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
- 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
- Commanders RB Austin Ekeler clears concussion protocol, to play vs. Browns
- Patriots placing OL David Andrews (shoulder), Caedan Wallace (ankle) on IR
- Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) ruled out vs. Jaguars
- Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) returns to practice
- 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
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Week 5 contest on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, while left tackle Jedrick Wills (knee) is active. Conklin made some progress at practice this week, but he remains out of action and will be hoping to make his 2024 debut in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The good news is the Browns' offensive line will get their left tackle back after he hurt his knee in Week 3 and was forced to sit out of the Week 4 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Browns' offense has been well below average through the first four weeks of the season, but they have an opportunity to be successful this weekend against a porous Commanders secondary. The return of Wills should be seen as good news for quarterback Deshaun Watson as they look to get back into the win column.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner (head) was removed from the Week 5 game in London against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter and was being evaluated for a concussion. Gardner was taken to the locker room for evaluation and came back out onto the field. He has been on the sidelines with his helmet on but hasn't gone back into the game. The 24-year-old is most likely questionable to return. He injured himself while colliding with teammate Quincy Williams. If Gardner goes into the league's concussion protocol after this game, he'll be up in the air to face the division-rival Buffalo Bills in Week 6, although he'll also have extra time to recover. At this point with time winding down in the fourth quarter in London, it seems unlikely that Gardner will be allowed to return to the field. Before leaving, Gardner had just one tackle.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral) is officially active for the Week 5 contest against the Houston Texans on Sunday. Bernard was listed as questionable to play with a pectoral injury, but he will be active as the Bills look to bounce back from a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. Cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) and safety Taylor Rapp (concussion) have been ruled out, so an already thin Bills defense will have some question marks in their secondary against a strong Texans offense. Bernard will be returning to the field for the first time since suffering a pectoral injury in Week 2 against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old has 11 combined tackles in his two games played and is back on the radar in IDP fantasy leagues now that he's back in action for Buffalo. The Bills' defense/special teams unit should be faded on the road in Week 5 against Houston.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 5 against the visiting Buffalo Bills on Sunday, while wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) is active. Pierce has been making progress with his hamstring injury in recent weeks, but he will now miss his fourth straight game after being injured in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. With Joe Mixon (ankle) having already been ruled out, the Texans will once again roll with Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale in their backfield this weekend against a beat up Buffalo defense. Akers hasn't exactly impressed anyone the last two weeks with Mixon and Pierce out, but just from a volume standpoint alone, he's in play as an RB3/flex in Week 5. Woods shouldn't be on the radar for a starting fantasy spot on Sunday, especially with Tank Dell (chest) returning from a one-game absence. Woods has only three catches for 28 yards so far this year.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (concussion) is officially active for the Week 5 contest on Sunday against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. In addition to Hines-Allen, safety Darnell Savage (quadriceps) and linebacker Devin Lloyd (knee), who were also listed as questionable to play, are active for the Jaguars defense. Hines-Allen cleared the league's concussion protocol on Saturday and was expected to be active as the team searches for their first win of the season. The 27-year-old's presence will be bad news for a Colts offense that is without both quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) and running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle). Veteran QB Joe Flacco proved last year with the Cleveland Browns that he can still get it done, but Jacksonville's defense could be a sneaky play in deep fantasy leagues this week. Hines-Allen should be started in IDP fantasy formats now that he's officially active.
From RotoBaller
As expected, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is officially inactive for Week 5 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Richardson was initially listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report before being downgraded to doubtful on Saturday. Fantasy managers should have already moved the second-year signal-caller to their benches for this weekend. He's been a disappointment as a QB1 in fantasy so far through his first four games in 2024, and it remains to be seen if he can return in Week 6 to face the division-rival Tennessee Titans. The Colts will be missing both Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) in this one against Jacksonville. With Richardson out, veteran Joe Flacco will make his first start of the season and could be a boost to Indy's receivers. Flacco should be in play as a QB2 streamer in superflex leagues in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) is officially active for Week 5 against the New England Patriots. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. The Dolphins' decision to activate him from the PUP list on Saturday essentially confirmed that he would be able to suit up against New England. Going forward, Beckham will likely operate as Miami's No. 3 wide receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. He could get on the fantasy radar once Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) returns to the offense, but that won't happen before Week 8 at the earliest. Until then, Beckham should remain on fantasy waivers.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) will miss yet another game as he's been ruled out for Week 5 against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Engram injured his hamstring during pre-game warmups before Week 2 and hasn't played since the season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins. The good news is that he was limited in practices this week, so he figures to have a good shot at returning in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears on the road. Fantasy managers need to leave Engram on their benches until then. With the 30-year-old veteran on the bench again in Week 5, Brenton Strange is worth consideration as a TE2 streamer. The 23-year-old has seen an elevated role the last three weeks with Engram sidelined and has gone for eight receptions on 14 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown. Receiver Christian Kirk should also have more upside again with Engram out.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears left guard Teven Jenkins (ribs) and wide receiver DeAndre Carter (ribs) are active for Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. Both players had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Jenkins has been an offensive staple for the Bears this season, playing every offensive snap through the first three weeks before an injury took him out of the game early in Week 4. Meanwhile, Carter has been productive this season, too. In addition to catching seven passes for 60 yards, he also has five kick returns (34 yards per return) and nine punt returns (9.4 yards per return). However, he's off the fantasy radar in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) is officially active for Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after the Patriots activated him from the PUP list on Saturday. Bourne tore his ACL during the middle of last season and hasn't played since then. At the time of his injury, he had been averaging 4.6 catches, 50.8 receiving yards, and 0.5 touchdowns per game. It's unclear if Bourne can return to his 2023 form in his first game back with the Patriots' offense struggling. However, at the very least, he should inject some much-needed life into a passing game starving for talent right now. He's worth monitoring in redraft leagues but can be left on fantasy waivers for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) is officially active for the Week 5 game on Sunday versus the Washington Commanders. Njoku came into this game questionable but was expected to play and will return for the first time since injuring his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to Njoku, running back Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring), who was also questionable to play, is active. The 28-year-old Njoku will be a big boost to a Browns offense that has underwhelmed through the first four weeks of the 2024 season. In Week 1 before getting hurt, Njoku had four catches on five targets for 44 yards. He will take back over primary tight end duties in Cleveland from Jordan Akins, who did very little in the three games that Njoku missed. Fantasy managers should consider Njoku at least in play as a low-end TE1 now that he's back.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. He had recovered from a rib injury but evidently doesn't have a spot on Miami's gameday roster with Raheem Mostert returning to the fold and both De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright playing well. Going forward, Wilson will likely be stashed on the Dolphins' roster as mere depth in the event that any other running backs miss time due to injury. Wilson can be dropped in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans have declared RB Dameon Pierce, WR Steven Sims, RB Joe Mixon, DE Derek Barnett, OT Tytus Howard and LB Jake Hansen inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
The Carolina Panthers have declared OG Andrew Raym, OT Jarrett Kingston, DL Jayden Peevy, RB Mike Boone, LB Josey Jewell and S Russ Yeast inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
The Miami Dolphins have declared DB Ethan Bonner, LB Channing Tindall, C Andrew Meyer, QB Skylar Thompson, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., S Jordan Poyer and LB Mohamed Kamara inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
The Cleveland Browns have declared QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, OG Javion Cohen, LB Jordan Hicks, OT Jack Conklin, CB Kahlef Hailassie, LB Khaleke Hudson and WR Jamari Thrash inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is officially active for Week 5 versus the Cleveland Browns. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to suit up. Robinson should have a normal workload without any injury limitations this week, but he might not be able to replicate last week's 100-yard performance now that Austin Ekeler is healthy again. Still, Robinson is a fringe top-12 fantasy running back given his volume, touchdown upside, and role within the Commanders' highly productive offense.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn (shoulder) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after missing Friday's practice. The 27-year-old has been uninspiring this season, catching just five of 13 targets for 31 yards through four games. He has been outproduced by Demario Douglas and Ja'Lynn Polk, and now he could also lose opportunities to veteran Kendrick Bourne, who was activated from the PUP list this weekend. Between his injury, limited role, and the Patriots' struggling offense, fantasy managers should leave Osborn on waivers in all leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson and wide receiver Trenton Irwin are both healthy scratches for the big Week 5 divisional clash on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Hudson hasn't been active for the Bengals since the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, when he caught two of his three targets for 18 yards. For now, he remains well off the fantasy radar in all leagues behind Mike Gesicki, rookie Erick All Jr. and Drew Sample. Irwin is inactive for the second straight week after Tee Higgins returned to the fold for the Bengals in last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. In two games in 2024, Irwin has just two receptions on eight targets for 11 yards. The Bengals will roll forward with Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, rookie Jermaine Burton and Charlie Jones at the receiver position versus Baltimore.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will not be activated from the Reserve/Injured list prior to Week 6's game against the Seattle Seahawks, when he is eligible to return, according to multiple league sources. However, there is mild optimism because his calf and Achilles issues did not flare up after he resumed on-field work this week.
Fantasy Spin: It remains uncertain when McCaffrey will be activated from injured reserve or when he can begin practicing again. Fantasy owners should keep tabs on this situation to see when he'll be ready to return. RB Jordan Mason will continue to be the starting back for the 49ers and is a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
