I was more than 500 words deep into my final “Start, Sit & Seth” of the 2019 fantasy football season when I decided to scrap it.
Originally, I was going to write about my four biggest takeaways of the fantasy football season. I was aiming to tell readers my findings to hopefully make them more knowledgeable fantasy managers moving into next season.
But after further thought, my readers deserve better than such a bland, cop-out final introduction.
Instead, to look back on the 2019 fantasy football season, one that I will never forget, I want to leave you with the biggest lessons I’ve learned since the beginning of the fantasy football season.
1. Keep Growing
You see, back on August 21, I was just a kid writing a fantasy football column. And while yes, technically I’m still just a kid writing a fantasy football column, I sit here today so much more grown than I was exactly four months ago.
I’m writing for an actual fantasy football site now which is pleasant. I’m trying to use social media more. And while I’m sure I’m still one of the smallest if not the smallest member of the fantasy football community, at least I’m a name.
I’ve continued to improve at my passions whether it is writing, photography, podcasting or even disc golf.
Oh, and I have a college degree now.
2. Appreciate the Ones Who Got You Here
If you’re anything like me, you wouldn’t be where you are if it weren’t for a certain group of people. A collection of extraordinary individuals who have all helped shape you as a human being.
A significant other, a combination of old and new friends, family, mentors, educators, employers – all who have helped mold you in some fashion and you have a whole hell of a lot of love for.
Appreciate them while you can. Send them a text. Give them a call. Heck, write them a letter. Reflect all the memories you’ve shared and don’t be afraid to make new ones.
3. Happy Hustle
“Happy hustling,” or making your dreams happen no matter the obstacle is what separates average from great.
4. Live in the Moment
While a simple concept, living in the moment is tough to accomplish. It seems even harder when you’re a young adult looking forward to planning your next move while occasionally reminiscing on your fading youth.
Just remember, while it’s important to grind, it’s just as important to pick your head up sometimes and enjoy the view.
Stay In-Between, and let’s get to it.
Quarterback I’d Start this Week:
Carson Wentz (Philadelphia): So, I know readers are probably sick and tired of me featuring Carson Wentz in this column. However, every time I’ve featured him, it’s panned out in my favor.
Yes, Wentz is facing a Cowboys defense that is 11th against the pass and is now without his top receiver for the remainder of the season.
But, with Dak Prescott on the other side banged up, I think Carson Wentz steps up in one of his biggest career games. A Nice fantasy day coming for both Wentz, Zach Ertz and, hey, I think even Greg Ward Jr. gets into the end zone in this winner-takes-all matchup.
Quarterback I’d Sit this Week:
Philip Rivers (Los Angeles): Don’t stream Philip Rivers this week. Please don’t do it.
Listen, I get the appeal of starting him against Oakland who is just awful against the position. But Rivers, who is in the midst of one of his worst statistical seasons ever, can’t be relied on as he’s only had a handful of QB1 performances here in 2019.
Instead, I would rather play Josh Allen against the fierce New England or Kyler Murray in Seattle because of the rushing floors.
Running Back I’d Start this Week:
Tarik Cohen (Chicago): Readers close to me know that Tarik Cohen, the undersized Bears utility back has been one of my favorite players in the NFL throughout the last few seasons.
After a slow start, he’s RB28 since Week 10 and averaging 12.8 fantasy points per game.
But here, against the Chiefs, who allow more than 21 points per game to opposing running backs and in a game where the Bears should be trailing early, I expect Cohen to put up points.
Running Back I’d Sit this Week:
Carlos Hyde (Houston): It’s been one of those weird mysteries this season, but running backs have been atrocious against Tampa Bay averaging fewer than 11 total fantasy points per game.
And Carlos Hyde, who started off the season hot but had cooled off, relies on primarily yards and touchdowns.
I don’t see a ton of either on Sunday as the Texans will probably have a pass-first game plan to keep up with the high-flying Buccaneers’ offense.
Wide Receiver I’d Sit this Week:
Tyler Boyd (Cincinnati): Tyler Boyd, one of my all-in picks for the season, hasn’t exactly had the year we all expected.
Whether it was the inefficiency under center or the lack of A.J. Green, Boyd, WR24, has just been OK.
But, against a Dolphins’ secondary that is still bottom-three against opposing receivers, I think he goes out on a high note in Week 16.
Wide Receiver I’d Sit this Week
JuJu Smith-Schuster (Pittsburgh): JuJu Smith-Schuster, my 2018 season’s all-in, has maybe been this season’s biggest bust because of injuries to both himself and Ben Roethlisberger.
It’s crazy to think that someone as talented as Smith-Schuster, WR61, has only 38 receptions for 524 yards and three touchdowns on the year. But with so much on the line and out against a middle-of-the-road Jets’ secondary, you simply can’t risk starting Smith-Schuster in this one.
This column was originally featured at ThePenn.org December 21, 2019.
If you have a feel-good story that you would like to share for an opportunity to be featured in an upcoming edition of “Start, Sit & Seth,” please reach out.
And for more fantasy football and uplifting content, you can find me on Twitter @Between_SethFF.