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!
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 5
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 5
- Texans WR Nico Collins (hamstring) knocked out vs. Bills
- Colts G Will Fries carted off with right lower leg injury
- Bengals lose CB Dax Hill to knee injury vs. Ravens
- Dolphins RB De'Von Achane injured, ruled out vs. Patriots
- Colts QB Anthony Richardson inactive vs. Jaguars
- Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hip) out for rest of game vs. Jets
- Broncos place RB Tyler Badie (back) on injured reserve
- Panthers place LB Shaq Thompson on IR, rule out TE Ian Thomas, CB Dane Jackson
- Five Saints players ruled out for MNF game vs. Chiefs
- NFL fines Chargers' Denzel Perryman for hit on Kareem Hunt
- Packers suspend WR Romeo Doubs for conduct detrimental to the team
- Cardinals downgrade TE Trey McBride to questionable vs. 49ers
- Odell Beckham Jr. activated, set for Dolphins debut Sunday
- Patriots rule out S Jabrill Peppers vs. Dolphins
- Colts downgrade QB Anthony Richardson to doubtful vs. Jags
- Cowboys place WR Brandin Cooks (knee) on IR
- Greg Landry, former Lions QB and assistant coach, dies at 77
- Pro Football Hall of Fame G Billy Shaw dies at 85
- Falcons in comfort zone after consecutive comeback victories
- Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) out vs. Bills
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings Standard
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings PPR
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Sunday Night Football: Steelers vs. Cowboys
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Injury Roundup: Sunday NFL Inactives
- Fantasy Life: 2 Sneaky Fantasy Football Streamers for Week 5
- Fantasy Life: Your Rapid-Fire (Betting) Guide To Week 5
- Fantasy Life: Making Uncomfortable Week 5 Start-Sit Decisions
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 5
- Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 5
- RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 5
- Injury Status: Week 5
- Lineup Prep: Week 5
- Waivering: Week 5
- The Weekly Bender: Big Fantasy Wins Crucial Early-Season Battle
- Studs and Duds: Week 4
- Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 4
- Week 5 Player Rankings
- Week 5 Inactives
Carolina Panthers defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. At the time of his departure, he had contributed three tackles, bringing his season total up to 12. The 31-year-old has played slightly less than half of the Panthers' defensive snaps this year but provided a steady, veteran presence on the defensive line. DJ Johnson is expected to earn additional pass-rushing opportunities until Clowney is healthy enough to return.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. However, the expectation entering gameday was that Warner would be able to play. Indeed, he'll suit up ahead of a divisional battle at home. Warner has been phenomenal as always, contributing 27 tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, one sack, and one touchdown through four games. He remains a top option in IDP fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. He practiced in a limited capacity on Friday but ultimately entered this weekend listed as doubtful. The 27-year-old had produced 221 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards, and two touchdowns through four games this season. Rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. projects to be the Giants' top running back on Sunday, ranking as an RB3/FLEX in fantasy football. Eric Gray should also see increased opportunities out of the backfield, but he's only a relevant fantasy option in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as doubtful after missing practice on Friday. Injuries have been an issue for the talented 25-year-old, who has now missed nine of his last 22 games. Green Bay suddenly finds itself shorthanded at wide receiver with both Watson and Romeo Doubs (suspension) sidelined for Week 5. Look for the Packers to lean on Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, and Tucker Kraft in the passing game on Sunday. Of that group, Reed has the most fantasy appeal. Watson will look to get healthy in time for Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) is officially active for Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable and was a true game-time decision. In the end, Musgrave will suit up, but it's worth noting that previous reports suggest he'll have a limited role on Sunday. As a result, we can expect to see a larger dose of Tucker Kraft than usual. Fresh off a big Week 4 with six catches, 53 yards, and a touchdown, Kraft finds himself in the low-end TE1 tier. On the other hand, Musgrave is droppable in most fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) is officially active for Week 5 against the Denver Broncos. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. Indeed, Crosby will suit up after missing just one game due to injury. He has 14 tackles and three sacks through three contests this year. The 27-year-old is a game-wrecker who will look to disrupt Bo Nix and the Denver offense on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dax Hill (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Hill exited in the first half and was ruled out very quickly, suggesting his injury could be serious. At the time of his departure, the 24-year-old had logged one tackle. The Bengals were already without Mike Hilton (knee) heading into this game, so the departure of Hill figures to create more opportunities for depth defenders Jalen Davis and Josh Newton.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (shoulder) exited during the first half of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears and is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, Legette had caught his only target for an eight-yard gain through the air. Carolina is already short-staffed in the passing game with Adam Thielen (hamstring) and Tommy Tremble (concussion) sidelined, so losing Legette is far from ideal. Jonathan Mingo projects to earn more opportunities until Legette can return to the mix.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (knee) has officially been tagged as inactive for the team's Week 5 contest against the San Francisco 49ers. Chad Ryland will step in and take on the place-kicking duties. Kickers haven't had a great time against the 49ers so far this season as they rank 22nd in fantasy points allowed to the position. Kickers are averaging just 8.0 fantasy points per game against them. While the offense has been sputtering, it's probably better to go a different direction for a kicker this week.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) has been ruled out of the rest of their game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Collins hauled in a huge 67-yard touchdown pass before exiting in the first half. The star wide receiver finishes the game with two receptions for 78 yards and one score on two targets. Since hamstring injuries are always tricky, his status is something to monitor closely as this week goes on. Xavier Hutchinson has been the one to come into the game and receive targets while Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs should see an uptick in opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Dulcich impressed early in the season but hasn't caught a pass over the last two weeks. He saw his snap share drop to 25 percent in Week 3, and that number only increased slightly to 39 percent last Sunday. Adam Trautman, who has just one reception this year, figures to lead the Broncos' tight end unit against Las Vegas. Trautman, Dulcich, and all other Denver tight ends remain off the fantasy radar.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (concussion) took a huge helmet-to-helmet hit in the second quarter which knocked him unconscious for a while. It was a scary scene as the team's medical staff checked him out on the field and later ruled him out for the rest of the game. Unfortunately, that was Tremble's only catch on the day as well. The rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders has taken his place and currently has two receptions for three yards on three targets.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) is active for the Week 5 contest against the Arizona Cardinals. It looks like the rib injury isn't bad enough to keep him out of this one, so the TE2 on the season has the green light to go up against a defense that hasn't looked too great lately. While they've only given up an average of 5.8 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, the 49ers have all of their pass-catchers available which should create room for Kittle to find open space. Kittle remains a must-start that has TE1 potential every time he's on the field.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein made his lone field-goal attempt and added two extra points in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. Zuerlein drilled a 32-yard field goal in the third quarter but wasn't asked to do much else in the close loss in London. The veteran kicker has now made six of his eight field goals while hitting all nine of his extra points through five games. Zuerlein will now gear up to kick against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets defense was productive in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. The Jets forced two turnovers while notching four sacks while holding the Vikings' offense to just one touchdown in the close loss. New York got sacks from Isaiah Oliver, Michael Clemons, and Will McDonald IV, who now has seven sacks on the season. The Jets will look to turn in another solid outing in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (ribs) has officially avoided the inactive list ahead of their late-afternoon matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The star tight end suffered a concussion in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions and was forced to miss their last game in Week 4. While he's a must-start every time he's healthy enough to be on the field, he draws a tough matchup against the 49ers defense who only gives up 4.4 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends in half-PPR formats. McBride will try to pump some life into this Cardinals offense that has gone cold over the last two games.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (groin) is officially questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills with a groin issue. Ward also took a big hit in the opening play of the game, but he stayed in the game until the groin injury forced him to the sidelines. Eric Murray is the next safety on the depth chart, but Ward's status will be monitored as the game goes on. The Texans' defense has done a good job in the first half at limiting the Bills to just three points.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin turned in another productive game in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. Conklin caught six of his nine targets for 55 yards in the loss, ranking second on the team in catches and receiving yards while finishing third in targets. The veteran tight end has emerged as a quality part of the New York offense over the past, having caught 15 passes over that span. Working his way into the low-end TE1 conversation, Conklin will next take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard caught four of his 10 targets for 34 yards and a touchdown in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. Lazard finished second on the team in targets while hauling in his fourth receiving touchdown of the season as the Jets threw 54 times against a leaky Vikings secondary in the loss. The veteran wideout has emerged as one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets this season while playing a secondary role beside Garrett Wilson. Lazard remains on the map as a decent flex play in fantasy as the Jets will now gear up to take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams caught two of his four targets for 25 yards in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. Williams had been trending upward in the Jets offense over the past few weeks but he took a step back on a day where the team threw the ball 54 times against a leaky Minnesota secondary. The veteran wideout now has 10 catches for 145 scoreless yards over five games this season. He will look to carve out a larger role in his team's offense in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
