Guest of the League
All World League Est. 2003
FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

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!

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10

Player Notes
Gus Edwards Nov 9 5:10pm ET
Gus Edwards

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards was activated off the Injured Reserve list on Saturday. The 29-year-old wasn't relevant for fantasy managers before going on the shelf due to an ankle injury, amassing 38 touches for 113 yards in four games. While there's a chance he could get involved in Week 10 against the Titans, assuming he suits up, J.K. Dobbins, who has played relatively well this season, will presumably remain the top option out of the backfield. Still, with Dobbins seemingly always one wrong move away from an injury, Edwards could gain streaming potential at some point moving ahead. For now, keep him out of any fantasy lineup.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Nov 9 5:00pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) is officially questionable for Monday night's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. The wideout is doing all he can to get out there in Week 10. But he missed practice for a second-straight day, so things don't look promising. Hill has struggled this season, amassing 34 catches for 446 yards. Even worse, he has only one trip to the end zone. While fantasy managers should stay optimistic regarding his potential for a turnaround, especially with Tua Tagovailoa back on the field, the injury only adds to what has already been a tough season for the Dolphins offense. Hill's status is unlikely to be revealed until Monday, well after all of the games on the slate have concluded, meaning fantasy managers will be taking a gamble by keeping him in the lineup. Although Odell Beckham Jr., Malik Washington and others could get more targets behind Jaylen Waddle on Monday evening, fantasy managers may benefit the most by looking in a different direction in Week 10, assuming Hill's injury designation isn't updated soon.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Nov 9 4:50pm ET
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) was activated off the Injured Reserve list, the team announced on Saturday. While he remains questionable for Sunday's clash with the Detroit Lions, fantasy managers could get him back in the lineup for the first time since Week 5. The 25-year-old was having a monster season before going on the shelf, totaling 32 catches for 567 yards and three touchdowns in just over four games. But with Stefon Diggs (knee) done for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, Collins may get even more involved.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Nov 9 4:40pm ET
Chris Olave

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) was officially placed on the Injured Reserve list on Saturday. The wideout suffered two concussions this season, bringing his total to four throughout his career. He's expected to meet with an "independent concussion specialist." However, while Olave is guaranteed to miss at least four games, there's a chance he won't be back on the field again this season. Of course, this isn't good news for a Saints team that already lost Rashid Shaheed (knee) for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. It's also not ideal for Derek Carr, who will be without his top pass-catcher. With that said, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling could see a bump in fantasy production with Olave and Shaheed on the shelf. Alvin Kamara may also see more work, both on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Nov 9 4:30pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will make his 2024-25 debut on Sunday against the Bucs. The 28-year-old hasn't played all season while dealing with bilateral Achilles injuries. But fantasy managers will finally get him back in Week 10. Although there's a chance he could see fewer snaps than usual, there's no way anyone should keep him out of their fantasy lineups. McCaffrey's expected return will cause Jordan Mason's fantasy ceiling to come crashing down. Still, Mason is worth holding on to for insurance purposes, considering McCaffrey has had issues staying off the injury report over the years.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Nov 9 4:20pm ET
Dak Prescott

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will "likely" need surgery, meaning the end of his season. The signal-caller plans to see "one final hamstring specialist." But it doesn't appear he'll receive a different prognosis. Fortunately, barring a setback, Prescott will be ready to go to begin the 2025-26 campaign. Without question, the Cowboys haven't met expectations this season. But without Prescott, the team's outlook is less favorable, although Cooper Rush will do his best. Of course, fantasy managers shouldn't dismiss the idea of starting Rush at some point. Still, he needs to play better than he did in the Week 9 loss to the Falcons before earning a spot in any fantasy lineup.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Nov 9 4:20pm ET
Tyler Allgeier

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier found the end zone last week to the displeasure of Bijan Robinson managers, and if he hadn't it would have been a terribly quiet day, logging just six carries for 18 yards while not recording even a single target for the second consecutive week. Allgeier's involvement has been a bit unpredictable, receiving six or less carries in two of the last four weeks, while the other two weeks he saw 12 or more carries. The 24-year-old at least had a solid yards per carry (YPC) average through Week 7, but over the last two weeks his YPC is just 2.8. On the bright side, the Falcons are 3.5-point favorites this week against a reeling Saints team so there could be more opportunities if Atlanta is playing with a lead, and the BYU product rushed 8 times for 60 yards against them earlier season. Nevertheless, without a clear path to production, Allgeier is a risky RB3/Flex play this week.

From RotoBaller

Nick Bosa Nov 9 3:10pm ET
Nick Bosa

The San Francisco 49ers D/ST is coming off a bye and is in Tampa this week to take on a quality Buccaneers offense. Tampa Bay is fifth in the NFL in yards per game, mostly due to a resurgent Baker Mayfield leading the sixth-ranked passing attack in football. The Bucs are beat up at wide receiver, with Mike Evans (hamstring) ruled out and Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the season, but that didn't stop them from posting 24 points last week against a very good Kansas City Chiefs defense. They are in the middle of the pack in giveaways and times sacked. The 49ers are the fourth-ranked D/ST in fantasy by being solid but unspectacular in all relevant categories -- sacks, takeaways, touchdowns, and points against. In the secondary, they will be without CB Charvarius Ward (personal), and S Malik Mustapha (calf) is questionable. Edge Nick Bosa (hip) has been limited all week and seems to be on the wrong side of questionable. The 49ers D/ST is at No. 9 in the RotoBaller's Week 10 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Nov 9 3:00pm ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams should be viewed as a high-end RB1 when he faces the Miami Dolphins on Monday evening. Despite coming off his worst outing of the campaign last weekend, Williams has still averaged a stellar 19.0 PPR points per game with ten total touchdowns in eight games. The Notre Dame product has averaged 20.1 attempts and 2.5 receptions per game which shows how much of an integral role he plays in the Los Angeles offense. Last weekend, the No.2 running back Blake Corum logged only one offensive snap while Williams saw all the others. This week, the 24-year-old will face a Miami defense that has allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing RBs which makes him a safe, high-end RB1 in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Nov 9 2:50pm ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford could have another successful fantasy outing despite the difficult matchup in Week 10. With both of his top wideouts, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back in action, Stafford has averaged an impressive 26.3 PPR points over the past two weeks. In this span, Stafford has thrown at least two passing scores in each game and averaged 288.5 yards per game. On Monday, Stafford will face a tough Miami defense who has allowed the fewest points to opposing QBs this season. However, despite the unappealing matchup, his two star wideouts will provide Stafford with enough upside to consider him a low-end QB1 in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Leonard Taylor III Nov 9 2:40pm ET
Leonard Taylor III

New York Jets defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Thomas sustained his knee injury during last Thursday's victory over the Houston Texans and was unable to participate in any team practices this week. Thomas will now set his sights on returning in Week 11 to face the Indianapolis Colts. This season, the 29-year-old has tallied 2.5 sacks and 16 tackles (eight solo) with one pass deflection. Fantasy managers should expect Will McDonald, Quinnen Williams, Javon Kinlaw, and Michael Clemons to see the majority of the snaps on the defensive line with Hasson Reddick and Leonard Taylor III rotating in.

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell Nov 9 2:30pm ET
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (back) is listed as questionable but is expected to suit up on Sunday evening to face the Detroit Lions, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Dell popped up on the injury report on Friday and was listed as a limited participant. However, given this report, fantasy managers should not be overly concerned with his availability over the weekend. Last week, Dell operated as the top wideout with Nico Collins (hamstring) still sidelined and Stefon Diggs (knee) out with a torn ACL. In that game, Dell brought in a season-high 126 yards off six receptions. Collins is also listed as questionable, but if Dell is able to play, he should be viewed as a solid WR2 given the matchup against the Lions, who have allowed the third-most PPR points to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Nov 9 2:20pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) remains in uncertain status for Monday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. According to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network Hill is dealing with a wrist injury that is "heating up." Head coach Mike McDaniel also noted that he will play "if his body lets him." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the weekend as he will likely carry an injury designation for Monday's game. After struggling through most of October without Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, Hill has gone to eclipse double-digit PPR points in each of the past two games. If Hill is able to suit up, fantasy managers should view him as a high-end WR1. If not, Jaylen Waddle would see the majority of targets and be viewed as a high-end WR2.

From RotoBaller

D'Wayne Eskridge Nov 9 2:10pm ET
D'Wayne Eskridge

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Dee Eskridge (personal) will not travel with the team and has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Los Angeles Rams. Eskridge did not participate in practice on Thursday due to a personal matter and will now set his sights on returning in Week 11 to face the Las Vegas Raiders. Eskridge has been operating as a depth option in the Miami wide receiver room and caught just one pass over the past two weeks. In addition, Tyreek Hill's (wrist) status is also up in the air for Monday's game. This could potentially leave Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr. as the lone wideouts for Miami on Monday.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Nov 9 2:10pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle will take on the Buccaneers in Tampa for the team's Week 10 contest on Sunday. In Week 8 against Dallas, Kittle had a week-winning game, catching six of seven targets for 128 yards and a touchdown. The book on Kittle in fantasy has been boom/bust for years, but in 2024 it's been all boom. After a six-point game in Week 1, Kittle has outperformed projections in each subsequent game. He is now averaging 15.2 half-PPR points per game, while the second-ranked TE Brock Bowers sits at 11.2 PPG. It remains to be seen what the effect of an active Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will be on Kittle's target share, but even if he takes a slight hit, he'll remain an elite option at an otherwise frustrating position. The Bucs present an excellent opportunity to keep the good times rolling, having allowed the third-most TE fantasy points this year. Unsurprisingly, Kittle is projected as the overall TE1 coming into Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Nov 9 1:40pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland (hand, knee) is optimistic that he will be able to play on Monday Night Football in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. While Holland is hoping to be able to play, he said on Friday that he'll be a game-time decision on Monday. The 24-year-old defensive back injured his knee in the Week 8 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and was not active for last week's loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. After missing practice on Thursday this week, Holland put in a limited session on Friday, giving him a chance to return on Monday. The Dolphins defense could surely use Holland back on the field against a high-octane Rams passing attack that has both receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back. In six games this year, Holland has 26 tackles (18 solo), two pass breakups and a forced fumble.

From RotoBaller

Laquon Treadwell Nov 9 1:30pm ET
Laquon Treadwell

The Indianapolis Colts elevated wide receiver Laquon Treadwell from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills after the team ruled out Michael Pittman Jr. (back) for Week 10. It will be the first week that Treadwell has been active for the Colts in 2024, and he'll be unlikely to make any noise in fantasy as receiver depth for Indy. With Pittman inactive, Josh Downs should serve as quarterback Joe Flacco's favorite target, with Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell also seeing more opportunities. Treadwell, 29, only played in five games last year with the Baltimore Ravens and caught just one of three targets for a 16-yard gain. The previous year he caught six of 10 targets for 42 scoreless yards in six contests with the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Nov 9 1:20pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins right tackle Austin Jackson (knee) will not play in the Monday night game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10. Head coach Mike McDaniel said Jackson popped up with a knee injury after the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. It's unknown if Jackson will need surgery, but thankfully his injury doesn't appear to be season-ending. With Jackson sidelined on Monday, veteran Kendall Lamm and rookie Patrick Paul are both options to replace him on the right side of the offensive line against the Rams. Miami comes into Week 10 action riding a three-game losing streak despite quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back in the starting role under center the last two weeks. The Dolphins currently sit at 2-6 and are 2.5 games behind the Denver Broncos for the seventh seed in the AFC.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Nov 9 1:20pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles), who is listed as questionable to play in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said he feels great and is ready to make his 2024 debut on Sunday. McCaffrey missed the first eight games with bilateral Achilles tendonitis but completed his first full week of practice and will be activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday. CMC also dealt with a calf strain in early August and missed most of training camp in the summer. Now that the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is back, fantasy managers want to know how effective he'll be against Tampa and how much work he'll get. While McCaffrey should operate as San Fran's lead back on Sunday, he'll more than likely have his workload monitored, which will make him a more risky RB1. Jordan Mason will now lose most of his fantasy value as he reverts to a backup role.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Nov 9 1:10pm ET
Dak Prescott

Although the move isn't yet official, the Dallas Cowboys will put quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, which means he'll be required to miss at least the next four games, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones. Multiple sources said Prescott is expected to need six to eight weeks of recovery for the partial avulsion of his hamstring that he suffered in the Week 9 loss to the Falcons. If he need surgery, Prescott would miss the rest of the regular season. If he doesn't have surgery and recovers quickly, Prescott would be eligible to return on Dec. 9 against the Bengals in Week 14. However, the prevailing sentiment is that Prescott will likely need more time than that to recover. It's a huge blow to the already disappointing 3-5 Cowboys. Their offense will now be led by backup QB Cooper Rush, who will be no better than a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues moving forward.

From RotoBaller