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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
Tyler Huntley Sep 16 11:00am ET
Tyler Huntley

The Miami Dolphins signed quarterback Tyler Huntley off of the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad on Monday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The former Utah signal-caller has appeared in 20 games for the Ravens through his first four NFL seasons and has compiled 1,957 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, seven interceptions, 509 rushing yards, and three rushing scores. Huntley was named a Pro Bowler in 2022. This move comes after Tua Tagovailoa (head) suffered another scary concussion during the Thursday Night Football loss to the Buffalo Bills. Although Skylar Thompson is expected to be the starter in Miami, he could be benched in favor of Huntley at some point if the offense struggles. Neither likely presents much upside in single-QB leagues, but both are now on the fantasy radar in superflex and two-QB formats. It's unclear how long Tagovailoa could be out, but he is reportedly not considering retirement.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Sep 16 10:20am ET
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson stepped into the starting role after Tyler Higbee (knee) remained on the PUP list heading into the season. After receiving five targets in Week 1, the 25-year-old couldn't take another step up in Week 2 as he was a non-factor in the team's blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Parkinson registered one catch for 12 yards on two targets with five other pass-catchers seeing more targets. While Parkinson has the starting role, his involvement in the offense seems too volatile to rely on him every week. He'll look to bounce back in a game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. This projects to be an uphill battle against one of the best defenses in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Sep 16 10:10am ET
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks couldn't get into much of a rhythm on Sunday, just like the rest of the offense in a disappointing 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Cooks caught both of his targets for 19 yards with his longest reception clocking in at 11 yards. Outside of CeeDee Lamb with his touchdown, the next best receiver in this contest was Jalen Tolbert who received nine targets and turned it into six receptions for 82 yards. For Cooks and all of the receivers behind Lamb, their fantasy value is going to be game script-dependent. The veteran wideout projects to be more of a boom-or-bust flex option as the season rolls on. Cooks and company will take on a Baltimore Ravens team looking for their first win in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Sep 16 10:00am ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) left the stadium on Sunday in a walking boot and crutches after a last-second win over the Cincinnati Bengals. According to a report from Ian Rapoport, the star back had some initial test results that revealed a fractured fibula. There's still more information on the way to determine the severity and how long Pacheco will be out, but he's set to miss "real time" as Rapoport says. Carson Steele seems to be the next man up for now as he received seven carries on Sunday, while Samaje Perine will likely see a lot more opportunities in the meantime as well. Pacheco's status will be something to continue to monitor to determine backup fantasy plans, Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) may get some more opportunities than expected if he can return in time. In a new report from Adam Schefter, Pacheco is expected to land on the IR which means he'll be out for at least four games, and could even miss more than that depending on further testing.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Sep 16 9:40am ET
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta hasn't seen the volume or success expected so far, especially in Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He finished Sunday's contest with two receptions for 13 yards on three targets. While they aired it out more in this game, 30 targets went to the top two receivers while Jahmyr Gibbs received the next most at seven. Through the first two games, LaPorta has six catches for 58 yards and hasn't found the end zone yet. He does have a catch percentage of 75% which is even better than his sensational rookie season with 71.7%. In Week 3, LaPorta will go up against the Arizona Cardinals defense that has a lot of holes. The Lions should be able to score and this game could turn into a shootout.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Sep 16 9:40am ET
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (lower body) was seen hobbling for a bit in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Adam Schefter, his sources have said that it was initially determined to be a contusion and cramping in his lower body. There hasn't been a specific area reported, but the fact that they seem to be minor injuries is a sigh of relief for everyone involved. The superstar wideout finished Sunday's game with 11 receptions for 119 yards, a big bounce back after just three catches for 13 yards in Week 1. His injury status will be important to monitor as the week goes on to make sure nothing is lingering as the Week 3 contest with the Arizona Cardinals approaches.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Sep 16 9:20am ET
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (lower-body) had a great game on Sunday, catching 11 passes on an astonishing 19 targets for 119 yards in Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. St. Brown was only targeted six times last week, catching three passes for 13 yards. He bounced back after a disappointing performance in Week 1 with a significant increase in targets and overall production. He did exit Sunday's game early with what's being called a "lower body" injury. According to head coach Dan Campbell, the 24-year-old's injury isn't believed to be serious. St. Brown is day-to-day, and fantasy managers should continue to monitor Detroit's injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Sep 16 9:20am ET
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has proven to be a key piece to this offense in the season's first two games. The third-year wideout received 11 targets on Sunday, turning that into five receptions for 79 yards while taking one carry for 15 yards. Williams was second to only Amon-Ra St. Brown (19) when it comes to targets, with the next highest being Jahmyr Gibbs who had seven. With an ADP of around 120 on most platforms, Williams is becoming a steal with the type of production he's generating in the early goings. In Week 3, the Lions will take on an Arizona Cardinals team that just put up 41 points on the Rams, so it could turn into a shootout, benefitting both Williams and St. Brown.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Sep 16 9:00am ET
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 34 of 55 pass attempts for 307 yards and two interceptions in Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He did not throw a touchdown during Sunday's loss. Goff has now had two average games to start the 2024 season. The 29-year-old is considered a low-end QB2 if he doesn't pick it up soon. After struggling against the Los Angeles Rams and an average Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, the former No. 1 overall pick will look to bounce back against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Sep 16 8:40am ET
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery had 11 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Iowa State product also caught all four of his targets for 35 yards through the air. Even with Montgomery's production being poor and Jahmyr Gibbs getting more looks, the former third-round pick got the lone touchdown of the Detroit backfield. With this being what fantasy managers drafted him for, they should have nothing to worry about after a good week from Montgomery. He also had more receptions Sunday than in any game during the 2023 season. Montgomery will look to build on Sunday's performance and is a mid-range RB2 against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jahmyr Gibbs Sep 16 8:30am ET
Jahmyr Gibbs

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had a good week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, posting 84 yards on 13 carries. Gibbs led the backfield in attempts and receptions, adding seven catches for 22 yards. Even though the first-round pick was kept out of the endzone, he had 20 total touches, leading the entire Detroit offense on Sunday. Gibbs has lived up to being a consensus first-round fantasy pick so far this year. Fantasy managers should have no problem starting him as an RB1 from here on out, even if he splits carries with David Montgomery. The Alabama product has a lot of fantasy upside and has shown that on the field over the first two weeks of the 2024 season. Gibbs remains a must-start against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Sep 16 5:20am ET
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride was in the right place at just the right time when running back James Conner fumbled at the Rams' five-yard line in the fourth quarter of the two teams' Week 2 showdown. McBride fell on top of the loose ball as it bounced into the end zone, giving Arizona their fifth touchdown of the day in their 41-10 rout of the Rams. A key component of the Cardinals' passing attack, McBride led the team with six catches, catching each ball thrown his way and gaining 67 receiving yards in the process. Fantasy managers fortunate enough to roster McBride can keep him locked in for Arizona's Week 3 matchup against the Detroit Lions, who allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last season.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Higgins Sep 16 5:20am ET
Elijah Higgins

Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins caught an 18-yard touchdown pass in their 41-10 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. On a play early in the second quarter, quarterback Kyler Murray evaded four would-be tacklers and then launched an 18-yard strike to Higgins, who made a sliding catch in the back of the end zone to reel in the throw. The score was the third touchdown in as many drives to start the game for the Cardinals. Higgins played 36 of Arizona's 66 offensive snaps but did not see another target. With Trey McBride firmly entrenched as the team's top tight end, Higgins can't be relied on to be a viable fantasy asset week-to-week. Despite the impressive reception, he can be left on the wire for Week 3 when the Cardinals host the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Sep 16 5:20am ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had two catches for 17 yards in the 26-25 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Worthy also added five rushing yards on his only carry of the afternoon. The Chiefs rookie receiver again had three touches but could not break off a big play in this contest. Worthy's role in the offense is too volatile to expect weekly production, but his speed makes him a big play threat at any moment. Worthy will look to find the endzone again next week against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons were tough on wide receivers last season, but the Chiefs have shown that they will move Worthy around and involve him in different ways. The Chiefs rookie can be considered a high-upside flex play moving forward, as long as fantasy managers can live with the production when he doesn't score.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Sep 16 5:10am ET
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner took 21 carries for 122 rushing yards and a touchdown in the team's 41-10 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. He also caught his lone target of the game for a gain of two yards. Conner did lose the ball on the Rams' five-yard line in the fourth quarter, but tight end Trey McBride fell on top of it as it bounced ahead into the end zone to give the Cardinals their fifth touchdown of the game. The eighth-year veteran was as elusive as ever, forcing six missed tackles in the game. Thanks to the lopsided score, Conner ceded backfield duties to Trey Benson and Emari Demercado after his fumble but there is no question he is the top dog in Arizona's running backs room. In Week 3, Conner will be in the RB1 conversation again when the Cardinals take on the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Sep 16 5:10am ET
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce caught one pass for five yards in the 26-25 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Kelce also added one rushing yard on one carry in this contest. The Chiefs tight end was targeted three times, but he and Mahomes could only connect once. This is a worrying follow-up to his disappointing Week 1 performance against the Baltimore Ravens. Kelce has four receptions for 39 yards and zero touchdowns through two games. It seems like Rashee Rice has supplanted Kelce as the top option for the Kansas City passing attack. Kelce will attempt to get back on track in next week's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends in 2023, so Kelce should have a favorable matchup. The 34-year-old may have to be downgraded in the tight end ranks until he shows signs of life. Kelce is still a must-start option but may not have TE1 overall upside in his current role.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 16 5:10am ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

The panic surrounding Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.'s debut was stifled by a monster performance in the second week of his NFL career. After logging just one catch for four yards in Week 1, Harrison caught four balls for a team-high 130 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. Harrison's first score came four minutes into the game as he brought in a 23-yard pass while falling out the back of the end zone. His second touchdown came on a 60-yard catch-and-run on the first play of the Cardinals' next drive. In the days following the rookie's unimpressive debut, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing acknowledged the importance of getting the ball to the fourth-overall pick of the 2024 Draft. The team targeted Harrison early and often, with Harrison seeing six of his team-leading eight targets in the first half. Harrison is shaping up to be a strong WR2 candidate when Arizona plays the Detroit Lions in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Sep 16 5:00am ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 18 of 25 passes (72%) for 151 yards and two touchdowns in the 26-25 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Mahomes passed for less than 300 yards for the second straight game and had at least one interception. The Chiefs quarterback was picked off twice in this contest, and the team narrowly escaped with the victory through a game-winning field goal from Harrison Butker. It was a disappointing performance from Mahomes, who passed for under 200 yards for just the ninth time in his career. Despite having field-stretching playmakers, Kansas City could not find a rhythm on offense in this contest. Mahomes will look to improve his output next week on the road against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2023, so Mahomes should have no issues dicing up the Atlanta secondary. Despite being a disappointing starter in fantasy, it will be difficult to bench an MVP-caliber quarterback like Mahomes. Mahomes will still land within the QB1 conversation until proven otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Sep 16 5:00am ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco had 90 rushing yards on 19 carries in the 26-25 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Pacheco was also involved in the passing game, catching five passes for 21 yards. The Chiefs starting running back showed that he was an integral piece of the offense, earning 24 total touches against a formidable AFC rival. Pacheco did not find the endzone in this contest but still managed to make an impact for fantasy as a rusher and a receiver. The 25-year-old will look to score in next week's contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons were one of the tougher matchups for running backs last season since they gave up the fifth-fewest rushing touchdowns and were middle-of-the-pack in rushing yards allowed. Pacheco was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot and on crutches, so this is a situation to monitor. If Pacheco is healthy enough to suit up, he should be a strong start despite the difficult matchup.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Sep 16 5:00am ET
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice caught five passes for 90 yards and a touchdown in the 26-25 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Rice once again led the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards but was able to find the endzone in this contest. Rice's touchdown came on a 44-yard reception down the sideline in the second quarter. The second-year receiver has continued establishing himself as the top option in the Kansas City passing attack. Rice will look to continue his strong start against the Atlanta Falcons next week. The Falcons were one of the tougher matchups for wide receivers in 2023, allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts. Despite the matchup, Rice should still be an elite option at the wide receiver position due to his MVP-caliber quarterback and imaginative play-caller. Rice figures to rank as a fringe WR1 in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller