Guest of the League
All World League Est. 2003
FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

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 6

Player Notes
Jaleel McLaughlin Oct 12 7:20am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin has very little fantasy upside heading into a Week 6 matchup against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, a defense that has been stingy against the run in 2024. McLaughlin enters Sunday's game in Denver as the RB45 in half-PPR scoring as the backup to Javonte Williams in one of the lower-scoring offenses in the NFL. The 24-year-old has managed to find the end zone twice (one rushing, one receiving) in five games while averaging a weak 3.3 yards per carry on 33 rushing attempts. The potential addition of rookie Audric Estime (ankle) to the backfield this weekend is also bad news for McLaughlin moving forward. He's just not getting enough weekly touches to matter much in fantasy and hasn't been efficient at all with the touches he's been afforded. McLaughlin is only rostered in 19% of Yahoo leagues is an RB4/flex, at best, in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Oct 12 7:20am ET
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward option as he goes up against the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars. In Week 5, Williams completed 20 of 29 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns, managing to avoid turnovers. This performance marks the second time he has surpassed 300 passing yards in three weeks, and it was his third straight week without an interception. After his standout game, he now faces the Jaguars, who allow an NFL-high 287.7 passing yards per game, providing Williams with an enticing opportunity. However, he'll have to contend with talented pass rushers like Travon Walker, who leads the team with five sacksincluding three in Week 5and Josh Hines-Allen, who has two sacks so far this season. The Jaguars have struggled to generate a pass rush and have yet to record an interception this year. This matchup sets the stage for Williams to excel, making him a strong candidate as a borderline QB1 in London.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Oct 12 7:20am ET
D'Andre Swift

The Chicago Bears' running back, D'Andre Swift, is a solid borderline RB2 for Sunday's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which presents a favorable opportunity. Last week, he delivered one of his best performances of the season, tallying 21 carries for 73 yards, a touchdown, and two receptions for 47 yards. Swift has hit his stride over the past two weeks, with rushing totals of 93 and 73 yards, scoring a touchdown in each game and adding a combined 114 receiving yards. However, a concern for Swift owners is that he has lost the goal-line role to Roschon Johnson, who vultured two touchdowns last week. It wouldn't be surprising to see Johnson receive more opportunities again this week, given a potentially similar game script. Start Swift confidently in this favorable matchup, but be aware that Johnson could limit his upside.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Oct 12 7:00am ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams had his best fantasy output of the season in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders with 13.6 half-PPR points, but don't be surprised if he regresses this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. The Bolts D has allowed 94 rushing yards per game (sixth fewest) and 16.4 half-PPR points to RBs (seventh-fewest) so far in 2024 and are coming off their bye week. Williams has been more productive running the football in the last two weeks, but on the season as a whole, he's averaged a career-low-tying 3.6 yards per carry. The good news is that he's still Denver's clear lead back over Jaleel McLaughlin, but rookie Audric Estime (ankle) could enter the picture this weekend and complicate things down the road. Williams has had double-digit carries in three of five games in 2024, but the efficiency has been lacking in a weak offense. Consider him a low-end RB2/high-end RB3 in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Oct 12 6:50am ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix should be treated as a low-end QB2 in fantasy in a Week 6 divisional matchup at home against the Los Angeles Chargers, who are coming off their bye week. Nix threw for a measly 60 yards in the Week 4 upset win over the New York Jets but was more efficient in last week's win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, throwing for 206 yards and two touchdowns. The 24-year-old has shown improvement during the team's current three-game winning streak with a 3:0 TD-to-interception ratio, but he averaged just 5.48 yards gained per pass attempt during that span and will be facing a Bolts defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing QBs through five weeks. Nix doesn't exactly have excellent weapons on offense to take the pressure off of him and enters Week 6 tied with Trevor Lawrence in overall fantasy points as the QB17.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Oct 12 6:00am ET
Baker Mayfield

The New Orleans Saints D/ST can be avoided in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. What started out as a unit that exceeded expectations in the first three weeks of the season has since petered out. In Weeks 1 through 3, the Saints averaged 3.6 sacks and 2.3 takeaways per game. Over their last two games, those figures dropped to 1.5 and 1.0, respectively. Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield has been on a heater to start the season and has 11 touchdowns to two interceptions coming into the NFC South matchup. While he has been sacked 16 times already this season, Tampa's offensive line showed a massive improvement in Week 5, allowing just three pressures (including one sack) against the Falcons. Even if the Saints are able to get to Mayfield, the Buccaneers' offense is scoring 25.4 points per game and is a top-five team in preventing turnovers. Fantasy managers in need of a D/ST should shop the wire for a unit with a better matchup in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Oct 12 4:20am ET
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has been a reliable target this season, posting 32 receptions for 230 yards and two touchdowns on 47 targets. In Week 5's win against Seattle, Robinson had six catches for 36 yards and a touchdown, stepping up with Malik Nabers sidelined. Heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, Robinson faces a defense that ranks 18th against the pass, allowing 214 passing yards per game and 10 receiving touchdowns. Given the injury to Nabers, Robinson's high target volume, and the Bengals' vulnerability to short-yardage receivers, Robinson is a solid PPR option, making him a strong flex play this week.

From RotoBaller

Blake Grupe Oct 12 4:10am ET
Blake Grupe

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe went without a field goal attempt for the first time this season in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Grupe went 1-for-2 on extra point attempts in the game, making it his second missed point through the first five weeks of the season. Grupe's sophomore season started with a bang as he hit four field goals (including two 50-yarders) in Week 1 and benefited from the Saints' early offensive explosion by knocking home 10 extra points over their first two games. However, Grupe has not reached double-digit fantasy points since Week 1, and there's no reason to believe he is due for a big turnout in Week 6. The expected point total for the NFC South matchup against the Buccaneers is a mere 42 points, which is among the lowest on Sunday's slate. Grupe is not a bad option, per se, but fantasy managers can probably find a more promising option elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Oct 12 4:00am ET
Chris Olave

Expectations for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave will have to be tempered in Week 6 with Derek Carr (oblique) lost to injury. Carr's fill-in, rookie Spencer Rattler, offered some reassurance in comments to the media after being named the starter when he stated his intent to feed Olave the ball. That would be a welcome change from Week 5, when Olave was targeted four times, making two catches for a season-low 10 receiving yards, his worst game since his two-catch, 11-yard performance in Week 1. In the three weeks between, Olave gave fantasy managers more of what they were hoping for when they drafted him, catching 18 of his 22 targets in that span and racking up at least 81 yards in each game. There is no denying Olave's talent but his success is still contingent on how Rattler performs in his professional debut. Fantasy managers should also be aware that Tampa's heavy utilization of zone coverages favors Rashid Shaheed (hip) more than it does Olave. Olave rates as a risky WR3 in Week 6 given the situation in New Orleans.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 12 4:00am ET
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson saw season highs in targets, receptions, and yards in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The fifth-year veteran caught all five balls thrown his way for 31 receiving yards, bringing his 2024 totals to nine receptions for 70 yards. Johnson may yet again see more involvement in the passing game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. Taysom Hill (ribs) has been ruled out and while he isn't utilized as a traditional tight end his absence does leave the door open for more opportunities for others. With Derek Carr (oblique) sidelined due to injury, Spencer Rattler might look for the big-bodied tight end as a safety valve as is often the case for rookie quarterbacks. Even with the allowances for optimism, the fact of the matter is that Johnson is not a priority in the Saints' offense. He rates as a low-end TE2 in Week 6 and should be avoided in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Oct 12 4:00am ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is coming off his best performance of the season, posting 122 yards on eight receptions (15.3 yards per catch) in a Week 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Slayton has become a key target with 244 yards and one touchdown on the season, especially with injuries in the receiving corps (most notably, Malik Nabers). In Week 6, he faces a Cincinnati Bengals defense that ranks 18th against the pass, allowing 214 yards per game and 10 receiving touchdowns. Given Slayton's ability to stretch the field and his three end-zone targets this season, he's a solid flex play with the potential for a big day against a vulnerable secondary.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 12 3:50am ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has shown flashes of potential this season, rushing for 158 yards on 5.3 yards per carry, but has yet to find the end zone either as a runner or receiver. In Week 5's 29-20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, Tracy was efficient on limited touches, contributing 129 rushing yards on 18 carries in his first start. Facing the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6, Tracy can exploit a defense that's been vulnerable on the ground, as the Bengals have allowed 126 rushing yards per game in 2024. Tracy could start again in this game and see the majority of work if Devin Singletary sits out due to injury (he is officially questionable).

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Oct 12 3:30am ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has had a solid start to the 2024 season, with 1,138 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions through five games. Coming off a 29-20 win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5, where he threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns, Jones will look to build momentum against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. The Bengals' pass defense ranks 18th in the NFL, allowing 214 passing yards per game and 19.63 fantasy points to quarterbacks (28th in the league), making this a favorable matchup. With Cincinnati giving up two passing touchdowns per game, Jones has a solid chance to post another multi-touchdown outing, making him a viable streaming option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Cam Little Oct 12 1:30am ET
Cam Little

Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little might have a tougher time against the Chicago Bears in London than he did in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars put up 37 points against the Colts, giving Little a 13-point performance. The rookie kicker now has two straight weeks of double-digit fantasy production. Little has been accurate so far this season, only missing one field back in Week 2. The Bears defense has been good overall so far, but that has meant decent fantasy outputs from opposing kickers. The Bears have given up 10 field goals on 12 attempts through five games, meaning if the Jaguars do manage to move the ball, they could be in for multiple field goal attempts. The Jaguars offense has looked better lately and could be returning two starting weapons in Gabe Davis and Evan Engram. Little serves as a mid-tier fantasy play in Week 6 in London.

From RotoBaller

Robert Woods Oct 12 1:20am ET
Robert Woods

Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) won't suit up for Sunday's matchup with the Patriots. Nico Collins (hamstring) landed on the injured reserved list, so the Texans will be shorthanded on the receiving end. Of course, Stefon Diggs is expected to be the primary target for C.J. Stroud versus New England, with Tank Dell in line to see more attention. However, with Woods and Collins out of the equation, Xavier Hutchinson, who had two catches for 31 yards in Week 5, could benefit the most. There's also a chance Joe Mixon (ankle), who is questionable, gets more passes out of the backfield, which would improve his PPR stock.

From RotoBaller

Joe Flacco Oct 12 1:20am ET
Joe Flacco

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit is best left out of starting lineups in most leagues even with a decent London matchup with the Chicago Bears. The Jaguars defense just hasn't cut it both from an NFL and fantasy football standpoint. They are coming off allowing 34 points to Joe Flacco and the Indianapolis Colts, and only have forced two turnovers all season (a forced fumble in each of the last two games). The only thing the defense has going for them is sacks, which they couldn't even manage in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills, giving them a negative output for the week. As one of the worst defenses in the NFL, it is hard to trust them in fantasy against any opponent. Caleb Williams had some early rookie struggles, which could mean more turnovers forced than usual, but the Bears offense has looked better lately and should score plenty of points. Fantasy managers should avoid the Jaguars D/ST in Week 6 and beyond.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Oct 12 1:00am ET
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is off the injury report for Sunday's game against the Patriots. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since last appearing in Week 1 versus the Colts, when he finished with three carries for 16 yards. With Joe Mixon (ankle) potentially also returning for this one, Pierce's fantasy outlook isn't promising. However, even if Mixon misses another contest, Pierce will likely back up Dare Ogunbowale and Cam Akers, who have been handling things out of the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Oct 12 12:50am ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry lacks much fantasy appeal heading into Week 6 against the Houston Texans, but he could see a slight boost in his value with Drake Maye installed as the team's new starting quarterback over Jacoby Brissett. Tight ends are typically productive when playing with backup or rookie quarterbacks because their height, physicality, and shorter routes make them a valuable security option for signal-callers who need some help in the short passing game. As a result, even though Henry has more than two catches in just one game this season, he should jump into the low-end TE2 tier as he supports Maye in his first NFL start.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Oct 12 12:50am ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (ankle) was limited in Friday's practice. He was also limited on Thursday because of a sprained ankle suffered during the loss to the Minnesota Vikings. However, barring a setback, the signal-caller should be good to go for Monday's divisional clash with the Buffalo Bills. Rodgers hasn't had the best 2024-25 campaign, throwing for 1,093 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions while completing 61.0% of his throws. With the Jets looking for answers, the team resorted to firing Robert Saleh and naming Jeff Ulbrich as the interim head coach. But unless things change on the offensive side of the ball for New York moving ahead, Rodgers is a shaky fantasy option in any format.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Conklin Oct 12 12:50am ET
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (hip) logged another limited practice on Friday. The 29-year-old picked up a hip injury during Sunday's loss to the Vikings in London. However, he is expected to suit up in the Monday night divisional clash with the Buffalo Bills, barring a setback. Conklin hasn't been a consistent fantasy tight end this season. Yet, he's had five or more catches in two of the Jets' five games this season. Although he's still a risky fantasy option in any format, especially if Aaron Rodgers (ankle) doesn't play, the upside is there for those in need of a streaming option in Week 6.

From RotoBaller