I must have angered the quote-unquote fantasy football gods with my last statement about my 5–0 team — saying I “had something for these guys.” Well, turns out they had something for me.
I went 0–4 this week across my four leagues. Not one, not two, all four. I didn’t just lose — I got drubbed. Every matchup felt cursed from the jump.
Father vs. Son: The Trade That Haunted Me
In the league I play with my son, I made a move that looked smart on paper: I shipped Brian Thomas Jr. off in exchange for Travis Etienne Jr. Coming into the week, I thought I’d stiff-arm the field. Instead, BTJ exploded for 23 points, while Etienne Jr. meekly contributed 9.5.
Watching my 10-year-old-draft-light shoot up the scoreboard with my former player? Yep, that stings.
Influencers League: Bold Moves, Worse Outcomes
In this one, my quarterback was Justin Herbert, and Miami happened to be taking on the Chargers. Feeling daring, I added Hassan Haskins off the waiver wire and inserted him into my starting lineup, benching Alvin Kamara. I also kept faith in Quinton Johnston and Ladd McConkie (plus that Herbert connection).
In practice:
- Quinton Johnston didn’t play.
- Ladd McConkie had a fantastic outing.
- Hassan Haskins sputtered — despite the Chargers needing backs after Omarion Hampton went to IR.
- Kimani Vidal stole the backfield, romping for 124 rushing yards, a touchdown, and multiple receptions.
I still “took the L” — and by a wide margin at that. The fantasy gods are real, my friends. If you’re gonna talk smack, you better back it up.
Big Money League: Jets’ Self-Destruct Mode
This league’s downfall can largely be traced to the New York Jets, of all teams. My roster included Breese Hall, Garrett Wilson (who was injured), and Justin Fields.
Wilson had an MRI after the game, and though early indications suggest he avoided serious damage, the outlook is murky — reports suggest he hyperextended his knee and may miss some time.
The Jets’ offense limped into a 13–11 loss in London — just 82 total yards and negative 10 passing yards.
I managed to keep the loss from getting totally blown out, but a loss is still a loss.
Two-QB / RB-Struggle League: Silent Running Backs
In my final league, I didn’t have a disastrous performance — but my running backs conspicuously didn’t show up. J.K. Dobbins and Saquon Barkley stayed at home, while my opponent rolled out Christian McCaffrey, Jonathan Taylor, Jackson Smith-Njigba, Sam Laporta, Cam Skatebo, and more. He lit me up.
I lost badly, plain and simple.
What’s Next: Adjust, Haunt, Rebuild
It was not a good week. But it’s not time to throw in the towel — it’s time to strike. I’ve got first waiver priority in a couple leagues (because I didn’t pick up anybody last week). I’ll be watching the waiver wire like a hawk today.
Plan:
- Snatch potential breakout RBs or undervalued WRs
- Diversify risk (avoid too many Jets, please)
- Watch usage patterns closely (e.g. Haskins vs. Vidal)
- Because next week, I’m quietly willing the fantasy gods to get out of my way.
Bonus: Expert Insight & Key Takeaways
- Fantasy analysts debate the Haskins/Vidal split in L.A. after Hampton’s injury. Some projected Haskins as the early-down back, but Vidal seized the momentum with high explosiveness.
- From Bleacher Report:
“Vidal had a monster game… the debate over whether Kimani Vidal or Hassan Haskins was the back to target is decidedly over.” - Jets WR Garrett Wilson is believed to have avoided severe injury, but the hyperextension could sideline him for a couple weeks.
Lesson learned: There’s no such thing as a “sure thing” in fantasy. Trades, waivers, even QB matchups can turn on a dime. You can’t talk trash unless you can back it up — and this week, I got schooled.
Next week, I’m coming for redemption.
