Guest of the League
The Wild Ones Est. 2019
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

The Weekly Bender: You Can Always Come Home

Fri Jul 5 6:00pm ET
By HOWARD BENDER
Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below


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!

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

This Week in the TFC (8-1)

Player Notes
Jayden Daniels Aug 4 1:13pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Dynasty | Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will start the team's preseason opener on Saturday. Dynasty Analysis: One of the most polarizing prospects in recent memory, Daniels will attempt to stake his claim to the mantle of "franchise savior" starting this week. His last college season was dominant but there are real questions about how his game translates to the next level. At this point, he's a top three 2QB / Superflex rookie and dynasty managers who drafted him are looking forward to his debut.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jayden Daniels Aug 4 11:10am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is set to play in the team's first preseason game against the New York Jets. This isn't shocking news after Daniels was taken as the No. 2 overall selection in this year's draft. He will get his first taste of NFL action next weekend as the organization is hopeful Daniels is their quarterback of the future. It's worth noting that the Commanders haven't revealed their starter for Week 1. Both Marcus Mariota and Daniels have been given first-team reps in camp. The assumption is Daniels will start the season opener, but we'll wait and see how Daniels looks in the preseason opener.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Aug 4 11:00am CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (groin) was back on the practice field this weekend. This is good news after Jacobs missed practice on Thursday due to a minor groin issue. The injury appears to be behind him as Jacobs is back on the practice field. The Packers haven't tipped their hand to which back is going to be the starter heading into Week 1. The assumption is that Jacobs would lead the charge after signing almost a $50 million multi-year deal over the offseason. Possibly, Jacobs and AJ Dillon will split up the workload which would hinder the value of both players. Nonetheless, Jacobs is back on the field so fantasy managers don't have to worry about this injury lingering into the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Aug 4 10:50am CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright has impressed the coaching staff early in training camp. Wright has been doing all the right things and is putting himself in good position heading into the season. The fourth-round rookie appears ready to make an impact on the field, but will have to battle for snaps. Both Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane are ahead of Wright on the depth chart. However, head coach Mike McDaniel has shown he's not scared to use his rookies after seeing what Achane did last season. The Dolphins should be able to find a way to get the speedy back involved, but it probably won't be enough snaps to carry every week fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Aug 4 10:30am CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has reportedly been impressing the organization early in training camp. The fifth-round rookie appears to be taking the lead in the competition for the second string job in the backfield. Tracy's ability in the short yardage passing game appears to be giving him the advantage over Eric Gray and Dante Miller. It's worth noting that Tracy spent a majority of his career as a wide receiver in college before switching to running back last season. That being said, Tracy certainly has the skillset to get the job done as a receiver in the backfield. However, it's uncertain how much of a usage Tracy could have behind Devin Singletary. Regardless, Tracy is someone to keep an eye on during training camp and in the preseason.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Aug 4 10:20am CT
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton could be utilized differently under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen. This new system is reportedly going to have a bunch of shifts and motions to bait defenses. It's structured to give playmakers space and create advantages in matchups. Otton praised this scheme and said it allows players to do what they do best. It sounds like this new system gives players some freedom which could be a good thing for the Bucs offense. Otton has 89 receptions for 846 yards and six touchdowns through his first two seasons in Tampa Bay. Possibly, this new scheme will help Otton improve his game and find new ways of getting open and making plays.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Aug 3 9:30pm CT
Joe Burrow

Newly-acquired Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has shown early chemistry in camp with quarterback Joe Burrow. Gesicki, who is 28 years old, has even racked up a few impressive one-hand catches during drills with Burrow. The seasoned tight end will be on his third team in three years after a one-year stint in New England and projects to lead a TE room with veterans Drew Sample and Tanner Hudson and rookies Erick All Jr. and Tanner McLachlan. Gesicki is the TE29 (ADP No. 243) in NFFC drafts. The former Dolphin still has some juice and will play with the best quarterback he's ever had. He'll be a target in best ball formats and can be picked up off the waiver wire in others with a chance to be a sneaky sleeper. In 2021, Gesicki amassed a career-high 73 receptions for 780 yards on 112 targets but has been limited to 61 catches for 606 yards over 34 games in the last two seasons with the Dolphins and Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Aug 3 9:30pm CT
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is believed to be "all the way back," as per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. According to Fowler, the Rams' offense evidently "runs through Kupp." The 31-year-old wideout finished 2023 as the fantasy WR24 on a PPG basis after a season where he was never truly healthy, suffering injuries during the regular season and pre-season. However, three years ago, Kupp finished as the overall WR1 on the back of a historic Triple-Crown winning season and then began 2022 at an equally historic pace through nine games before going down with an ankle sprain. Whether Kupp is actually back is yet to be determined, but if his disappointing 2023 is more a product of health than a regression of skill, he could have an excellent bounce-back season. Kupp is the 39th player off the board in NFFC drafts (WR21) and has Puka Nacua to compete with for quarterback Matthew Stafford's targets. It's unclear exactly how those targets will shake out, but a fully healthy Kupp and Nacua are certain to terrorize opposing defenses all season.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Aug 3 9:20pm CT
Geno Smith

After missing several practices, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (knee, hip) is expected to return to practice early next week. His testing came back clean, not revealing "anything significant," and the Seahawks can breathe a collective sigh of relief. The 33-year-old gives Seattle's offense its best chance of success, which accounts for his loaded wide receiver corps. This is still a situation to monitor, as we've yet to see him return to practice in full, but if Smith is healthy, there is a lot to be excited about with Ryan Grubb's new offensive scheme in Seattle. The 11-year veteran is RotoBaller's QB22 in superflex rankings and is an attractive sleeper target at his ADP (No. 101 on Sleeper). Geno is just two years removed from a 30-touchdown, 4,282-yard season while completing nearly 70% (69.8) of his passes.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Mims Aug 3 9:20pm CT
Marvin Mims

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. had a hot-and-cold practice on Saturday but showed off his explosive play prowess nonetheless. During the early portion of practice, Jarrett Stidham placed a beautiful ball just out of reach of the fingertips of Mims, who couldn't complete the diving grab. The second-year wideout then caught a ball during Bo Nix's go, but he saved his biggest play of the day for last. In an end-of-game, win-or-go-home hypothetical situation, the Broncos' offense was down to 4th-and-18, and Stidham completed his pass to Mims this time for 23 yards, keeping the drive alive. He also flashed his explosiveness in stints during his rookie season, and Denver's WR room is wide open behind Courtland Sutton. He'll be vying for targets with fellow wideouts Josh Reynolds and rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin. Mims is a late-round choice in fantasy drafts right now at WR72 with an NFFC ADP 185, making him worth a flier in best ball and deep leagues as a big play threat.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Aug 3 9:13pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Dynasty | The Dolphins and Tyreek Hill have agreed to a restructured contract. Dynasty Analysis: The contract includes $65 million in guarantees, bringing his four-year total in guaranteed money to $106.5 million, tops in history for a wide receiver. This should ensure Hill stays in Miami for at least the next three years and that's music to the ears of any dynasty manager as he posted another great season in 2023 with 119 catches for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns. Hill could easily be the WR1 in any season and is an easy target for any contending dynasty team. This contract locks him in to elite status for the foreseeable future.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Luke Schoonmaker Aug 3 6:00pm CT
Luke Schoonmaker

Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (groin) was unable to practice on Saturday. It sounds like the second-year tight end is dealing with a minor groin issue. For now, Schoonmaker is considered as day-to-day. The Cowboys might hold him out of practice for a few days until he's back to full health. The expectation is Schoonmaker will be the No. 2 tight end behind Jake Ferguson this season. He finished with eight receptions for 65 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games last season. There probably won't be a ton of fantasy value for Schoonmaker with Ferguson ahead of him on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Aug 3 6:00pm CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) is back to participating in practice on Saturday. This comes a day after Jennings was limited to side work due to a minor ankle issue. Luckily, Jennings is back and hauled in a 25-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy during Saturday's practice. Jennings figures to compete for the No. 3 wideout role in training camp. He has seen less than 40 targets in two of his first three seasons in the league. However, an increased role to the No. 3 spot could give him more fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Aug 3 5:40pm CT
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (hamstring) is a little banged up after Saturday's practice session. Head coach Dennis Allen said Shaheed is dealing with hamstring tightness and will be evaluated on Sunday. This is not good news for an already thin wide receiver group in New Orleans. Shaheed figures to have a decently sized role in the offense this upcoming season. He hauled in 46 receptions for 719 yards and five touchdowns through 15 games last season. There should be more information on the severity of the injury later in the weekend.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Brown Aug 3 5:40pm CT
Anthony Brown

The Carolina Panthers have signed defensive back Anthony Brown on Saturday. The organization has reportedly signed Brown after having the veteran defensive back do a workout for the team this weekend. The 30-year-old has spent a majority of his career as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. His best season came in 2021 when he recorded three interceptions and 59 tackles in 16 games. He should provide solid depth for the Panthers defense heading into the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Aug 3 5:30pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) has reportedly looked impressive early in camp. The veteran quarterback has gone through nine practices in camp and did a 90-min scrimmage on Saturday. Head coach Robert Saleh said it looks like Rodgers hasn't missed any time. The 40-year-old is less than a year removed from a torn Achilles. Despite that, Rodgers says he was 95 percent healthy heading into training camp. The first chance for Rodgers to get back into game action would be Saturday in the preseason opener against the Washington Commanders. It remains to been see if Rodgers is ready for that next step.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Aug 3 2:40pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is still in a competitive battle with Justin Fields for the starting job. While the team waits for Wilson's return, Fields has made a strong impression during practice. This situation could disrupt the Steelers' initial plans, as they acquired Wilson to bring stability and experience to their quarterback position. Coach Mike Tomlin has repeatedly stated that Wilson is in "pole position" to secure the starting role. Despite Wilson's less athletic profile than Fields, he is expected to showcase his superiority and reaffirm his status as the preferred starter once he's back. For fantasy managers, Wilson's potential to win the job could positively impact the Steelers' skill players, as he has a proven track record as a facilitator. With Wilson at the helm, expect a significant boost for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, who would likely see increased rushing attempts and dump-off opportunities. Wilson's presence would also benefit George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and rookie Roman Wilson in the passing game.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Aug 3 2:30pm CT
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields has impressed in camp while filling in for Russell Wilson (calf),who is sidelined with a calf injury. Fields has consistently improved throughout training camp, from making highlight-reel throws to delivering steady, play-by-play performances. "Justin has really taken advantage of the opportunity for additional snaps because Russ's been out some here the first week," said head coach Mike Tomlin. Fields has finished among the top quarterbacks in fantasy points per game over the last two seasons, ranking QB5 in 2022 and QB12 in 2023. Although Fields might not elevate the overall passing game in Pittsburgh, he has demonstrated the ability to support a top fantasy wide receiver, so George Pickens should remain a strong option. However, Fields' presence could impact the rushing opportunities for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, potentially limiting their touches.

From RotoBaller

Zaven Collins Aug 3 2:10pm CT
Zaven Collins

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins agreed to a two-year, $14 million extension with the team. The Cardinals declined his fifth-year option a few months ago, saving the club some cash. However, the latest deal will keep the 25-year-old in Arizona for at least a few more seasons. Collins, the No. 16 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has appeared in 50 games for the Cardinals over the last three seasons, totaling 166 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two interceptions. With that in mind, he may be in line for his most productive season to date, so he will see interest from IDP managers heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Aug 3 2:00pm CT
Jonathon Brooks

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) won't participate in preseason play. Unfortunately, the rookie could also miss time to begin his inaugural year. Brooks, the No. 46 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, tore his ACL in November. With that said, the Panthers will likely limit him once he's healthy enough to return. However, Brooks will presumably compete with Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders for touches, meaning it could be challenging for the former Texas Longhorn to do anything substantial for fantasy managers early in the 2024-25 campaign.

From RotoBaller