Some of you remember the 1983 video game "One on One," which arguably was the second great sports video game to hit the mainstream in those early years of home video game systems. (The first great one was 1982's Pole Position.)
From what I remember, what made the game so incredible--aside from how realistic it was for the time--is that it pitted two NBA players with very different styles: Julius Erving (Dr. J) had better scoring potential around the basket, and I think he was a bit quicker than his opponent, Larry Bird. Bird, on the other hand, was a much better jump shooter, and he might--might--have been a better defender.
The game's release meant that finally kids like me could answer the question, "Who's better?" It went beyond pure stats to show how strengths could overcome weaknesses, or how strengths might succumb to weaknesses. It was groundbreaking stuff.
There's a segue here to fantasy football. Every week we have to decide, "Do you I start Player A, who's great in these areas but risky in these other areas? Or do I start Player B, who brings entirely different strengths and weaknesses?"
In "One on One," those manning the controls dictated who would win. If I played my friend Tom, and Tom was simply better than me (he was), then he'd usually win, regardless of which guy he controlled.
In the NFL, offensive schemes, defensive schemes, in-game adjustments, injuries, etc. dictate which guy--Player A or Player B--will come out on top. As fantasy footballers, we're at the mercy of elements beyond our control.
So we take what we know and we apply it to what we think is likely to happen. For example, let's look at two popular sit-start debates this week: Should we start Tim Hightower or not? And should we start Brandin Cooks or Willie Snead or not? Put them together, and we have a great flex question.
Outside of last week's game against the Rams, the Lions' run D has been incredible, putting together four straight impressive performances before Toddy Gurley broke through. Tim Hightower is no Todd Gurley. Hightower ran for 3.0 yards per carry last week. He's no Mark Ingram. Granted, I got him wrong last week, urging folks to sit the plodding RB. But here's what we know: He's a TD-dependent running back who's more likely to get 6 points or less than 10+. Much more likely.
Then there's Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead. Cooks is the clear #1 receiver, despite busting in two of his past three games. His five targets last week were a season-low. He's a no-brainer start over Hightower based on ceiling--a much higher ceiling.
Snead is also a better play than Hightower. The rookie wideout has caught 72% of the balls thrown his way. While he has only three scores, the bigger barometer is usage, and when healthy he's caught at least six balls in three of his past four games.
If you're looking for a 3-3.5 YPC bruiser who eats up yards and clock and is likely to get at least one goal-line carry, start Hightower. Like Dr. J., he's good "near the basket," provided he can get there.
But this is the fantasy playoffs. All things being equal, I want a guy who can rain 3-pointers when he gets hot. Cooks and Snead can make your fantasy day with one catch. I don't want one point on four carries; I want four points on one catch.
Tomorrow I'll try to connect fantasy football to Pole Position. Wish me luck.
From what I remember, what made the game so incredible--aside from how realistic it was for the time--is that it pitted two NBA players with very different styles: Julius Erving (Dr. J) had better scoring potential around the basket, and I think he was a bit quicker than his opponent, Larry Bird. Bird, on the other hand, was a much better jump shooter, and he might--might--have been a better defender.
The game's release meant that finally kids like me could answer the question, "Who's better?" It went beyond pure stats to show how strengths could overcome weaknesses, or how strengths might succumb to weaknesses. It was groundbreaking stuff.
There's a segue here to fantasy football. Every week we have to decide, "Do you I start Player A, who's great in these areas but risky in these other areas? Or do I start Player B, who brings entirely different strengths and weaknesses?"
In "One on One," those manning the controls dictated who would win. If I played my friend Tom, and Tom was simply better than me (he was), then he'd usually win, regardless of which guy he controlled.
In the NFL, offensive schemes, defensive schemes, in-game adjustments, injuries, etc. dictate which guy--Player A or Player B--will come out on top. As fantasy footballers, we're at the mercy of elements beyond our control.
So we take what we know and we apply it to what we think is likely to happen. For example, let's look at two popular sit-start debates this week: Should we start Tim Hightower or not? And should we start Brandin Cooks or Willie Snead or not? Put them together, and we have a great flex question.
Outside of last week's game against the Rams, the Lions' run D has been incredible, putting together four straight impressive performances before Toddy Gurley broke through. Tim Hightower is no Todd Gurley. Hightower ran for 3.0 yards per carry last week. He's no Mark Ingram. Granted, I got him wrong last week, urging folks to sit the plodding RB. But here's what we know: He's a TD-dependent running back who's more likely to get 6 points or less than 10+. Much more likely.
Then there's Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead. Cooks is the clear #1 receiver, despite busting in two of his past three games. His five targets last week were a season-low. He's a no-brainer start over Hightower based on ceiling--a much higher ceiling.
Snead is also a better play than Hightower. The rookie wideout has caught 72% of the balls thrown his way. While he has only three scores, the bigger barometer is usage, and when healthy he's caught at least six balls in three of his past four games.
If you're looking for a 3-3.5 YPC bruiser who eats up yards and clock and is likely to get at least one goal-line carry, start Hightower. Like Dr. J., he's good "near the basket," provided he can get there.
But this is the fantasy playoffs. All things being equal, I want a guy who can rain 3-pointers when he gets hot. Cooks and Snead can make your fantasy day with one catch. I don't want one point on four carries; I want four points on one catch.
Tomorrow I'll try to connect fantasy football to Pole Position. Wish me luck.