Fantasied OUT

I came to a bitter realization recently.

I'm burned out on fantasy football.

I know, right? I'm pretty sure its never been more popular...and I used to love fantasy!

The blockbuster trades, trash talking, and team names and logos that continued to push the limits as well as my work's firewall.

But something happened. Maybe it was two years ago, maybe it was last year and I ignored it, or maybe its just gradually changed. Even in an era where people are connected instantly through online leagues, leagues have become more distant and impersonal. In addition, the game of football changed to the point that it became a crapshoot to predict what players would perform well---given coaching decisions, injuries and balanced offenses.

Its like losing a really good friend, so I jotted down 10 reasons why I'm sick of fantasy:

1) Online Drafts---Sure its convenient, but the greatest part of fantasy was getting together. Even worse, the dreaded autodraft takes all skill out of the draft. Mine as well buy a lottery ticket.

2) Position by Committees---You used to be able to count on 20 + guys getting 20 carries a week. Now, in an era of specialists and wildcat offenses, its a much longer box score and migraines for fantasy owners. Why can't Leon Washington get a goaline carry?

3) Stealing Your Handcuffs---Goes along with #2. How early did Chester Taylor go in your draft? If you get to draft a stud like Adrian Peterson, get ready to take Taylor as well, because the vulture across the room would rather take him then be stuck with Ryan Grant.

4) Defensive Scoring---At some point, we decided it was necessary to award points for every single defensive statistic. (fumbles, sacks, INTs, shutouts, safetys, Punt Returns, solid coach gatorade dunkings) A good defense would not only win a game, but anniliate their opponent.

5) Multiple Leagues---Ok, this one is on me. As fantasy grew, more leagues started and so did the invitations. Its a great way to keep in touch with people, but soon I found myself confused on how I should be rooting for. Touchdown Ronnie Brown! Wait, is that good or bad?

6) Weather Impact---While its a consistent NFL factor, it seems to be a bigger deal recently. Imagine winning 13 straight with Tom Brady two years ago, only to have him put up 0 points in a playoff game because of 70 mph gusts in Foxboro. (I need to let it go)

7) Owner Battles---The ugliest part of the fantasy recently. I have some smart friends, people who have solved major problems or done amazing things. But everyone has squabbled over your league's waiver system or vetoed a trade that they didn't deem fair, and the situation got ugly as the insults flew. Good times!

8) Injuries---Well, more how coaches disclose injuries or lack there of. I'm talking to you Bill Bellichek! The world will not end if the world finds out if Wes Welker's hamstring is feeling good enough for him to play.

9) Non-Standardized Scoring---I call this the Jerome Bettis Theory. During the late stages of his career, when the Bus plowed into the end zone, it either was scored as a 3 point 1 yard plunge, or 6 points in a touchdown-only league.

10) Rooting Against Your Team---Ok, this obstacle is not new. But I've never gotten over rooting for a running back slicing through our beloved Packers, (happening way too often right now) or the dreaded I'm down three and my kicker is lining up to win my game, but also to beat the Pack. It makes my head explode.

All right! I feel much better after venting. And all things considered, I probably can't walk away just yet. I'm pencling myself in for a busy early September 2010...as long as NONE of the drafts are online.