Hi Scouts,
So I've read here more than once a preference for never sitting your stud players. On the other hand, you advocate streaming defenses and even QB's, suggesting a serious respect for match-ups.
I have two stud running backs (Forte and Ball) who I trust will both break out and have good years, but I'm not convinced this will happen this week (against NYJ and SEA respectively). At what point does a respect for match-ups overrule the chance that your stud might break out against a defense that doesn't give up much? (I have Joique on deck, who could fill in for one or the other, along with D. Brown and J. Hill, who probably reside outside this conversation). (I am hoping to get more of a philosophical answer here- perhaps as to what extent "start your studs regardless of matchup" is really backed up statistically, or more based in the fear of missing out on a breakout performance, however unlikely...)
If you teach a man to fish...
We do recommend waiting on QB, TE and K and defense and streaming those spots, but that's technically so you can stock up at RB and WR. I don't think we necessarily recommend sitting stud QBs or Seattle defense, etc.
I admit I am one to always play the studs. I don't have success when getting cute with matchups so I try to avoid it if I can. And like you said, fear of missing a big game plays into it as well. I don't have the stats you're looking for as to when I stop going with a stud, it's really just a gut call and we do encourage people to use their gut.
But another thing I tend to do is avoid the hot waiver guy that I may not believe in. Donald Brown is a good example, and no offense that he's on your roster. Never really carried the load before and I know he's supposed to get a ton of work, but I don't want to be tempted to play him over someone like Forte - at least until I see how they use him. So I consider guys like him to just have a little more risk.
Probably as much the fear thing as anything else to some extent, but also the fact that top players tend to produce.
I get your point, but streaming defenses and quarterbacks and kickers are more to do with the depth at the position (quarterback) and the general inconsistency in performances at the Defense and Kicker spots. So with a QB, if you've got Rodgers, Brees, Manning, we still say stick with your studs, we just don't advocate drafting them over stud RB's generally.
And I was only thinking of using J. Bell this week in place of Forte or Ball, but have decided to use Joique as a flex. I picked up Donald Brown to fill in for Ball (on bye) next week as I think Brown should have a nice game against JAX.
Much appreciated- thank you.
