The Weekly Bender: You Can Always Come Home
Fri Jul 5 6:00pm ET
By HOWARD BENDER
Fantasy Writer
There is nothing better than winning your fantasy football league. Whether you’re playing against your friends in a home league or gearing up to take down the $500,000 grand prize in The Fantasy Championship, that euphoric feeling hits you in such a way that sometimes words can’t even describe. But it takes work. It takes tenacity. You don’t just stumble into a championship. You earn it. And that starts with your research here in July. Scouting talent is a top priority for you right now and it’s not just about the NFL players on the field. It’s also about which fantasy analysts you choose to trust each season.
Back in 2011, the folks here at RealTime Fantasy Sports led the way in premier scouting. During a raucous after-party following the FSTA Conference (currently the FSGA) in San Francisco, two of RTSports’ finest made their way to the bar and struck up a conversation with the guy slinging drinks. As it turned out, he also happened to be an aspiring fantasy analyst, freelancing for a couple of sites and looking for more work.
The conversation was light and friendly but intensified when opinions on players and teams came into play. The Giants had just won the World Series and baseball talk was buzzing in the Bay Area. The Green Bay Packers were in mini-camp looking to defend their Super Bowl championship and as we witness every year, the football frenzy was already taking over. With every lager and IPA that hit the bar, the men of RTSports also received formidable opinions, spicy hot takes, boatloads of sarcasm and some pretty entertaining jokes. By the end of the evening, a business card was handed across the bar with a firm demand: “We need a fantasy article written every week with these thoughts, these opinions and this kind of attitude.” With smiles all around and firm handshakes given, “The Weekly Bender” was born.
Yes, all of this, just to re-introduce myself to the community here at RealTime Fantasy Sports. What’s going on, everyone? I am over-the-moon with excitement about being back. In some ways, I never left. Though I was soon offered a full-time position at Fantasy Alarm and the Weekly Bender came to a close, I have remained very active on this website. For years, I hosted the Mock Draft Army here on RTSports and provided fantasy owners an opportunity to mock draft alongside dedicated fantasy players and industry analysts from all over. I’ve hosted numerous best ball drafts here for my audience at SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio and until my return today, have been logging plenty of time turning a profit in the RTSports DFS Pick ‘Em contests.
Yes, I am still over at Fantasy Alarm and you can find all of my fantasy football player rankings, cheat sheets (coming this Monday, July 8), draft strategies and my coaching scheme breakdowns in our Fantasy Football Draft Guide. The community over there is spectacular and I am sure that some of you reading this right now may already be over there. But RTSports has always been a home for me and now that I am back, I cannot wait to jump in.
In addition to the Weekly Bender, an article dedicated to providing winning strategies and picks with a hefty serving of snark, I will also be joining Jeff Paur on his weekly podcast/livestream, sharing videos with DFS Pick ‘Em contest picks, hosting mock drafts to get everyone ready for the 2024 NFL season and even setting up some “Beat Howard Bender” contests so that we can not only play against each other but also give you the opportunity to serve some of that smack-talk back to me.
When Thomas Wolfe wrote “You Can’t Go Home Again,” he was referring to the way nostalgia has us viewing the past in an overly-positive light. For those of you who remember the original Weekly Bender, you know we don’t look back at those pieces with rose-colored glasses. We crushed the research together, we ruled the waiver wire together and we shared championships together. It all comes full circle today and if Wolfe was sitting with me here right now, I’d let him know that you truly can go home again.
Here's to a spectacular 2024 season!
Bender, out!
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- A.J. Brown, Lane Johnson set to return for Eagles
- Steelers' George Pickens facing fine for eye black expletive
- Displaced Bucs pack bags, families, riding out week in New Orleans
- Raiders make change, name Aidan O'Connell starting QB
- Patriots tout new QB1 Drake Maye's ability to make 'plays you see on TV'
- Ravens bring back former DC Dean Pees as senior advisor
- Abdul Salaam, part of Jets' NY Sack Exchange, dies at 71
- Jaguars open practice window for CB Tyson Campbell
- Aaron Rodgers denies role in Jets firing Robert Saleh
- Giants OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist) week-to-week
- NFL places Patriots S Jabrill Peppers on commissioner's exempt list
- Bears GM: Rookie QB Caleb Williams 'right where he should be'
- Texans place NFL's leading receiver Nico Collins on IR
- Raiders DT Christian Wilkins (foot) out indefinitely, going to IR
- Saints QB Derek Carr (oblique) out multiple games
- 49ers sign K Matthew Wright with Jake Moody (ankle) out
- Jets Next Head Coach Odds: Bill Belichick tops lengthy list
- Eagles release LB Devin White
- Drake Maye era to begin Sunday for New England
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The Paur Report
After being suspended for the Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs returned to practice on Wednesday and wasn't limited in any fashion. Doubs decided to skip a few practices last week because he was unhappy with his role in the offense, so the Packers suspended him for a game due to conduct detrimental to the team. The 24-year-old reportedly is back on the same page with the team and should be active for Week 6 against the visiting Arizona Cardinals. It's possible Green Bay could look to involve him more this Sunday in a good matchup, although receiver Christian Watson (ankle) could also make his return. The Packers have a lot of mouths to feed in the receiving corps among Doubs, Watson, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. Fantasy managers will be rolling the dice if they use Doubs as a WR4/flex in Week 6 against the Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. The Jaguars are optimistic that Engram can return to action in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears in London this Sunday after not playing since the season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins. Engram injured his hamstring during pre-game warmups before Week 2 and hasn't played since. The 30-year-old two-time Pro Bowler had a career-best 963 receiving yards in 2023 in his second year in Jacksonville, but so far in 2024 he's been a fantasy bust due to his hamstring injury. Engram caught just one pass for five yards in Week 1. If he ends up returning to the field this Sunday in London, he'll be a low-end TE1 in fantasy, at best. Brenton Strange has filled in nicely for the Jags in Engram's absence and has found the end zone twice.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is expected to miss multiple weeks. The Colts have also suggested that Pittman may be placed on injured reserve. Pittman was a non-participant in practice on Wednesday and is listed as doubtful heading into this weekend. This is unfortunate news for fantasy managers as Pittman had just started to come alive. He had at least 113 receiving yards or a touchdown in his last two games. That may be attributed to the presence of quarterback Joe Flacco in the lineup rather than a struggling Anthony Richardson. However, it could be some time before fantasy managers find out if Pittman is able to build on that momentum. Pittman has recorded 22 receptions for 238 yards and a touchdown in 2024. For now, fantasy managers will have to stick him in their IR spot and hope for the best.
Dynasty | The Texans have placed wide receiver Nico Collins on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: Collins has gone from an afterthought, to a serviceable receiver, to a possible lineup staple, to a WR1, to perhaps the best receiver in fantasy leagues over the past three years. This is a major buzzkill as he has been flat-out dominant. Savvy owners who aren't competing right now could make a "buy low" play for his services to a team desperate to win, but you're not likely to get him. Unfortunately, he's going to be out for at least four weeks and that should open up targets for Tank Dell, Stefon Diggs, Dalton Schultz and others.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers C Graham Barton (hamstring), S Christian Izien (elbow, groin) and WR Trey Palmer (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 9. WR Kameron Johnson (ankle) S Jordan Whitehead (groin) and S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) were limited during practice. DE Earnest Brown (ribs), DE William Gholston (knee), OT Luke Goedeke (concussion) and DT Calijah Kancey (calf) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints OG Cesar Ruiz (knee), DE Payton Turner (knee), QB Derek Carr (oblique), OG Lucas Patrick (chest), S Will Harris (hamstring) and LB Pete Werner (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 9. LB Willie Gay (hand) was limited during practice, while RB Kendre Miller (hamstring) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans saints TE Taysom Hill (rib) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Fantasy Spin: Hill is still recovering from fractured ribs, so he probably will not be available this week unless he takes part in one of the two practices left during the week. Fantasy players should look for other options and avoid Hill until he takes part in a few practices.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans saints RB Alvin Kamara (hand, hip) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players should monitor the situation to see if Kamara can take part in practice later in the week. He will see a significant workload if he plays and is a must-start option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (heel) was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) missed the first practice of the week. Ekeler missed Week 4 due to a concussion but returned to action in the Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns to touch the ball eight times for 97 scrimmage yards. Robinson had only seven carries for 18 yards but managed to find the end zone twice. The Commanders are going to continue to monitor B-Rob's knee heading into their Week 6 showdown in Baltimore against the Ravens, so even if he's active again this Sunday, Ekeler could pace Washington's backfield in snaps and touches. Jeremy McNichols also had seven carries for 44 yards and a score in Week 5 and could continue to have a role, which isn't great for Ekeler's fantasy upside. Consider Ekeler a WR3/flex option in PPR formats for Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (groin) was listed as limited for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. It's an upgrade for Brown, who missed practice all of last week before sitting out of the Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns. While there's no guarantee he'll return this Sunday to face the Baltimore Ravens, the 28-year-old is at least making progress and could have a shot to be active. Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus got some more run behind WR1 Terry McLaurin last weekend with Noah Brown sidelined. Through three games in his first year in D.C., Noah Brown has caught only nine passes on 10 targets for 111 yards and no touchdowns. Washington's offense has looked great under impressive rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels so far in 2024, but Noah Brown is merely a deep-league stash.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers DT Devonte Wyatt (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 9. CB Jaire Alexander (groin), DT Kenny Clark (toe), LB Edgerrin Cooper (hip), DT Jonathan Ford (calf), OG Elgton Jenkins (knee), OT Jordan Morgan (shoulder), TE Luke Musgrave (ankle) and CB Carrington Valentine (ankle) were limited during practice. S Zayne Anderson (elbow), DE Arron Mosby (shoulder) and OT Zach Tom (shoulder) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Updating a previous report, Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins (non-injury) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Fantasy Spin: Hopkins has been held under 35 yards in three of his four games this season and only has 10 receptions in those games. He should see a handful of targets this week but is not a strong fantasy option.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans S Jamal Adams (hip), WR Treylon Burks (non-injury) and DT Keondre Coburn (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 9. DT Jeffery Simmons (elbow) and CB L'Jarius Sneed (non-injury) were limited during practice. LB Cedric Gray (shoulder) and LB Ernest Jones (elbow) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. This is good news for fantasy managers as Watson missed the Packers' Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Watson has been underwhelming in fantasy in 2024. A combination of injuries and the absence of Jordan Love for a couple of games has significantly impacted Watson's production. He only has five receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in 2024. That is good for 19 fantasy points in five games in PPR scoring. With the emergence of wide receiver Jayden Reed, Watson has likely lost his grip on the No. 1 wide receiver role in Green Bay. Even if he can return in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals, fantasy managers should wait and see how Watson fares before deploying him in their lineups.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals OT Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 9. OG Evan Brown (hamstring), PK Matt Prater (knee), DE Darius Robinson (calf) and CB Garrett Williams (groin) were limited during practice. OG Isaiah Adams (thumb), OT Christian Jones (ankle) and WR Zay Jones (non-injury) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) was a DNP at practice on Wednesday. Robinson has been excellent in 2024 en route to 325 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He has added eight receptions for 68 yards. Robinson has thrived with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels propelling the Commanders offense to the top of the league. His yards per carry average of 4.5 is a carry high and his five rushing touchdowns already match his career high in that category. As such, Robinson has consistently delivered RB2 numbers in fantasy. Hopefully, his absence from practice is simply for rest. However, fantasy managers will need to keep an eye on his practice status over the next couple of days. While the Commanders' matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6 is not ideal for running backs, Robinson would still have a chance at goal-line opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals TE Mike Gesicki (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Fantasy Spin: Gesicki may be in danger of missing the Week 6 game if he does not take part in either of the final two practices of the week. He has played well at times this season, but fantasy players may want to look for other options to use this week.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals DT Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) and DE Joseph Ossai (shoulder) were limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 9. CB Mike Hilton (knee), CB D.J. Ivey (knee), DT Kris Jenkins (thumb) and OT Amarius Mims (calf) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler is slated to start for an injured Derek Carr (oblique) when the Saints meet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. Rattler was a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was once considered a future first-round pick during his early college days. However, he did not quite live up to expectations and ended up falling to the fifth round. Still, Rattler is a promising prospect with a lot of talent. The Saints have a solid group of skill players in place and a solid defense which should support Rattler. Rookie quarterbacks tend to struggle in the NFL which is unfortunate for a Saints team with playoff aspirations. However, the team clearly feels as though Rattler is ready to step in for a short period of time. Hopefully, he can continue to support production for running back Alvin Kamara (hip/hand) and wide receivers Rashid Shaheed (hip) and Chris Olave.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) has been announced to have torn his oblique. Carr suffered the injury in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had already been announced to miss multiple weeks, but the fact that this injury is a tear is concerning. Carr had been supporting fantasy relevance for running back Alvin Kamara (hip/hand) and wide receivers Rashid Shaheed (hip) and Chris Olave. It appears as though the Saints will turn to rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler while Carr nurses back to health. While Rattler is a promising prospect, it is uncommon for rookie quarterbacks to experience high-end success in the NFL. Even so, Rattler will have a solid group of skill players around him. Carr has thrown for 989 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024. After a red-hot start, Carr had hit a bit of a skid in recent weeks. He will look to get back on track upon his return from injury.
From RotoBaller
