and probably will—change in the coming months or years. But for now, it’s one critical factor to weigh.
Are you going through the same deliberations? As always, gimme a shout before game time, and I’ll try to answer every question.