Fantasy football’s first big bye week disruption can send you to a dark place

When you set an exercise program on the treadmill, it doesn’t start you at the hardest level. You begin with an easy jog and work your way into faster strides and steeper inclines. 

Week 5 was the first level-up for fantasy footballers. We went from a leisurely trot the first four weeks to a pair of byes, with the Chiefs and Panthers off. 

This week we level up again, to four teams off — the Bengals, Dolphins, Lions and Vikings. We’re gonna stay here for the next three weeks, so get used to this new, harder pace. 

Don’t worry, it will get more difficult in Week 11 when six teams will be off, so we have that to look forward to. In the meantime, let’s address this week.