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WEEK THREE BREAKOUT: Worried About Your Lineup?
- Bryce Johnson
- Sep 16, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 1, 2025
"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything…”
― Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Worried About Your Lineup?
Every week of the Fantasy season, our most crucial role as Fantasy managers is submitting the best starting lineup we can.
Oftentimes, this means we agonize over the choice to play either this running back or that running back. We debate with ourselves about which player to put in our flex spot. We weigh our options based on matchups, previous performances, and the health of each player.
It becomes stressful when we have two players who are very close in terms of rankings, projections, or point-per-game standpoint, and we know we can only put one of them in our lineup. As it gets closer to kickoff, we feel the pressure of having to decide which player to go with and go back and forth trying to convince ourselves what’s the best thing to do.
We start to play the what-if game in our heads as we consider all the different possible outcomes for each player. What if our running back’s team decides not to run the ball as much today because of their opponents’ stout defense? What if his injury is more serious than they are letting on? What if I bench the wrong guy, and he goes off for a huge performance, only to be sitting on my bench?
The questions are swirling around in our heads as we ask what we should do. We want to have an awesome starting lineup every week and not make mistakes with what guys we put in there, but at the same time, we can’t perfectly predict the future or control the outcomes!
Because of this reality, it’s easy to become worried, fearful, anxious, and concerned - especially as we approach kickoff and even more so as the season progresses. Each Fantasy matchup becomes more intense as we fight for a playoff spot and realize how many points we’re trailing the guys ahead of us in the standings.
The more on the line for us, the more we analyze and second-guess ourselves. We don’t want to miss the playoffs and know how critical each win is, so every lineup choice carries even more weight.
Of course, this is part of playing Fantasy Football and what makes it so competitive, yet it sure can get stressful.
So what do we do about it?
We have to try to relax, be confident, and be at peace about making the best lineup decision we can with the information we know. We must remember that we can’t control what the players do on the field and need to establish our lineup, avoiding anxiety and worry that can arise from the process. We can’t get so worked up about our weekly lineup that it takes away the joy of playing Fantasy!
Chances are, we face similar situations and feelings every day in our own lives. We have tough decisions to make, unanswered questions about our future, we want to control every outcome, and we don’t want to make mistakes.
Because of this, we can often be worried, anxious, fearful, and concerned. Our minds can be filled with negative thoughts as we go back and forth in our heads about potential outcomes as we play the “what-if game.”
Oftentimes, we don’t know what to do, but feel the pressure and stress that we have to make a decision, and fear that things won’t turn out the way we want them to. When it comes to big life choices, the intensity especially increases, and the weight can be hefty because we know what’s on the line.
However, as followers of Jesus, we can relax, be confident, and find peace in whatever we face as we place our trust in Him, His plan, and His character.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) tells us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
We also have to remember that we can’t control everything and can’t let the process of decision-making and seeking God for clarity cause us to be anxious and worried. Instead of being worked up about our situations that aren’t totally clear yet, we have to continue to experience the joy and peace we have in Christ! We must continue to seek Him and keep our eyes and minds fixed on Him.
We can declare Isaiah 26:3 (AMP): “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because He trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].”
We’ll also be able to repeat Psalm 34:4 (NLT): “I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.”
Lastly, in Fantasy Football, we’re better off when we enjoy it and delight in playing it. When we do, we’ll be less worried and stressed about every lineup decision.
Likewise, in life, we must continue to enjoy God and delight in Him. Even more than seeking Him just for answered prayers, we need to seek Him because we love Him. When we do, we become aligned with Him and His desires...and ultimately, find peace.
As Psalm 37:4 (ESV) says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
There is no question that Fantasy Football and, even more so, life can be stressful, but as the pressure intensifies, let’s not let worry win. Let’s turn to Jesus for His power and strength to help us remain calm and confident.
Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your kindness and faithfulness toward me. Please replace my worry, fear, and stress with peace, joy, and hope as I trust in You. Help me to delight in You and seek You in fellowship. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
What Fantasy lineup decisions have recently been the toughest?
How stressed and worried do you get about making weekly lineup choices?
Do you get more stressed about trades, the waiver wire, or weekly lineups?
Who has been the most stressful player to deal with this season?
Do you tend to worry more about your starter not scoring enough points, or are you more fearful that the player you leave on the bench will have a big game?
In life, what decisions are you currently facing?
What areas of life are causing you the most stress, worry, or concern? In what ways are you playing the “what-if” game?
How do you respond when you’re feeling anxious and overwhelmed?
What does it mean for you to delight in the Lord?
What is the difference between seeking God vs. seeking God for answers or clarity?
Have you experienced God’s peace in the midst of a stressful season of life, and how did He help you overcome your worry?
Only two (NON-QBS) players have scored six touchdowns in a game since Fantasy Football started in 1962: Alvin Kamara in 2020 and Gale Sayers in 1965. Kamara finished with 56.2 Fantasy points, and Sayers totaled 58.2. ― StatMuse
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