Guest of the League
The Trophy League Est. 2020
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
Adonai Mitchell Aug 2 1:00pm CT
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell is struggling to make an impact early in his first NFL training camp, according to James Boyd of the Athletic. "Mitchell has not been the same playmaker he was during the spring when the rookie seemingly made a noteworthy catch every practice." Boyd wrote. "But the second-round pick has been relatively quiet throughout team periods, especially when he's been with the first unit. As it stands now, however, [Alec] Pierce remains firmly in place as the Colts' third starting receiver." While this isn't a promising report, it often takes time for rookie wideouts to transition to the pro game, so it's too early to overreact. That said, the speedster out of Texas will likely have limited fantasy upside in Year 1 while competing for targets with Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Pierce in a potential low-volume passing offense led by quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Aug 2 12:50pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (groin) is reportedly nursing a groin injury, but the former Las Vegas Raider said it's not really an injury, and he's dealing with a minor "tweak." He also said he would be ready to play in a game if it was this week. In all likelihood, the organization is simply being extra cautious with its new $48 million ball-carrier early in the preseason. Jacobs posted a career-low 3.5 yards per carry last season, but his change of scenery could provide him with more running room and opportunities in the open field as a part of the Packers' emerging young offense. The former first-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft is being drafted in the low-end RB1 range in 2024 fantasy football, and he could have high-end RB1 upside if he sees a surplus of goal-line opportunities. AJ Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd figure to mix in behind him, but he's the clear RB1 for Matt LaFleur.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Aug 2 12:40pm CT
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas (hand) has been dealing with a hand injury and wearing a red non-contact jersey at the start of training camp. However, he took the field on Friday with a white jersey, signifying he has been fully cleared. It's promising to see him recover well before the start of the 2024 campaign, and he's looking to build off his solid rookie season. The 2023 sixth-round pick out of Liberty led the team's wide receivers in receptions (49) and receiving yards (561) but did not secure a touchdown reception last year. He's been labeled a sleeper candidate heading into 2024, and he's a risk-free selection at his draft spot after the first 175 players go off the board. That said, the entire New England offense is likely to have limited upside with Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye at quarterback and a lack of high-end weapons.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Moore Aug 2 12:30pm CT
Elijah Moore

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore (head) exited Friday's practice after a collision with defensive back Denzel Ward, and he is being evaluated for a concussion. The 24-year-old suffered a scary-looking head or neck injury last December, so this is not a great development. Further information will likely come out on his status, so there is no fantasy football takeaway for now. Moore flashed as a rookie with the New York Jets, catching 43 passes for 538 yards and five touchdowns in just 11 games. However, he has since compiled just 1,086 yards and three touchdowns in his last 33 games with the Jets and Browns. While playing alongside Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, and David Njoku in 2024 and catching passes from a questionable quarterback in Deshaun Watson, he has limited fantasy upside heading into his fourth NFL campaign.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Aug 2 12:20pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (knee/hip) had testing done on his injured knee and hip, and tests did not reveal anything significant. According to one of Adam Schefter's sources, Smith "shouldn't miss any time." This is great news for the longtime journeyman turned solid starter heading into 2024. Smith has thrown for nearly 8,000 yards, 50 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions in his last 32 starts after taking over for longtime franchise quarterback Russell Wilson in Seattle. With D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Noah Fant, and Kenneth Walker III still on the roster, the 33-year-old has enough upside to be a solid QB2 in Superflex formats. However, fantasy managers should not count on him as a starter in single-QB setups given his lack of high-end rushing upside.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Aug 2 12:20pm CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is having his practice participation scaled back as he deals with general tightness in training camp, according to Dan Duggan of the Athletic. It sounds like the former Auburn Tiger does not have a serious injury, but the team is being cautious with him early in the preseason. Slayton entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick in 2019, and he has led the organization in receiving yards in four of his first five seasons. However, he has never eclipsed 800 yards, and the team brought in former LSU receiver Malik Nabers to be the clear No. 1 wideout for Daniel Jones in 2024. Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson could also play significant snaps, so Slayton should be viewed as nothing more than a late-round flier or best-ball option heading into his sixth pro campaign.

From RotoBaller

Jarvis Landry Aug 2 8:00am CT
Jarvis Landry

Free-agent wide receiver Jarvis Landry is still looking for a new team, but might've found one with the New York Jets. The 31-year-old reportedly had a workout with the Jets this week. The nine-year veteran had a solid career during his time with the Miami Dolphins. Since he left Miami, Landry has started to go downhill. Injuries have kept Landry off the field and he hasn't played since the 2022 season with the New Orleans Saints. It's uncertain what exactly Landry has left in the tank to offer an NFL team. It's worth noting that the Jets signed UFL wideout Isaiah Winstead, which might mean bad news for Landry. However, there could be an injury in camp or an opening elsewhere for Landry before the 2024 season begins.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Aug 2 7:50am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is hopeful to be out there playing in the preseason. The rookie wideout told reporters on Thursday that he wants to play during the preseason games. Head coach Jonathan Gannon agreed with Harrison saying that the first-round pick should be out there. Obviously, the Cardinals don't want to risk injury to their prized rookie receiver, but Harrison also needs game action to learn his new playbook. The assumption is that Harrison is going to have a significant target share during his rookie campaign.

From RotoBaller

Kylen Granson Aug 2 7:40am CT
Kylen Granson

Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson has reportedly been impressive early on in camp. It looks like the Colts are having an open tryout for starting tight end with no real standalone star in the picture. At the moment, Granson has appeared to take an early lead in the running for starter, but there's still plenty of time left in camp. Mo Alie-Cox and Jelani Woods are also candidates, but they appear to offer a little less upside. Over the last two seasons, Granson has hauled in 30-plus receptions and 300 or more receiving yards in both campaigns. His fantasy value is going to be dependent on how the Colts decide to use the tight end position next season.

From RotoBaller

Treylon Burks Aug 2 7:30am CT
Treylon Burks

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks is going to see increased reps over the next month or so. The Titans took a significant hit this week with star wideout DeAndre Hopkins (knee) going down for four-to-six weeks. It's next man up in Tennessee, which means Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd move into the No. 1 and No. 2 roles. It also means that Burks gets to play first-team reps for at least a month. Burks is coming off two underwhelming campaigns in Tennessee. Through two seasons, Burks has recorded 49 receptions, 665 receiving yards, and one touchdown in 22 games. The loss of Hopkins does give Burks increased looks, but that doesn't mean much for his fantasy value. The expectation is that Hopkins is back by Week 1 or Week 2 of the regular season. The absence of Hopkins isn't going to raise the draft stock of Burks by too much.

From RotoBaller

Andy Dalton Aug 2 7:20am CT
Andy Dalton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (quad) is currently in danger of missing the beginning of the regular season. The 36-year-old suffered a quad injury that is expected to hold him out for a few weeks. This doesn't mean too much for the Panthers considering Bryce Young is the starter in Carolina. Dalton is a 13-year veteran with a ton of experience, but he offers little upside on the field right now. He'll serve as the No. 2 quarterback once he's healthy, so fantasy managers can continue avoiding him.

From RotoBaller

Teagan Quitoriano Aug 2 5:10am CT
Teagan Quitoriano

Houston Texans tight end Teagan Quitoriano (lower body) had a notable performance in the Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears, catching two passes for 21 yards and a touchdown. The Texans rested starter Dalton Schultz and backup Brevin Jordan. This left Quitoriano and rookie Cade Stover as the only tight ends on the roster. Quitoriano started the game, taking the first five plays before Stover rotated in for a few snaps. Quitoriano, a 2022 sixth-round pick from Oregon State, scored the touchdown but was carted off the field later due to an injury. The 24-year-old went for evaluation of a lower-body injury with no further update. Stover continued as the lone tight end for the remainder of the game. Neither Quitoriano nor Stover will have significant fantasy value unless Schultz and Jordan miss time.

From RotoBaller

Dare Ogunbowale Aug 2 5:00am CT
Dare Ogunbowale

Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale started and recorded 14 yards on three carries while catching two passes for 21 yards on two receptions in Thursday's Hall of Game against the Chicago Bears. Following him, J.J. Taylor gained 16 yards on six carries without involvement in the passing game. Both Ogunbowale and Taylor took the field ahead of Cam Akers, who has been with the team for only a week. As Akers continues to acclimate, he could move up the depth chart. The Texans' new starting running back, Joe Mixon (quad), is dealing with a soft tissue injury that has kept him out of practice. Even if he were fully healthy, Mixon wouldn't have played in the game, and there are no concerns about his readiness for the regular season. The Texans also rested backup halfback Dameon Pierce, which suggests the team considers him a strong candidate to keep his role as the primary backup. Ogunbowale will continue to battle Taylor and Akers this preseason for a roster spot. None have fantasy value without injuries to both Mixon and Pierce.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Hutchinson Aug 2 5:00am CT
Xavier Hutchinson

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson led the team with five catches for 56 yards in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears. He started alongside John Metchie III, who, along with Hutchinson, was slotted in as the fifth and sixth wide receiver on Houston's depth chart last season. The snap counts indicate that Metchie is the current favorite, followed by Hutchinson. Metchie caught only one pass for 4 yards, suggesting Hutchinson may have narrowed the gap. Ben Skowronek was the third wide receiver, and Steven Sims also saw action. Skowronek and Sims continued into the second half, highlighting that Hutchinson and Metchie are clearly in contention for roster spots. Hutchinson stood out as the best wide receiver for Houston on Thursday night and is worth monitoring in fantasy leagues if a role opens up in the Texans' high-powered offense.

From RotoBaller

Davis Mills Aug 2 4:50am CT
Davis Mills

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills delivered an impressive performance, completing 10 out of 13 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's Hall of Game against the Chicago Bears. He capped a 13-play, 74-yard first drive with a nine-yard touchdown pass to tight end Teagan Quitoriano. Mills guided the offense to 10 points and controlled the clock for over 13 minutes before his night ended after the second Texans' possession. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, Mills competes with veteran Case Keenum for the backup role and made a compelling case for the No. 2 spot on Thursday night. While neither backup quarterback has fantasy value unless C.J. Stroud is injured, it is reassuring that Houston's skill position players should still perform well if Mills or Keenum needs to step in temporarily.

From RotoBaller

Cam Akers Aug 2 4:50am CT
Cam Akers

The Houston Texans' running back Cam Akers (Achilles) rushed five times for 13 yards and caught both his targets for 18 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears. He displayed quickness on a 14-yard reception that set up his touchdown catch. Akers is working to make a comeback with the Texans after suffering a torn Achilles tendon for the second time in three years, which cut his previous season short. Returning to the field just under nine months after the latest injury, which occurred in Week 9 of last season with the Vikings, is an impressive feat given the challenges of recovering from multiple Achilles tears. Akers is competing for the No. 3 running back spot with Dare Ogunbowale, rookie sixth-round pick Jawhar Jordan, and J.J. Taylor. None of these backs hold significant fantasy value unless Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce are injured.

From RotoBaller

Tarik Cohen Aug 2 1:13am CT
Tarik Cohen

Dynasty | Former Bears running back Tarik Cohen is retiring. Dynasty Analysis: Cohen was attempting a comeback with the Jets but things were clearly not working out. He was once a highly coveted dynasty asset and caught 79 passes for Chicago in a great 2019 season. Cohen has just run out steam it seems and he's calling it quits at age 29. Such is life as a running back in the NFL. Cohen can be dropped from dynasty rosters at this point.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Clyde Edwards-Helaire Aug 2 1:13am CT
Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Dynasty | Clyde Edwards-Helaire has revealed he deals with PTSD. Dynasty Analysis: The story is worth a read for sure. It seems CEH may have been part of an electronics sale that went wrong and resulted in one person being shot and killed while he was at LSU. While he hasn't disclosed many particulars, he has missed practice time in the past for personal reasons and this explains some of it. CEH has largely been disappointing from a dynasty perspective during his time in the league but this story reminds us all these are human beings we root for. He remains a deeper roster stash at the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Case Keenum Aug 1 11:43pm CT
Case Keenum

Houston Texans QB Case Keenum completed seven of his nine passes for 78 yards and a touchdown against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Aug. 1.

From TheHuddle

Collin Johnson Aug 1 11:00pm CT
Collin Johnson

Chicago Bears wide receiver Collin Johnson caught three of his six targets for 56 yards and two touchdowns in the team's 21-17 shortened win over the Texans. Johnson showed great rapport with quarterback Brett Rypien in this game to help give Chicago a slight edge over Houston. In a receiver room loaded with talent at the top, there isn't much room on the active roster for Johnson. More performances like this throughout camp bolster his case to be on the practice squad at the least. Johnson's next chance to show his ability in a game comes August 10th at Buffalo.

From RotoBaller