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FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

The Weekly Bender: You Can Always Come Home

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

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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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The Paur Report

Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Najee Harris Oct 5 2:10pm CT
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris was underwhelming for fantasy purposes last week but will hope to capitalize on an enticing matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. The Steelers will once again be without Jaylen Warren (knee), and with Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) also sidelined, Harris is poised to amass a large volume of touches. Dallas's defense has struggled to stop the run this season and has surrendered the third-most fantasy points to running backs through the first four weeks. In addition to his utilization on the ground, Harris has been extremely involved in the passing game over the past two weeks, recording eight receptions on 11 targets. Pittsburgh lacks proven depth in the backfield, and although Aaron Shampklin is likely to mix in, Harris should operate in a workhorse role on Sunday night. He can remain in fantasy lineups as a solid RB2.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Oct 5 2:10pm CT
Romeo Doubs

The Green Bay Packers have placed wide receiver Romeo Doubs on the reserve/suspended list for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team. Reports indicate that Doubs missed practice this week out of frustration with his role in the offense. Although he participated in practice on Wednesday, he did not attend on Thursday. Concerned for his well-being, team representatives visited him at home. Doubs currently ranks second on the team in receiving yards and receptions, trailing only Jayden Reed in those categories. He has recorded 12 catches for 169 yards this season but has yet to score a touchdown. With fellow receiver Christian Watson also expected to miss tomorrow's game against the Rams, the Packers will rely on Reed and Dontayvion Wicks to step up in a more significant capacity for Sunday's matchup in Los Angeles.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Oct 5 2:00pm CT
Trey McBride

The Arizona Cardinals have downgraded tight end Trey McBride (ribs) to questionable for Sunday's game due to a rib injury. McBride had cleared concussion protocol earlier this week after missing Week 4 against the Commanders, but he has now appeared on the injury report with this new issue. This season, McBride has recorded 14 receptions on 21 targets for a total of 122 yards. In his last outing against San Francisco in Week 15 of 2023, he caught 10 passes for 102 yards. Backup tight end Elijah Higgins saw an increase in playing time last week, managing two receptions for 12 yards against Washington. However, it's difficult to project his future role, especially since the Cardinals had effectively lost that game by halftime. More updates on McBride's injury are expected before Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff against the 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Oct 5 1:40pm CT
Jacoby Brissett

The San Francisco 49ers defense/special teams unit hosts the Arizona Cardinals in a Week 5 divisional matchup on Sunday. The Niners rank as the fourth-most productive D/ST in football so far, propelled by a big performance against New England last week. San Francisco sacked quarterback Jacoby Brissett six times, recovered two fumbles, and intercepted one pass which was taken to the house by linebacker Fred Warner. Arizona's offense has been decent so far, ranking 13th in both yards per game and points per game. They're relatively healthy, though tight end Trey McBride (ribs) was tagged as questionable on Saturday after clearing concussion protocol, and starting right tackle Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) is also questionable. On the other side, the 49ers are a bit beat up on defense with tackle Javon Hargrave (triceps) still on Injured Reserve and Warner (ankle) questionable. A few backups are also unavailable, which could make things more difficult in Santa Clara's predicted 99-degree weather. The 49ers D/ST is RotoBaller's seventh-ranked option in Week 5, with a bit of a boost if Warner plays.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Oct 5 1:30pm CT
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is coming off a three-touchdown performance and will hope to keep rolling against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. This should be a favorable matchup for Fields as Dallas has surrendered the 11th-most fantasy points and sixth-most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks through the first four weeks of the season. Fields' fantasy potential will additionally benefit from the absence of star linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle), who the Cowboys have ruled out for Sunday night. Although the Steelers are favored at home, Dallas' offense has plenty of firepower and should be able to put up points. This bodes well for Fields, who proved in Week 4 that he can effectively command Pittsburgh's offense when trailing. The 25-year-old signal-caller can be started as a low-end QB1 with upside this week.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 5 1:00pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) and center Ryan Kelly (neck) have both been downgraded from questionable to doubtful to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Richardson suffered an oblique injury in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and was relieved by veteran Joe Flacco, who now appears to be in line for his first start in Indy in 2024. Fantasy managers were probably already considering benching Richardson this week after his disappointing start to his sophomore season, and now you can officially move him to the bench for Week 5. The 39-year-old Flacco becomes a clear QB2 streamer in superflex leagues against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to QBs so far this year. Flacco went 16-for-26 for 168 yards and two touchdowns in relief of Richardson last week against Pittsburgh.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Oct 5 1:00pm CT
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody has a home matchup in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. Last week versus New England hit all three field goal attempts -; from 22, 26, and 41 yards -; and made all three extra-point tries. Moody is tied with Dallas' Brandon Aubrey for the second-most kicker fantasy points per game in Yahoo default scoring. Last year San Francisco's red zone offense was hyper-efficient, which meant that Moody only attempted 25 field goals in his rookie year while leading the league in extra points. In 2024 however, Moody is already nearly halfway to that field goal attempt total with 12 through four games. The Cardinals' defense is allowing 26.5 points per game to opposing offenses -- fourth worst in the NFL -- so Moody's floor is safe even if it turns into one of his patented extra-point games. Moody is a top-5 option in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Evan Hull Oct 5 1:00pm CT
Evan Hull

The Indianapolis Colts elevated running back Evan Hull and cornerback David Long Jr. to the active roster from the practice squad on Saturday. The team also signed cornerback Alex Johnson to the practice squad and released running back Trent Pennix from the practice squad. Hull will provide more backfield insurance with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) ruled out for the Week 5 divisional contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend. With Taylor sidelined for at least one week, Trey Sermon is expected to operate as Indy's lead back, with Tyler Goodson backing him up. The Colts' offense is likely to be without quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique), too, with veteran Joe Flacco expected to make his first start in 2024. Hull had one carry for one yard and caught his only target for a six-yard pickup in one game in his rookie season with the Colts in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Oct 5 12:50pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs skipped practices on Thursday and Friday because he is upset with his opportunities in the passing game through the first four weeks of the 2024 season, according to sources. Because of Doubs' skipped practices, he's now doubtful to play in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams due to personal reasons. "It's still day-to-day," head coach Matt LaFleur said after Friday's practice. Doubs is third on the team with 20 targets, only two behind Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks, who have 22 apiece. Last year, he had a team-high 96 targets -- two more than Reed and well ahead of Wicks (58) and Christian Watson (53). Green Bay didn't throw as much with quarterback Jordan Love (knee) missing two games due to injury. With Watson (ankle) and Doubs doubtful to play in Week 5, Reed and Wicks and tight end Tucker Kraft will be more attractive in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Oct 5 12:40pm CT
Tyler Huntley

New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) has been downgraded to out for the Week 5 divisional contest on Sunday against the visiting Miami Dolphins. Peppers put in a few limited practices this week after injuring his shoulder in the Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and will now have to miss at least one game. The 29-year-old figures to have a good shot at returning in Week 6 to face the Houston Texans, barring a setback. It's a big loss for the Patriots' secondary in a plus matchup against a Dolphins offense that is currently being led by backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. With Peppers sidelined on Sunday, expect the Patriots to deploy Dell Pettus and Jaylinn Hawkins more. Defensive back Kyle Dugger (ankle) is also listed as questionable for New England. Peppers has 23 tackles (11 solo) and an interception through the first four games of 2024 in his third year in New England.

From RotoBaller

Odell Beckham Jr. Oct 5 12:30pm CT
Odell Beckham Jr.

The Miami Dolphins are activating wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Saturday, and he will make his 2024 debut in Week 5 on Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots. Beckham practiced in full all week, his first week back after having a procedure on his knee in the offseason. "On a team that is very motivated to win a football game, I think he's eager to try to help do that," head coach Mike McDaniel said. The 31-year-old was listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. OBJ's return gives Miami more depth behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but Beckham won't be a realistic starting fantasy option, at least until/if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is able to return later this year. For now, Beckham will compete for targets with the likes of Braxton Berrios and rookie Malik Washington.

From RotoBaller

Kendrick Bourne Oct 5 12:30pm CT
Kendrick Bourne

The New England Patriots are activating wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Saturday, and he will make his 2024 debut on Sunday in Week 5 against the division-rival Miami Dolphins, according to a source. Bourne and K.J. Osborn (shoulder) were both listed as questionable to play this weekend on Friday's final injury report. Bourne is returning after tearing his right ACL in Week 8 of 2023. Expect the Patriots to ease the 29-year-old into the fold this weekend, so he shouldn't be an option for fantasy lineups in his first game of 2024. But when he works his way back to a full workload, he could be one of quarterback Jacoby Brissett's top receiving options next to rookie Ja'Lynn Polk. Bourne's best season came in his first year in New England in 2021, when he caught 55 passes for 800 yards and five TDs. His fantasy upside will be limited in the Pats' weak offense.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Oct 5 12:20pm CT
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is going on Injured Reserve on Saturday, which means he will miss at least the next four games. In a corresponding move, the Cowboys moved linebacker Nick Vigil to the active 53-man. Amani Oruwariye and Carl Lawson are also being elevated from the practice squad. Cooks had already been ruled out for Week 5's Sunday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but now he won't be eligible to return until Week 10 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys have their bye in Week 7. This news certainly makes Jalen Tolbert more attractive as a waiver-wire pickup if he's still available in your league, as he's expected to see a substantial role increase as the WR2 in Dallas behind CeeDee Lamb with Cooks sidelined. Cooks caught nine of 19 targets for 91 yards and one touchdown in the first four weeks of the season.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Oct 5 12:10pm CT
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown was quiet through the first three contests of the 2024-25 campaign. However, he finally got it together in the Week 4 win over the Panthers, amassing 80 yards off 15 carries and adding two touchdowns. Naturally, expectations are higher than usual for Brown entering the AFC North clash with the Baltimore Ravens. Still, Zack Moss remains atop the depth chart, and he'll likely continue to see more snaps and rushing opportunities. With that in mind, Brown is still in the flex conversation, although he's a risky option.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Oct 5 12:10pm CT
Amari Cooper

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler speculates that the Cleveland Browns could receive a lot of interest from other teams in wide receiver Amari Cooper as the trade deadline nearly in early November. The Browns aren't believed to be shopping Cooper right now, but he's attractive from a salary standpoint after the Browns reworked his contract. Fowler also lists Carolina Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson as a name to watch at the deadline if the Panthers continue to lose. The Tennessee Titans' DeAndre Hopkins may be another name to keep an eye on. Outside of his seven-catch, 86-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 3 against the New York Giants, Cooper has left fantasy managers wanting more in 2024 in what has been an ugly looking Browns offense. Perhaps a change of scenery is best for Cooper moving forward. In his other three games, he has a combined nine catches for 62 yards.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Oct 5 11:50am CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas has three touchdowns this season, one fewer than the four he had through 16 games as a rookie. While Tee Higgins made his 2024-25 debut after missing the Bengals' first two contests, Iosivas still played more snaps in the Week 4 win over the Carolina Panthers. Granted, the 24-year-old had just one reception in that one. However, Iosivas is still second on the team in red zone targets, keeping him a flex option for Week 5 versus the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should be mindful that his presence in any lineup has its risks, although the upside remains.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Oct 5 11:50am CT
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss has played well this season. While Chase Brown finally got involved in the Week 4 win over the Panthers after not doing much all year, scoring twice, Moss also found the end zone. The 26-year-old also played more snaps than Brown and remains the top runner out of the backfield. With a touchdown in three of the Bengals' four games this season, Moss remains a starting fantasy option in any format. However, his pass-catching prowess gives him even more value in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Oct 5 11:40am CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins made his 2024-25 debut versus the Commanders by catching three passes for 39 yards. Fantasy managers were still expecting more despite the wideout missing the first two games because of a hamstring injury. However, he played better in the Week 4 win over the Panthers, amassing six grabs (10 targets) for 60 yards. Cincinnati will meet Baltimore in Week 5 for an AFC North showdown. While Higgins remains a risky option for managers, his upside makes him worthy of a start in any format.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Oct 5 11:20am CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had a rough start to the 2024-25 campaign. The former LSU Tiger had only 10 grabs through the first two weeks. Even worse, he didn't find the end zone. Yet, with Tee Higgins suiting up for the Week 3 clash with the Commanders after sitting out the Bengals' first two contests because of a hamstring injury, Chase finally got some breathing room, finishing with six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. While he wasn't as productive in Sunday's win over the Panthers, he still found the end zone for the third time this year. With that in mind, Chase is one of the NFL's top wideouts, so there's no way to justify keeping him out of any fantasy lineup for Week 5 versus the Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Oct 5 11:10am CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) appeared on the injury report throughout the week. However, he's logged full practice sessions and doesn't carry a designation heading into Sunday's AFC North clash with the Ravens. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick has looked good this season, throwing seven touchdowns, one pick, and 978 yards off an efficient 95-for-134 passing (70.9%). With the Bengals coming off their first win of the 2024-25 campaign, Burrow will look to lead his team to another victory in Week 5. He last met the Ravens in November of last season. Unfortunately, the signal-caller would suffer a wrist injury that put him on the shelf for the remainder of the year. Without question, Burrow will have that on his mind on Sunday, which could give him even more motivation to produce. Regardless, he has played too well this season, so he should be featured in all fantasy lineups versus Baltimore.

From RotoBaller