Dynasty, in Theory: Concentrate

There's a lot of really strong dynasty analysis out there, especially when compared to five or ten years ago. But most of it is so dang practical-- Player X is undervalued, Player Y's workload is troubling, the market at this position is irrational, and take this specific action to win your league. Dynasty, in Theory is meant as a corrective, offering insights and takeaways into the strategic and structural nature of the game that might not lead to an immediate benefit but which should help us become better players over time.

Pop Quiz Time

Team A averages 105 points per game. Team B averages 105 points per game. Which team is better?

Alright, alright, we're going to need a bit more information to answer this one. Team A averages 20 points per game at quarterback, 30 points per game at running back, 45 points per game at wide receiver, and 10 points per game at tight end; Team B likewise averages 20 / 30 / 45 / 10. Which team is better?

It seems we need to drill down a little bit deeper, still. Let's say that Team A features two running backs who both average 15 points per game, while Team B starts one running back who averages 20 points per game and a second running back who averages just 10 points per game. Now we finally have enough information to answer. Which team is better? Think about it for a minute and form a hypothesis. Then scroll down for the answer.

No, really, this bit is interactive. Go ahead and think about it for a second, take a guess. I'll wait.

Ready for the answer? Good!

I've asked enough trick questions in the past that regular readers might now suspect me of another bit of legerdemain. On its face, the easy answer would be to say it's a trick question, and both teams are equally good because they score the same number of points.

But this was not a trick question. (Or, I suppose, it was a trick question whose trick was tricking you into thinking there was a trick when there was no trick.) Assuming all else is equal (and since this is my hypothetical, all else is equal), Team B is better than Team A.

The reason for this is simple. Although both teams produce the same amount of output, Team B's production is concentrated in fewer roster spots.