Ryan Lieberman and a Flex Position in Fantasy Football

Hello All (especially Ryan Lieberman),

In our fantasy football league, we have a proposal to start a flex position instead of another WR.

I am 100% absolutely in favor of it. Here's how I see it working:

Starting Lineup:
1 QB
2 RB
2 WR
1 TE
1 K
1 Def
1 Flex which includes (RB, WR, TE)

There are several reasons why I think that this is a good idea


First, there is a near universal consensus that fantasy football is fun because it allows us to be GMs of our team. In fact, there aren't many other great things about fantasy football. The scoring is done by a machine. There isn't really anything physical about it ( I mean I guess if you are into spending more time with your laptop.) But it's all about the GM. The free agency. The trading. The rosters. Allowing for a flex position increases the GM role in the game. You now have to make more advanced decisions such as starting Laurent Robinson over Felix Jones which is a decision that you never had to deal with before. This also affects the draft. Now, you are not spoon fed 3 WRs- you have more options to draft.

Second, we can all say with confidence that fantasy football should mock real football in certain aspects. Training Camp? No. Playoffs? Yes. See the difference? Adding a flex position adds to the aroma of real football. Think about the following players: Darren Sproles, Aaron Hernandez, Ben Tate. They all have 2 things in common. First, they are all fantasy studs. Second, they are all guys that are benched in more leagues then they are started. Why? Because they are flex guys. You end up starting Lance Moore over Darren Sproles because of the stupid 3 WR set that is programed. Imagine if the Saints had to do that? The Patriots? The Texans? Would they still be playoff teams? Maybe. But it would be harder and by far more arbitrary.


Third, if fantasy football should mock real life, then look at how many teams use the 3 wide set all game every game (as we have to.) I can't name too many teams or at least teams with prominent third wide receivers. What do Chad Ochocinco, Donald Driver, Lance Moore, Ted Ginn Jr, Lee Evans, Jacoby Jones, Harry Douglas, Bryan Johnson, Jerome Simpson, Mario Manningham, Denarious Moore, Patrick Turner, Laurent Robinson (with miles austin back), Damian Williams, Jason Avant, Early Doucet, Patrick Crayton all have in common? They are all the 3rd wideout on their respective teams and all of them are mediocre or a bit above average in terms of fantasy points and real targets.

Fourth, fantasy football is about scoring more points than the other opponent. That's the way it should be. Having players that score more points creates more excitement. Don't believe me? What is it like when your wideout scores 2 points? It sucks and you hate life. Starting Rob Gronkowski over Nate Burleson creates a warmer feeling in your heart. If you like that, then flex it up with me bro!

Fifth, even if you HATE flex, you can still start three wide receivers and go back to the barriers. If you think that is unfair because then you are at a competitive disadvantage, then you have just conceded that flex will give you more points so you should probably not will a contradiction and just do flex.


Normally, I would extrapolate this further but I feel like these points are so self evident that it is not necessary to go any farther. If you disagree, please comment and I will answer every single objection.

K Thanks!