It’s not wrong to have your favorites players.

As fantasy owners, it’s only natural for us to develop attachments with certain players. Maybe you had Chris Johnson a few seasons ago, and because of his performance you draft him every year  — just in case. But sometimes your team can’t afford to keep around your favorites. If they don’t produce, you have to make the tough choice, no matter how soft a spot you have for them in your heart.

Last week, I had to make a tough decision with kicker Robbie Gould while the Bears were on bye week. Ever since I took him in the fourth — yes, fourth — round out of inexperience in my first season, I’ve drafted him every year out of some mesh of Chicago pride and fantasy football nostalgia. But when it came his time to sit out last week, I weighed the options and decided keeping a kicker on my bench would do me no good. 

I had to say goodbye to Robbie for the week and wasn’t able to pick him back up in time from the Week 9 waiver wires. As a result, I wrote the following letter to him this week with a heavy heart:

Robbie,

We’ve been through it all, man. I nearly jumped from my seat when you kicked that 58-yarder earlier this season. You were my biggest star in 2011 when you booted in six for six from 50 yards and up. I even forgave and forgot about those two misses from over 40 yards out last season.

But last week with your bye, I had no choice but to let you go. I want you to know that I had every intention of reconnecting with you before Green Bay, but Dan Bailey’s productivity had me distracted, and I wasn’t able to pick you back up in time. I tried to trade for you, but there is only so much my team can offer before 9.1 points per game becomes too unaffordable.

It hurts to write each word. You were like a son to me, albeit a son that has 12 years on me — but you meant that much to me, you know? I’ll always cherish our seasons together, and I wish you the best of luck with your new team. And who knows? Maybe we’ll be back in action again next season.

Keep kickin’ em right between the goal posts, buddy.

Always your fan,

Jordan “J.J.” Wilson

While you, too, may not be able to start your Robbie Goulds this week, your fantasy doctor has stayed composed long enough to decide his favorite starts and sits for Week 9. 

STARTS

Tony Romo (quarterback, Cowboys) — Even with the Cowboys at 4-4, Romo is having a good year. He has thrown at least one passing touchdown every game this season and has condensed his interceptions to five total. He’s also the fourth highest quarterback in scoring at 147 points. DeMarco Murray is likely to return, but that doesn’t mean Romo is going to let off the gas. Minnesota posts one of the worst pass defenses in the league, and having Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams in his arsenal only increases his chance of being trigger-happy. Very few quarterback options overshadow Romo in Week 9.  

Danny Woodhead and Ryan Matthews (running backs, Chargers) — This week is a perfect opportunity for San Diego’s running back duo, even on the road. While both have solicited some pass attention from Philip Rivers, each has lacked rushing touchdowns. But the Redskins’ defense has allowed 86 points in its last two games, four touchdowns to running backs. It also ranks third to last in rushing yards allowed per game (123.4) and second to last in touchdowns allowed (10). After each earned a rushing touchdown against Jacksonville, expect these two to take advantage of another low-tier rush defense. 

SITS 

Tom Brady (quarterback, Patriots) — Brady is an elite quarterback, but not lately. His offense isn’t very productive, even with the return of Rob Gronkowski. Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman are injury prone. Kembrell Thompkins is hit or miss — at best. Even Gronkowski seems to be taking some time to get acclimated to this year’s offense. Brady just doesn’t have anyone he can rely on, especially against a tough Pittsburgh defense. If you can, think about pursuing other option this week. 

Jacquizz Rodgers and Steven Jackson (running back, Falcons) — A two-game streak of 17-point games for Rodgers came to an end last weekend against Arizona. And if you’re expecting a comeback, you won’t get it this week. Carolina locks down the run game, which is bad news for the returning Steven Jackson as well.  They have allowed just 555 yards across seven games this season coupled with only two rushing touchdowns. While it will still be challenging, the Falcons will likely put most of their faith in Matt Ryan’s arm this week.

J.J. is a sophomore in Media. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Wilsonable07.