We've reached the end of another season, so this will be my final column until the summer. And what a season. Here's hoping the next one gets us back to "normal," whatever that means.
A huge thank you to my trusty commenters, and to all of you for reading, for asking questions, for answering others' questions--and yes, even for forcefully challenging. As I always say, no one has a monopoly on the truth, especially when the truth isn't yet known. Predictions are made based on probabilities, and then we look smart or dumb based on whether we're right or wrong.
A running back could get stuffed near the goal-line on a couple of drives, leading the quarterback to punch it in each time. The running back might end up with 11 points, while the quarterback gets 23. If instead the running back had reached the end zone both times, those numbers might have been reversed.
So in any given game, in any given week, we roll the (weighted) dice and hope things play out as expected. But the true test is whether, season after season, we can be great--whether we have the know-how to excel regardless of whatever bad luck gets thrown our way. It means knowing when one of our players is valued higher than his future value, so we can sell high. It means rationally assessing waiver options based on their likely short-term and long-term floors and ceilings. It means doing everything--everything we have time to do--to give us an advantage over our competition.
I've been deliberate about not asking for donations this year. It's a tough time for many of us. So rather than assemble preseason rankings and organize season 3 of the Premier League, I just wanted to stick to the nuts and bolts of fantasy football.
Next year I plan to bring back preseason rankings. If you want to sign up, click here as always and donate whatever you think FF4W deserves:
http://www.fantasyfootballforwinners.com/p/preseason-rankings.html
Also, over 100 of you are part of the Premier League. I'll reach out again in the spring to confirm whether you want to return (hopefully you all do). And if anyone else wants to join, please (carefully) read the rules here and drop me a line if you want in or have questions:
http://www.fantasyfootballforwinners.com/p/premier-league.html
In the meantime, good luck to each of you, appreciate all of you, and we'll see you again in June.